TRAVELS WITH KINGDEANO ADVENTURES
With no set plans that evening, we found out there was a pet-friendly courtesy bus to the local Sevenhill Hotel. The pub had plenty of outdoor seating and, since neither of us had to drive, we shared a bottle of local wine and ordered dinner. I ordered a steak, which was fantastic. If you’ re visiting without a dog, you can even dine in the cellar below, surrounded by bluestone walls and shelves of wine. We took turns heading down to check it out.
After dinner, we passed the time in the garden playing giant Jenga while waiting for the bus back. It was an enjoyable, relaxed evening.
The next morning, I woke early and hit the Riesling Trail, a popular path that stretches for miles and caters to walkers and cyclists. It winds through vineyards, farms, and charming towns. I strolled to the next town, grabbed a coffee and a couple of tarts to surprise Adam with breakfast in bed.
Later that day, we visited Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the region, founded by Jesuits in 1851 to produce sacramental wine. Before our tasting, we explored the beautiful St. Aloysius’ Church and walked to the nearby ruins where Mary MacKillop once stayed. The history was fascinating, and the wines were impressive. We left with a couple of bottles for later.
Lunch was at Clare Bakehouse, where everything was wonderfully oversized( exactly what you want from a country bakery). We sat on the deck with Twyla while Adam popped next door for a tasting at Greg Cooley Wines, returning with a glass to enjoy with lunch.
Our final stop was Martindale Hall, a grand 19th-century mansion featuring stunning timberwork, historic décor, and plenty of stories – some even a little spooky. As the mansion is not pet-friendly, we took turns exploring the rooms and learning about its fascinating past.
If you’ re looking for a place to unwind, sip wine, enjoy delicious food, and take in beautiful scenery, Clare Valley ticks all the boxes. Dare I say … I might have enjoyed it even more than the Barossa. But I’ ll keep that to myself.
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