Flavourful Wines Direct from South Australia’s Clare Valley Region

After Easter and through to the end of April, the wine industry in Australia celebrates with a grand calendar of events that encourages everyone to support our wine producers and discover more about the regions where our grapes come from. More than 100 events are set from April 12 to April 29 to boost the morale of the people behind Australia’s wineries and vineyards as A+ Australian Wine Celebration is launched for the first time.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an occasional wine drinker, you have your personal preferences when it comes to tastes and flavours, which are unique and distinct depending on the grape variety and vineyard it is sourced from. Our Australian wine industry is organised according to wine zones, regions and sub-regions, which determine the wine-making process. All aspects of the regions’ topography, such as land and soil, are important in identifying the characteristics of the wine.

South Australia Wine Zones

In South Australia, there are seven wine zones, one superzone, 18 wine regions and three sub-regions. The Adelaide superzone includes Barossa, Fleurieu and Mount Lofty Ranges zones. The regions of South Australia’s wineries and vineyards are classified into the following groups:

• Zone
  o Barossa
     • Region
       o Barossa Valley
       o Eden Valley
        • Sub-region
          o High Eden
  o Far North
     • Region
       o Southern Flinders Ranges
  o Fleurieu
     • Region
       o Currency Creek
       o Kangaroo Island
       o Langhorne Creek
       o McClaren Vale
       o Southern Fleurieu
  o Limestone Coast
     • Region
       o Coonawarra
       o Mount Benson
       o Mount Gambier
       o Padthaway
       o Robe
       o Wrattonbully
  o Lower Murray
     • Region
       o Riverland
  o Mounty Lofty Ranges
     • Region
       o Adelaide Hills
        • Sub-region
          o Lenswood
          o Piccadilly Valley
       o Adelaide Plains
       o Clare Valley
        • Sub-region
          o Sevenhill
          o Clare
          o Watervale
          o Polish Hill River
          o Auburn
  o Peninsula

Vineyards in the Clare Valley Region

The Clare Valley region is nestled within the South Australian bush land. This topography makes the vineyards of Clare Valley some of the finest in the country. Here are some of Clare Valley’s distinguishing characteristics that make their produce delicate and elegant.

  • Situated in a high altitude pocket
  • Cold winters and long hot days during the ripening period make their wines rich yet austere, delicate yet robust
  • Differences in soil-type, altitude and climate across the sub-regions result in different varieties
  • West-facing, higher altitude vineyards produce the finest wines; the open expanses in the east and southern plains produce excellent flavours

Clare Valley Grape Varieties

The popular varieties in this region are Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each one has distinct characteristics and flavours.

  • Riesling
     o King in the Clare Valley
     o The continental climate – long hot days and cooling nights in summer – has a lot to do with its flavour
  • Shiraz
     o The cool climate and long hot summers ensure its richness and deep colour
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
     o It can be high in alcohol with deep colour and flavour
  • Semillon
     o It is often blended with Chardonnay

Trelawney Wines: Handcrafted Clare Valley Wines since 1854

You can enjoy premium Clare Valley wines direct from Trelawney. Their experienced winemakers create wines handcrafted from vineyard to bottle with flavours typical of Clare Valley. A family’s winemaking tradition, prime vineyards at the heart of Clare Valley, and a perfect grape-growing climate all contribute to the wonderful Trelawney wines.