Clare Accommodation, Hotels, Tours & Information

Clare

When explorer Edward John Eyre entered a plateau valley in the wooded hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges in 1839 he could never have imagined that the land he overlooked would one day produce some of Australia's finest wines.

Today we know the area as the Clare Valley. Named for the Irish county, the town and valley of Clare were introduced to wine by Jesuit priests who planted the first vines at Sevenhill in 1848. The order still produces table and sacramental wines from the Sevenhill Cellar which is one of more than a score of valley vineyards making premium wines.

The Old Clareville Museum reflects the town's dependence on the noble grape, but also pays due credit to the grain farmers, orchardists, beekeepers and sheep farmers who have also contributed to Clare's prosperity.

In contrast, the Old Police Station Museum traces the regional heritage through a collection of furniture, clothing and other personal paraphernalia.

Find out more about the Clare Valley.