Clare Valley & Coonawarra
Two more classic SA wine regions for the traveller who ventures further — the country’s Riesling heartland to the north, and its benchmark Cabernet country to the south-east.
Clare Valley & Coonawarra
Beyond the Barossa and McLaren Vale, two more of South Australia’s classic wine regions reward the traveller who ventures further. To the north, the Clare Valley is the country’s Riesling heartland, laced by the scenic Riesling Trail. Far to the south-east, on the Limestone Coast, Coonawarra grows Australia’s benchmark Cabernet on its famous red terra rossa soil. Different ends of the state, but both essential for the serious wine traveller.
Clare & Coonawarra Highlights
Clare Valley Riesling
Australia’s Riesling heartland, ~2 hours north of Adelaide, with the Riesling Trail for cycling between cellar doors.
Coonawarra Cabernet
The benchmark for Australian Cabernet, grown on a famous strip of red terra rossa over limestone.
The Riesling Trail
A rail trail through the Clare Valley linking cellar doors, towns and countryside — wine and cycling combined.
The Limestone Coast
Coonawarra sits near Naracoorte’s World Heritage caves and the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier.
Guides & Tours
Coonawarra Travel Guide
The complete guide to terra rossa Cabernet country.
Coonawarra guide → 🥂 ClareClare Valley Wine Guide
Riesling, the Riesling Trail and the valley’s cellar doors.
Clare guide → 🚐 Tour itCoonawarra Wine Tours
A guided day among the Cabernet cellar doors.
Coonawarra tours →Clare Valley & Coonawarra — FAQ
What is the Clare Valley known for?
The Clare Valley, about two hours north of Adelaide, is Australia’s Riesling heartland, with the scenic Riesling Trail for cycling between cellar doors, plus fine Shiraz and Cabernet and historic towns. See the Clare Valley wine guide.
What is Coonawarra known for?
Coonawarra, on the Limestone Coast about four hours south-east of Adelaide, is Australia’s benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on a famous strip of red terra rossa soil over limestone. See our detailed Coonawarra guide.
Are Clare and Coonawarra close together?
No — they’re at opposite ends of the state (Clare north of Adelaide, Coonawarra in the far south-east), but they’re grouped here as two of South Australia’s classic cool-ish, cellar-door-rich wine regions beyond the Barossa and McLaren Vale.
Can you cycle in the Clare Valley?
Yes — the Riesling Trail is a popular rail trail running through the valley between cellar doors and towns, ideal for a relaxed cycling-and-wine day.
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