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gourmet travel guide
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Clare Valley Riesling Trail
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Address :
www.whereis.com.au
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From Auburn to Clare
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REVIEW:
The Riesling Trail follows the old railway track for the 27km between the townships of Auburn and Clare.
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The first hint of the local enthusiasm for wine making is the name of the walking / cycling trail that links one end of this picturesque wine region to the other, the Riesling Trail. And of course, it is this noble white variety that the Clare Valley is best known for. There is a strong chance when dropping in for a tasting you will meet the winemaker. Wineries encourage visitors to learn and appreciate how timeless tradition has embraced generations of families to continue producing premium wines for a century and a half.
Clare Valley Riesling Trail
The Riesling Trail is a track for walking or cycling that follows the disused regional railway line for 27 kilometres through the heart of the Clare Valley from Clare to Auburn. It passes through several beautiful little towns and cuts through or past over thirty local wineries.
Distances along the trail
Clare-Sevenhill 7km
Sevenhill-Penwortham 5km
Penwortham-Watervale 5km
Watervale-Leasingham 2km
Leasingham-Auburn 8km
The Riesling Trail operates in both directions and can be entered and left from a number of clearly-signposted side roads in each town, and between towns. It has gentle gradients and is suitable for cyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities. The entire trail can be cycled one way in approximately two hours. Parking is provided at four points along the trail in Clare, Sevenhill, Watervale and Auburn. There are also numerous loop trails that will take you back to your starting point without going over the same ground.
Some parts of the trail are hidden from the world by bushland and undergrowth; other stretches give spectacular seasonal views of the Clare Valley. Heading south towards Leasingham you can look back across the roofs of Watervale to the patchwork of vineyards, paddocks and bushland on the gentle slopes surrounding the town. The trail generally follows the contours and formations of the valley, providing intimate insights into its geography.
Bikes can be hired from Clare Valley Cycle Hire (32 Victoria Road, Clare) who will pick up and deliver bikes anywhere in the valley, and with 24 hours' notice will deliver a gourmet picnic basket as well. Call (08) 8842 2782 or mobile 0418 802077.
Food, Wine, Things to See and Do
In Clare, shop for gifts, souvenirs or high-class snacks in the Clare Epicurean, a gourmet food store specialising in local produce including spiced honey, quince jelly, and quandong chutney and jam.
A must-visit is Sevenhill Cellars on College Road, Sevenhill. It's the oldest winery in the Clare Valley and also the only winery in Australia run by a religious order. The Jesuits established it in 1851 for the production of sacramental wine, which is still made there. Explore the cellars and the nearby St Aloysius church and crypt. The Sevenhill Hotel also has an extraordinary wine cellar. Near the hotel, look for the signs to Lica Scarlet, which specialises in fresh cherries during December.
Very close to the Trail on the outskirts of Penwortham, the beautiful little Anglican church of St Mark's dating from 1850 (and looking its age), sits high on a hill above the town and still holds Sunday services. If you're hungry, Walnut Cottage in Penwortham is open Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm and public holidays from March to mid- December. Enjoy a light lunch in the delightful 19th century building or amongst the charming cottage garden.
Auburn has a number of well-maintained 19th century buildings-take the town's Historic Walk. Tatehams Restaurant in the main street has a German-Swiss chef and an excellent cellar. Or eat next door at The Rising Sun Hotel, in the dining room, on the verandah, or at their Stables Steak House restaurant. They have excellent coffee in the lounge; check out the range of local wines displayed above the lounge bar.
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