Do - Riesling Trail

EMMA Altschwager and friends tackle Clare Valley's Riesling Trail.

Riesling Trail

EMMA Altschwager and friends tackle Clare Valley's Riesling Trail.

Lured by the promise of top-notch drops and in need of a scenery change, the five of us packed our Jeep and set off on the two-hour drive north of Adelaide. Our destination was one of Australia’s best known wine regions - the Clare Valley.

To soak up the crisp autumn weather and charming scenery, we decided to explore the region on the well-trodden Riesling Trail named after the region’s flagship variety.

The 35km trail follows the curves of the former railway from Auburn to Clare and 10km north to Barinia Rd.

It can be ridden one way in about two-and-a-half hours and walked in about nine hours. There are also three trail loops, ranging from 9km to 16km, which run along sealed and dirt roads.

Opting for novelty over practicality, we decided to conquer a 10km return section of the trail by buggy instead of bike.

With high-hopes, we hired a 1940-esque, pedal-powered rickshaw from the main street’s service station. The buggy’s fun factor was only slightly diminished when it broke down less than 1km into our journey.

After an unsuccessful attempt from modern women to fix the antiquated mode of transport, we resorted to calling for a white knight.

We made an SOS phone call to the buggy’s Dutch owner.

Half an hour later, with two gleaming new buggies, we were back on our way.

Our first stop was Tim Adams Wines, where we were greeted enthusiastically by two resident dogs.

Trumping this warm welcome was the first splash of wine on our palates.

We sampled the winery’s full range and even our most loyal white wine drinker, enjoyed dabbling in the reds.

Laden with bottles, we set back off on the trail.

Our second stop seemed a mere stone’s throw but little did we know the day’s biggest challenge would be the gentle, but soul destroying, incline to Sevenhill Cellars.

After what seemed an eternity of panting, heaving and sweating, we decided to disembark and push the buggies up hill.

Two hours and several rest stops later we arrived feeling as though we’d conquered Everest.

We parked the buggies at the winery’s gates and wandered through the sprawling grounds to the cellar door. Having worked up an appetite we were disappointed to learn the winery did not serve lunch. But our spirits were lifted by a generous cheese platter and bottle of 2010 Touriga Shiraz Malbec, enjoyed on the manicured lawns.

The winery proved popular with couples, families and groups of friends.

With flushed cheeks and full bellies, we reluctantly departed.

Our return, downhill trip was a breeze in comparison and we made it back to the start in half the time.

The trail is open all year-round but autumn proved to be a picturesque time to explore the vineyards and natural bushland.

While we enjoyed a snapshot of what the Clare Valley has to offer, a day trip does not do it justice.

The trail would be better explored across a weekend and on a mountain bike for those who want to spend more time wine tasting than whining.

The Verdict

CLARE VALLEY RIESLING TRAIL
Information Centre - Corner Main North and Spring Gully roads, Clare
Ph 8842 2131
[e-mail];
claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au

LOCATION
Two-hour drive north of Adelaide. The 35km Riesling Trail runs between Auburn and Clare

BUGGY HIRE
Fun Wheels - 35 Main North Rd, Clare (Caltex service station)
Two-person buggy $90 for a full day
Six-person buggy $160 for a full day

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Yes, the main trail is suitable for wheelchairs but not the loops, which are unsealed

RATING ✔✔✔