Anniversary in Clare
To celebrate our 1st year wedding anniversary Marius surprised me with a weekend drive to Mount Gambier, purely to sample some of the best beef (and steak) the country has to offer at The Barn Steakhouse. When our 2nd year wedding anniversary came around, we were in Leicester, UK and ventured out to the oldest pub in town, The Globe. Naturally, we ordered the steak. It was there and then we realised we were yet to spend a wedding anniversary in our home-town, Adelaide and promised to always (where possible) escape and celebrate our anniversary somewhere outside of Adelaide, no matter how far.
As our 3rd year wedding anniversary approached we brainstormed some possible destinations. Sevenhill, nestled in the Clare Valley has always had a special place in my heart. As a child I spent time playing in the grounds of Polish Hill River, where the polish community of Adelaide would often venture for visits and gatherings. In addition, as old scholars of Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide, there is an extra special connection.
When the Jesuits first came to Australia, they settled in Sevenhill in 1851, built a church, opened a school and planted vineyards. Sevenhill Cellars is the oldest winery in the region. While they started with sacramental wine, their wine portfolio is extensive, varied and very much one of our top recommendations. Not just a place to sample some of the best wines in the area, but beautiful grounds, a winery museum and underground cellar, all which must be explored. If you have time, and are not opposed to visiting churches, pop into Saint Aloysius and the crypt.
Clare Valley is often the forgotten 4th child after the McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Depending on where you are in Adelaide, it is that bit further out to drive than the aforementioned regions, but it is worth it, especially if you plan on staying overnight. Whilst it can be explored in a day, it will be far more enjoyable if you booked yourself some accommodation and take your time.
Marius and I booked a tent at Bukirk Glamping. We are not, nor will we ever be campers. If you are a backpacker, this blog is not for you! We had always been interested in glamping so when we discovered Bukirk, situated just north of the main town of Clare in Stanley Flat, we could not resist. The site is named Bukirk (which if you pretend you are a chicken, and make the sound, then you are saying it right). Owner Alison, or better known as Chook is an incredible host and has created an amazing excuse to visit the Clare Valley. Her site holds 5 tents, each with an adjoining bathroom (toilet, shower and basin). It really is an absolute must for couples or a group of friends. With a shared area to enjoy also, we’d recommend making the most of the facilities and spend at least 2 nights there. Chook will also introduce you to her farm animals and you’ll want to return just to see what more she does with the site that she has built herself.
The tents are all named after different types of chickens, which she houses on site. You can’t leave without meeting Kevie (Bacon) the mini pig, although not so mini! I had pictured a tea cup piglet. The tents are beautifully decorated and furnished and extremely comfortable. Heating and electric blankets mean that even in the peak of winter, you’ll be super warm. Having some red wine running through the veins helps with that also. Would we go back? For sure, but we would also take 8 of our closest friends and book out all the tents, just because we know they’ll love it! If you’re a couple though, know that you can go and enjoy the seclusion of your own tent and area. Tip? Take something warm for the cold evenings. There’s only one way to enjoy those clear skies and star viewing and that is outside in the darkness with a glass of red. But dress for it!
Clare Valley naturally is known for its wine, in particular Riesling, so our time spent there was pretty much just tasting wine and eating wonderful local produce! Here are our recommendations for any visitor of the area.
To eat:
The Little Grape, Sevenhill – a gorgeous bakery with exceptional country baked goodies. Go for the chunky pie or sausage roll. Their finger buns flew out the door before we could try one, so clearly that says a lot. We’re confident anything you choose will be amazing. Marius in particular would encourage you to order a chocolate milkshake on the side of, well, anything really!
Zest Coffee – this was probably the best coffee Clare has to offer. They know what a piccolo is and stock Milk Lab almond milk…. But we are coffee snobs, so this for us wasn’t our best coffee but still better than starting your day without any!
Seed Winehouse and Kitchen – Doesn’t matter where we went in Clare, when we mentioned we had booked a table at Seed, everyone gave the enthusiastic nod of approval. We went on a Wednesday so it was quiet, but if you’re there on the weekend, we would recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment. It was all good. We ordered a few plates to share from their seasonal menu. If the artichoke risotto is on the menu, order the main to share and thank us later. If you enjoy gin, then you might get lucky with a gin cocktail on the house on arrival which is a lovely generous gesture. We ordered an espresso to finish the night and it was perfect. If Seed is open during the day then please stop in for a coffee.
Skillogalee Winery and Vineyard – The most beautiful outlook. This tasting experience was perfect. We had a table in the outdoor restaurant and in between courses could pop inside for tastings. Across the road there are some beautiful vineyards for the best instagramable photo opportunity.
To drink:
Paulette Wines – simply put. The best view in the valley. They have a café with an amazing view. While we didn’t eat there, we were completing our tasting while many diners were settling their bills. All gave glowing reviews and if we had another day we would have visited for a meal also. Nevertheless the service and wines were wonderful.
Pikes Wines – probably the most stylish cellar door we have seen in a while. Only recently completed, it is sleek and sexy. The staff were fun and enjoyable to chat (and drink) with. Again if you have more time it is probably worth visiting their dining room, Slate. Next door you can also purchase a beer paddle tasting for $10. Perfect if you are visiting with a group and not everyone enjoys wine, although we understand nobody is perfect. Pikes is also situated next door to the Polish Hill River museum, although important to note it is only open on Sundays. But if you are like me and have some polish heritage if may be of interest to you.
Sevenhill Cellars – as already mentioned. Please visit! If you only visit one cellar door in the whole valley, make it this one. While most cellar doors are close at 4pm, Sevenhill will still pour tasting until they close up at 5pm.
Mad Bastard Wines – okay this one is an interesting one. Chook from Bukirk warned us that the owner and principal wine maker Jim Barry really is a mad bastard so we knew to expect the unexpected. When we opened the door and were told to ‘F*** off’ we were not disappointed! The cheeky signposts on the drive in were also entertaining and refreshing. True Australian sarcasm and dry humour is available along with some wonderful wines. Not for the easily offended though.
Shut the Gate – grab a group of friends and go! It has the most beautiful outdoor seating areas. They also have a little provedore so you can purchase some wine, cheese and nibbles and get comfy whilst looking over the beautiful vineyards. It has an awesome vibe and one to enjoy for an extended period of time and perfect if you don’t want a sit down extended lunch.
Jeaneret Wines – another good one if you are with non-wine drinkers. This is home to Clare Valley Brewing Co. so once again you can purchase a paddle of beer tastings and also some cheese boards and sit on the deck shaded by towering gum trees for a true Australian Bush Cellar door experience.
We love that our 3rd year wedding anniversary will always be memorable thanks to the Clare Valley. But there are so many other places to eat and drink in the Valley so by no means is this an extensive list. The visitor centre in Clare can also give you some amazing ideas. We just hope you make the effort to visit this stunning untapped area not too far from Adelaide and enjoy it as much as we did.