The Clare Valley

Clare Valley was about wine (mainly) and so this stop was really to please me. What a treat. We stayed at a funny little caravan park in Auburn – run by a very friendly couple, it was basically the parking lot next to the town oval, but was a very short walk into town along the Reisling Trail (a fabulous long-range bike ride that wanders all the way through the valley and the vineyards). We arrived fairly late from Adelaide but Toby and I still managed to stroll into the village and have a glass of wine on the verandah of the town pub (The Rising Sun). 

The next day we started the day at the Minatro Maze – for the girls. It was a proper hedge maze and it did take us a little while to find our way to the centre. It was a lot of fun. We then enjoyed the big, oversize games in the pleasant courtyard – the girls loved that too.

And then it was my turn. We stopped first at Pike Wines (on the suggestions of our friends, Jo and Johnny) and I enjoyed the wine tasting while the girls and Toby enjoyed playing with the very friendly dog (something for everyone) and then, on the vineyard’s suggestion, we went a little further up the hill to Paulett Wines for lunch. It was fabulous – amazing views, such good wines and terrific food. I loved the wines here – including an aged reisling that was way beyond my budget but which I got to try. And after all those tastings plus a glass of very good Semillon with my lunch, I certainly enjoyed myself. So I now have five bottles of very good wine nestled in the camper van ready for our crossing of the Nullarbor. God forbid that I should run out en route.

A very pleasant glass of reisling - the wine Clare Valley is famous for

The Rising Sun in Auburn - a very traditional pub

Getting lost in the Mintaro maze

The topiary was impressive

At the start of the maze

We eventually made it to the centre

Giant Jenga in the garden

Beating Anna at Snakes and Ladders

Start of my wine tour (of two vineyards)

First purchases

Friendly dog

Toby's new best friend (don't tell Piper...)

Lunch at Paulett Wines - the views over the Clare Valley were incredible

Indie's artistic photography

Clouds in a glass (more artistic efforts from Indie)

Total yum, as they say down here