Australia | Clare Valley

Grosset Vineyards in the Clare Valley, South Australia

Nestled in the northern reaches of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Clare Valley is a breathtaking tapestry of rolling hills, ancient gum trees, and stone-walled cottages. While it shares a latitude with warmer regions, its "bonafide" secret lies in its geography. The region is a series of elevated valleys - Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, Polish Hill River, and Clare - each possessing a unique microclimate and a dramatic diurnal temperature shift that preserves the electrifying acidity for which the region is world-renowned.

The Clare Valley is the undisputed home of Australian Riesling. Here, the grape takes on a legendary profile: bone-dry, intensely aromatic, and bursting with lime zest and citrus blossom. Within the region, the terroir speaks clearly. Watervale is celebrated for its limestone-rich terra rossa soils that produce a floral, generous style, while the slate-heavy soils of Polish Hill River yield wines of incredible mineral austerity and "steely" precision. These are wines built for the long haul, evolving from vibrant youth into honeyed, toasty masterpieces over decades.

Beyond the white grapes, the Clare Valley produces some of Australia’s most compelling red wines. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive in the warm summer days, yet the notably cool nights ensure they never lose their poise. Expect Clare Shiraz to be plush and deep with blackberry fruit, but with a distinctive "peppery" or savory edge that sets it apart from its valley-floor neighbors. The region is also a pioneer for alternative varieties; keep an eye out for exceptional Malbec, Tempranillo, and the zesty, Greek-inspired Assyrtiko.

Clare Valley was the birthplace of the screw-cap revolution in Australia, led by local winemakers determined to protect the purity of their Rieslings. At Hic! Wine Merchants, we curate our collection from the legendary estates and the rising stars who continue this legacy of "bonafide" craftsmanship.