I’ve often said that we were spending a few days “in the country” but I’ve rarely shown what we do out there.  We visit Clare Valley, known for being the heart of some of Australia’s best wines.  Last visit was as beautiful as ever, and I thought I’d share.

Walking the Riesling Trail is an awesome way to see South Australia.  Strolling along the former railway, you get a peek into back country paddocks full of contented sheep.

Wild olives line the way, growing up between rustic rock walls.  Native greenery and plants give the air a vital growing smell, and it’s easy to imagine the Garden of Eden in this paradise.

You never know what company you may have along the way.  During our walk we met all kinds of friendly animal life, but seeing a pair of wild kangaroos at the edge of a vineyard was the best part.

They stayed watching us, and seemed to epitomize the uniquely aussi experience.  In my mind, nothing can represent the Clare Valley wine region better than these two ambassadors.

Visiting Clare Valley feels like stepping into a mythical time.  Stone houses surrounded by vineyards peep through the vibrant greenery.  The air is so clean it seems to actually sparkle.  People still drink the rainwater here.  A feeling of peace and relaxation drenches you to the soul.

Now you know why we like to visit the country, and what we do there. 

To read more visit these links:

Croll Cottage Bed & Breakfast

SevenHill Cellars

Clare Valley Riesling Trail

By Angela Yuriko Smith

Angela Yuriko Smith is a third-generation Ryukyuan-American, award-winning poet, author, and publisher with 20+ years in newspapers. Publisher of Space & Time magazine (est. 1966), two-time Bram Stoker Awards® Winner, and HWA Mentor of the Year, she shares Authortunities, a free weekly calendar of author opportunities at authortunities.substack.com.

2 thoughts on “Walking the Riesling Trail”
  1. No, even tho I haven’t gotten to see as much of Australia as I’d planned to, I’m glad the Clare Valley was in there. It reminds me of something out of the Hobbit but with all the amenities. Gorgeous area and I have no idea how they keep it from feeling touristy. I love it tho! That bed & breakfast is run by some superb folks as well ;D

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