South Australia Wineries

South Australia | Adelaide to Clare Road Trip Itinerary

Combining South Australia's gorgeous scenery and beautiful cellar doors, discover the best of South Australia's wine region in this 5 day itinerary.

Adelaide is known as Australia’s wine capital and the title is well deserved. A love of wine is part of the city’s lifeblood. But to really appreciate the depth of South Australia’s winemaking talent you need to venture beyond the city limits to the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa and the Clare Valley. Despite their proximity, these three regions are remarkably different in size, topography and heritage.

This drive also showcases some of South Australia’s most gorgeous scenery — from the orchards and native bush of the Adelaide Hills to Barossa’s grand 19th century chateaux and the dry hills and big skies of the Clare Valley. Just remember to take your time.

Day 1: Adelaide Apollo Branch to Hahndorf

Distance: 35kms

Travel time: 45 minutes

Pick up your Apollo vehicle at our dedicated branch and hit the road. Today, after a short 45 minute drive out of Adelaide, find yourself in the German heritage village of Hahndorf. We recommend visiting T he Lane Vineyard to take part in their one hour Gathering Experience. This miniature degustation experience includes restaurant menu expertly paid with the estate's wines.

Image: Mark Clinton

Day 2: Hahndorf to Tanunda

Distance: 72kms

Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Say goodbye to Hahndorf and head north towards Tanunda. After a pleasant hours drive you'll arrive in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Tanunda is surrounded by some of the state's best winery estates, all that are just begging to visited. We recommend visiting Z Wine who boast of Australia's greatest shiraz.

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Day 3: Tanunda to Clare

Distance: 100kms

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Home to over 40 cellar doors, it's a little wonder that Clare Valley is located on our South Australia winery itinerary. Just under 90 minutes from Tanunda, you'll enter Clare Valley, home to the "unbeatable riesling." This area is also home to some of the oldest cellar doors in the state so be sure to visit the oldest, the Sevenhill Cellars (established 1851), while you're here.

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Day 4: Clare

A day for eating and relaxing. While in Clare you can't go pass Mr Mick Cellar Door and Kitchen. Wine tasting is available every day of the week and you can also enjoy a tapas style dining here as well.

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Day 5: Clare to Adelaide Apollo Branch

Distance: 133kms

Travel time: 1 hours 40 minutes

Say see you later (not goodbye - we're sure you'll be back again soon!) to Clare as you journey back to Adelaide. On the way back be sure to make the slight detour to Lake Bumbunga. At different times of the year this lake changes from blue, to white to pink making it a must do location in South Australia.