Vineyards

The Clare Valley's winemaking history dates back to 1840 when the first vines were planted. Today it is well known as a beautiful and premium wine region.

The region produces outstanding floral Rieslings and long-lived, intensely flavoured reds. The region is also renowned for its epicure, with the Clare Gourmet weekend drawing food and wine lovers to this scenic valley every May.

The Clare Valley is essentially a corrugation of hills and gullies. Predominantly a hot region, the elevation of the Clare Hills protects the vines from strong south-easterly winds but allows cool breezes from the south.

In December 1978, Penfolds acquired land in the Clare Valley, of which approximately 80ha (197 acres) was suitable for planting grapevines and a further adjacent property of 350ha (861 acres) in 1980. The vineyard now comprises a number of varieties. It is located in the Polish Hill River Valley, first settled by Polish migrants in the 1840s.

The Clare Estate vineyard is situated 5km (3 miles) southeast of the Clare township on the eastern slopes of the Clare Hills. The Clare climate reduces the risk of disease, making it possible to grow vines without the assistance of man-made herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. Thus, 52.6ha (127 acres) of the Clare Estate is organically grown and is certified annually.