Clare Valley Grape Varieties
The classics side-by-side with emerging and alternative varieties
Where tradition and innovation intertwine
In the Clare Valley, tradition and innovation intertwine among the vines. Our region is celebrated for its crisp Rieslings, robust Shiraz, and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, which together comprise nearly 80% of our wine production .
Yet, the Clare Valley's story doesn't end there. Embracing our diverse climate and the adventurous spirit of our winemakers, we've welcomed a variety of alternative grapes. From the juicy allure of Sangiovese and the bold character of Tempranillo to the zesty freshness of Assyrtiko, these varieties add new chapters to our winemaking narrative.
Our vineyards, nurtured by ancient soils and cool nights, yield wines that are both expressive and refined. Each bottle is a testament to the Clare Valley's commitment to quality, sustainability, and the craft of winemaking.
Discover the rich tapestry of flavours that define the Clare Valley, a region where every grape tells a story, and every sip is an invitation to experience something extraordinary.
The Clare Valley terroir
The secret of the Clare Valley is revealed quickly through understanding the region’s geology and climate. This terroir, a combination of surprising elevation and ancient seismic soils, blesses our famous wines from the region.
Clare Valley Rieslings show great diversity and distinctive characters which are an expression of, not just, a variety and a place but of a specific site. Our amazing climate with clear, pure, unpolluted skies and night-time temperatures that drop dramatically create Riesling wines with great flavour and natural acidity.
Our Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive in the Clare Valley’s ancient soils and rocks, often in challenging sites where the vines must struggle and the fruit is small, concentrated and gives life to intense wines.
The Clare Valley is a region where quiet confidence meets exceptional craftsmanship. Here, our grape growers let their work speak for itself; consistently producing fruit for some of Australia’s finest wines. Their skill is sought after by icons like Penfolds for its Grange and St Henri, and celebrated in award-winning wines like Leasingham’s Classic Clare Shiraz, which claimed the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy.
