Grape 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 art 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 trilogy of classic Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
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 Riesling grapes, but less known is the equally exceptional Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from the region. A unique viticultural trilogy.
Together these three varietals comprise almost 80% of Clare Valley’s wine production.

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 some of Australia’s finest Shiraz fruit. 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 1995 Jimmy Watson Trophy.

Alternative varieties to suit our future
As the Clare Valley has advanced from pioneering vignerons to modern viticulture, the grape varieties grown have also evolved.  Our winemakers’ interest in alternative varieties began to take off in the 1980’s and by the early 2000s the alternative varietal movement had really gained pace with grapes such as Pinot Gris/Grigio becoming common wine styles.
These alternative varieties not only suit our changing climate but also our diverse and contemporary lifestyles. It is these varieties that are capturing the imagination and appealing to the curiosity of a new generation of winemakers.
In the early 2000s, Clare Valley began to explore beyond its traditional roots, experimenting with alternative grape varieties that thrive in our unique climate. Malbec and Mataro showed early promise; with Malbec is now embraced by over a dozen producers in the region.

But it’s the Mediterranean varieties that have truly captured the valley’s imagination. Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Fiano, and Montepulciano have taken hold, their bold character and vibrant flavours well suited to Clare’s diverse soils and diurnal temperature range that delivers cool nights and warm, sun-soaked days.

Emerging whites like Assyrtiko—originally from Greece—are making an impression, prized for their freshness, natural acidity, and resilience in warmer seasons.

A new generation of winemakers is leading the charge, unbound by convention and eager to craft wines with energy and edge. Vermentino, Graciano, Mammolo and Fer are among the varieties now adding depth and intrigue to the Clare Valley story.