CLARE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Clare Valley: An 8‑hour, tailor‑made wine loop through historic townships
A full‑day Join Us tour from Bums On Seats that guides you through the Clare Valley’s small wineries, historic towns and rural landscapes—this guide explains the route, stops and practical details.
Clare Valley: An 8‑hour, tailor‑made wine loop through historic townships.
Adventure brief
Clare Valley: An 8‑hour, tailor‑made wine loop through historic townships
Enjoy a personal, guided tour through the Clare Valley, travelling north through picturesque rural landscapes and small towns toward the Flinders Ranges; the day is designed around tasting the region’s small winemakers and visiting historic townships and cellar doors.
Venture north from Adelaide into South Australia’s Clare Valley, a revered wine region where heritage vineyards and rolling rural landscapes define the experience. Bums On Seats offers an immersive 8-hour guided tour designed to bring this extraordinary area to life, pairing expert wine tastings with a journey through local history. This tour moves beyond the typical winery trip — it is a seamless blend of scenic drives, curated stops, and personal touches that reflect the rich culture of the Clare Valley.
Beginning with a complimentary hotel pickup, travelers are whisked to the charming town of Auburn, where a morning pause invites wandering antique shops and tasting boutique wines from local makers. The route then heads to the historic township of Mintaro, a living museum of Australian rural life with its century-old pub, post office, and shops still in operation. Here, the layers of regional history unfold alongside authentic small-town charm.
The tour includes visits to standout wineries like Sevenhills Cellars, founded by Jesuit brothers, where historic vineyards and a heritage church intertwine heritage with viticulture. A highlight is the gourmet lunch under Skillogalee's olive groves, pairing locally acclaimed food with a glass of wine, creating an unhurried atmosphere to savor the region’s bounty. Optional stopovers at Martindale Hall or Kilakanoon Wines further enrich the itinerary depending on personal preferences.
Bums On Seats stands out for its adaptability and depth of local knowledge, inviting guests to request specific wineries or rely on years of regional experience to craft a bespoke Clare Valley day. For anyone keen to absorb authentic South Australian wine culture paired with compelling landscapes, this tour is an essential addition to any adventure itinerary.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — key stops
Primary stops and highlights along the Clare Valley day tour.
Auburn
A quaint town where the tour may stop for morning tea (if required) and time to wander antique shops; morning tea is at your own cost.
Mintaro
A historical township over a hundred years old with a pub, post office and quaint shops still operating today.
Martindal Hall
A possible visit to Martindal Hall; entry is at your cost if required.
Sevenhills Cellars
Visit the cellars run by the Jesuit brothers, explore the historic church and the heritage of the region’s first vineyard.
Skillogalee (Lunch)
Lunch at Skillogalee restaurant/winery under the olive groves—options include a gourmet lunch with one main meal per person and a glass of wine if the selected lunch includes it; alternative lower‑cost lunch options (bakery, pub or other winery) are available.
Kilakanoon (optional)
If time permits, the tour may visit Kilakanoon next door to Skillogalee to taste wines, sometimes accompanied by Kevin Mitchell.
Operator may tailor the route to the group; some stops and meals involve optional costs and the operator may change the sequence or selection of wineries.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A scenic drive through pastoral Clare
The route follows scenic rural country north toward the Clare Valley and the Flinders Ranges, offering frequent rural and vineyard views along the way.
Tastings from small local winemakers
The tour visits small Clare Valley producers and cellar doors where you can taste wines produced locally, with the itinerary tailored to the group’s preferences.
Historic townships and early vineyards
Stops include Mintaro, a historical township with century‑old buildings, and Sevenhills Cellars—run by Jesuit brothers—where visitors can explore the historic church and the heritage of the region’s earliest vineyards.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over an eight‑hour Join Us tour you’ll be collected from your hotel and guided through small towns and vineyards: a morning stop in Auburn for a short wander and optional morning tea, visits to historic Mintaro and Martindal Hall, a cellar visit at Sevenhills, and a gourmet lunch under olive groves at Skillogalee with the option to taste nearby Kilakanoon afterward. The pace is flexible—the tour is made to suit the customers onboard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour is (and isn’t) meant for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The group Join Us tour runs for approximately 8 hours.
Complimentary pickup from your hotel is provided as part of the tour.
Bring payment for optional items—morning tea in Auburn and entry to Martindal Hall are at your own cost; lunch can be included or you may choose a lower‑cost alternative.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Clare Valley Join Us tour?
The tour duration is 8 hours.
Is pick‑up provided?
Complimentary pickup from your hotel is provided.
Which towns and wineries are visited?
Typical stops include Auburn (morning tea), Mintaro, Martindal Hall, Sevenhills Cellars, Skillogalee for lunch, and—time permitting—Kilakanoon.
Is lunch included?
Lunch can be at Skillogalee with a gourmet option offering one main meal per person and a glass of wine if the selected lunch includes it; you may also select cheaper alternatives such as a bakery, pub or another winery.
Can we request specific wineries?
Yes—the Clare Valley tour is made to suit the customers onboard and the operator invites suggestions for wineries to visit.
Are there optional costs during the tour?
Yes—morning tea in Auburn and entry to Martindal Hall (if visited) are at your own cost, and some lunch options may be extra depending on your selection.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:49.330Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.