Watervale

Watervale
Small village in the heart of the Clare Valley
Located 118 km north of Adelaide at the southern end of the Clare Valley, Watervale is a pretty town surrounded by vineyards. The town was named because it was located on a tributary of the Wakefield River although it seems to have been a general joke, certainly through the 19th century, for travellers to complain that they arrived in Watervale and could find no water at all.

The town came into existence in the 1840s largely as result of the work of David Davies. By the 1860s it was an important settlement. It was during this time that the Old Stanley Grammar School (a handsome two-storey stone building), the Uniting Church and the Methodist Church were built. They are all National Trust buildings and give the town an historic solidity.

Things to see:

Watervale Hotel
At the centre of the town is the Watervale Hotel. It position at the crossroads has ensured that it is the focus of much of the village's daily activity.

Riesling Trail
This is a truly fascinating recent tourist attraction. The old railway line between Auburn and Clare has been carefully covered over with easy-to-walk-on gravel and opened up as the Riesling Trail. The idea is that people can walk or cycle up the Clare Valley away from the main road. They can experience the quiet beauty of the area and, eventually, there will be numerous sideways off the main Trail which will encourage visitors to divert to wineries and craft shops. At the moment it is just a very charming and pleasant walkway/cycleway. Bicycles can be hired in Clare.

Wineries
clos Clare
Located near the heart of Watervale this small (2 hectares of riesling) vineyard and winery was established in 1993 and specialises in red and white table wines derived from riesling and shiraz grapes. It is open weekends for tastings and sales. The house was built in the 1890s and resembles an Italian villa. For more details contact (08) 8843 0161.

Crabtree of Watervale
Located on North Terrace in the heart of Watervale this 15 hectare vineyard and winery was established in 1977 and specialises in dry table wines and muscat derived from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, semillon, shiraz, Grenache and Pedro grapes. It is open seven days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8843 0069.

Olsens of Watervale
Located on Government Road north-west of Watervale this vineyard and winery was established in 1994 and specialises in red and white table wines derived from cabernet, riesling and semillon grapes. It is open seven days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8843 0065.

Quelltaler Estate
Located on Quelltaler Road north-east of Watervale this famous vineyard and winery was established in 1865 and specialises in red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, semillon, chardonnay, cabernet franc, shiraz and Merlot grapes. It is open seven days a week for tastings and sales. It has a wine museum. For more details contact (08) 8843 0003.