James Halliday has described the Clare Valley as one of Australia’s most beautiful wine producing regions, and we’d certainly agree with that. Situated in the Northern Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, the picturesque valley lies 137km due north of Adelaide and about one hour’s drive west of the Barossa Valley.

 

A series of elevated valleys, rolling hills and wide open valley floors extend for 35km from the village of Auburn at the southern entrance - to the Clare township to the north of the valley and is home to just over 40 wineries. The region is broken down into five sub-regions: Sevenhill, Clare, Watervale, Polish River and Auburn - each reflective of the interweaving valleys and creek beds, and therefore each with their own distinct soil type, geographic and climatic differences. Situated in a high altitude pocket, the bracing winters and cool afternoon breezes during the summer months mean the region enjoys a considerable more moderately continental climate than its geography would indicate. These factors are key in slowing down the ripening process – and the reason why delicate, aromatic whites can flourish, alongside producing intensely flavoured, rich reds.

 

Riesling is king in the Clare Valley, and has gained an international reputation of producing some of the finest dry styles in the world – taut, lime-sherbert, perfumed, austere, elegant and delicate. The climate has a lot to do with the success of Riesling; those cooling nights and sea breezes in summer contribute to the delicate flavours and the crisp acidity retained in the wine. An average rainfall of 632mm (9.6 inches) and an average January temperature of 29 degrees C means that the Clare Valley is one of mainland Australia's coolest wine-growing regions.

 

This climate is also conducive to producing high class ‘noble’ red varieties – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which can be overshadowed by its more famous bedfellow, Riesling. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in the rich, terra rossa topsoil over limestone, and the long hot summers and cool winters produce classy, tightly structured Shiraz.

 

The Wakefield estate is located at the southern end of the valley, in Auburn, and at 350 metres above sea level, is quite elevated. The altitude, combined with a wide diurnal temperature range – up to 40+ degrees C in the day, dropping down to a chilly 5 degrees C at night – is perfect for producing good natural acidity, varietal flavours and aromas in the aromatic white varieties, as well as locking in tannin and colour stability in their wines.

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