See the best of Clare Valley’s spiritual haven, Sevenhill Cellars, by venturing on their Heritage Trail showcasing the rich history and charming heritage of the township’s first winery.
Clare Valley’s renowned Riesling Trail conveniently cuts through the recently renamed Heritage Trail, making this 3km self-guided walking trail the perfect detour that covers the whole of what Sevenhill Cellars has to offer at your own pace and leisure.
You’ll be taken on a 16-stop loop that begins and ends at Sevenhill’s vaulted cellar door, inviting you to enjoy a glass of one of the winery’s finest offerings after you’ve explored the area.
The sedimentary rock buildings were built from the sandstone that was excavated from surrounding quarries in the 1800s and can be explored on the trail.
Those very quarries helped to make Clare’s extensive list of historic sites and signature gothic revival architecture that gives the township its unique flare.
Since its revamping, the Weikert Cottage has been the trail’s updated addition, featuring its own storyboards that tell the story of the stone building that was built in 1870 by Franz Weikert.
You’ll be given the opportunity to explore the Pine Plantation that the the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) constructed to make boxes for transporting wine as a means of self-sufficiency.
The must-visit St Aloysius Church sits above “The Crypt” that is the only parish church of its kind in Australia and attracts thousands of tourists to Sevenhill each year.
You’ll even find yourself amongst the 160 year old vines that were planted by the Jesuits and remain at Sevenhill as a reminder of the town’s heritage.
Its Sevenhill’s religious roots that make it the main spot for sacramental wine production in Australia today.
Sevenhill Cellars General Manager Johnathon O’Neil says that the new Heritage Trail has welcomed a different demographic to the area.
“We have attracted the person that wants to get outside and explore Clare’s beauty, take away the heritage and try wine.
“We only offered tours before and they were only available for sessions so people would have to wait for a time. Now the trail is a lot more flexible and accessible.”
The beauty of it is that just like the Riesling Trail, the Sevenhill Cellars Heritage Trail can be done via cycling and is suitable for everyone because you determine how to tackle the trail.
The self-guided experience typically takes 90 minutes to complete, or, if you take a short-cut (aka skip the cemetery stop), the 1.8km walk can be completed within an hour.
Where: Sevenhill Cellars, 111C College Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
When: The self-directed trail is available 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm.
For more information, visit the website.
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