Cafes

Velvet & Willow is Clare’s charming cellar door and cafe

Surrounded by Gum Trees and a Creek trickling alongside the patio area, a roaring fire in winter and friendly faces, Velvet and Willow feels like magic.

Image credit: Velvet&Willow

A trip to the Clare Valley means a lot of things – great wine, picturesque vineyards and fine dining to boot. But nestled at the gateway of the Valley lies Velvet & Willow in the quaint township of Auburn – the part cellar door, part café and pantry oozing charm and brewing artisan lattes year-round.

Entering Velvet & Willow feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Surrounded by Gum Trees and Dennis Creek trickling alongside the patio area, a roaring fire in winter and friendly faces, Velvet & Willow have cultivated an intimate venue that feels like magic.

Residing in the bones of an 1855 cottage, Auburn’s oldest heritage building, the venue doubles as a place for a quick coffee with friends while passing through the town and a place to stop during a wine tour of the premier wine region.

The heritage garden cultivated by owner Andrew Miller is an idyllic spot to relax on a summer afternoon. Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a glass of wine and an array of local goods – from cheeses to cakes – as you spend your afternoon surrounded by history and nature.

Treat yourself to a savoury tart from the pantry or a cold tipple of Riesling – perfect for the warmer weather and balmy evenings in the Valley.

“Whenever I go down, I love to go and sit in the back garden and sit quietly and soak in something that’s quite amazing. The ambience is perfect, the big old established trees and creek – it’s beautiful,” says Andrew.

“I think it’s a gem for Clare Valley.

“It oozes that beautiful history [of Clare Valley], it’s a special cottage.”

Velvet & Willow also specialise in functions, with the cottage and cellar door transforming into the perfect place to host an intimate wedding, birthday party or special celebration. Able to host functions up to 100 people, spend a night under the stars, wining and dining with the ones you love the most.

Looking for a peaceful night sleep? Wander back to the Dennis or Wild Olive Cottage run and owned by Velvet & Willow as well.

The passion poured into Velvet & Willow, and the restoration and homage paid to its history is something Andrew says drives him to continue creating the special haven.

“I love doing things,” says Andrew. “I love restoring and bringing things back and I think that’s where we’ve got to.”

“I love the ambience of going back to something in 1855. I feel like people get quite a surprise when they arrive.”

“They love it, you can see – people think it’s very special,” says Miller.

Find Velvet & Willow at 17 Main North Road Auburn, SA, Australia 5451

Keep up to date with the pantry here, and the cellar door here. Find Velvet & Willow online here.

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