Clare Valley

This gets my vote for the most beautiful region in Australia. That was not an easy choice, but I had to decide. You are really in the country here and it is still easier to get a nice cup of tea and some scones than a latte. A latte is possible though. The reds here are great, some of the country’s best, but Clare’s reputation is based on its Riesling. It is hard to explain to those who didn’t grow up with consistently dry and food friendly Riesling, what a pleasure it can be. The citrus fruit and the pungent nose is more like a restrained Sauvignon than an off-dry German or Ontario Riesling.  Great wines.