Pikes Wines

Pikes Wines sits in the heart of Polish Hill River, one of Clare Valley's most distinguished micro-regions, about 35 kilometres north of Clare in South Australia's Mid North. Established in 1984, the winery has built a solid reputation over four decades for producing riesling, shiraz, and sangiovese that reflect the distinct character of this elevated, cool-climate corner of the valley.

The Wines

Riesling is the signature variety here, and with good reason. Polish Hill River's slate-rich soils and significant diurnal temperature variation — warm days giving way to cool nights — produce rieslings with vibrant acidity and genuine complexity. If your visit allows it, tasting across multiple vintages gives a clear picture of how the wines develop over time, which is one of the more instructive exercises you can do in this region.

Shiraz and sangiovese round out the estate portfolio. The altitude and extended ripening periods that the elevated Polish Hill River site provides help to concentrate flavours while preserving freshness — a balance that suits both varieties well.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is the main focus for visitors, offering tastings and wine sales in a setting that reflects the working nature of the estate. You can taste through the riesling, shiraz, and sangiovese range, with the wines presented in a traditional Clare Valley cellar door format.

For those wanting to go deeper, vineyard and winemaking facility tours are available, providing context around how the terroir translates into the finished wines. Group visits can also be arranged. Tasting fees and specific tour details are best confirmed directly with the winery or via their website before you visit, as these can change seasonally.

The Vineyard

Polish Hill River occupies a cooler, higher position within the broader Clare Valley, and the differences in growing conditions here are noticeable in the wines. The slate soils that characterise much of the sub-region contribute to the mineral edge that Pikes' rieslings are known for, while the altitude moderates temperatures enough to keep the growing season long and measured. It's a terroir that rewards varieties that thrive in cooler conditions, and the estate leans into that with its variety selection.

Getting There

Pikes Wines is approximately a two-hour drive from Adelaide via the Mid North. The roads into Polish Hill River are sealed and accessible, including for caravans, making it a straightforward drive from Adelaide or from the Clare township itself. Public transport to the Clare Valley is limited, and there's effectively no way to reach Polish Hill River wineries without a vehicle, so plan accordingly.

Visitor Tips

• Confirm current opening hours and tour availability on the Pikes Wines website before making the trip.
• If you can, taste across more than one vintage of the riesling — it's one of the better ways to understand how the wine and the region perform year to year.
• Polish Hill River has several other producers in close proximity, making a focused sub-regional tasting day a practical option.
• There are no dining facilities at the cellar door, so bring a picnic or plan to eat in nearby Sevenhill or Auburn before or after your visit.
• Autumn (March to May) is a particularly good time to visit, coinciding with vintage activity and settled weather. Spring (September to November) is also pleasant. If you're visiting in summer, be aware that the Clare Valley can experience significant heat during December and January.