Pre-European settlement
The original inhabitants of the Clare Valley were the Ngadjuri people. It is believed that they had major camping sites at Clare and Auburn, as well as other areas outside the valley.
European settlement
Settlers from England and Ireland first moved into the region around 1840, and English settler, John Horrocks ( Horrocks Pass near Port Augusta was named by Horrocks while exploring the north) was the first to plant vines at Hope Farm. Pioneering Jesuit priests followed, planting vines intended for sacramental use, at Sevenhill around 1852, and Springvale ( near current day Watervale) in 1863.
The rich heritage of architecture and villages remains largely intact today. Horrocks Cottage, lived in by Horrocks’ foreman, is the oldest building in South Australia, north of Gawler. Winemaking practices improved, and today the emphasis is on quality table wines, predominately Riesling white wine and either Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon reds, although other varieties are constantly being tested.
Wine enthusiast will be interested to know that the Clare Valley produces only 3% of Australia's total grape crushyet wins 20% of the wine awards available to Australian vineyards every year, an exceptional statistic considering its size
Modern times
On 16 February 1983, the Clare Valley was devastated by bushfires during the Ash Wednesday disaster. Although there were no fatalities in the area, over 6,100 hectares were burnt out, causing $5 million worth of damage. The railway line between Clare and Penwortham was severely damaged, which resulted in its eventual closure. The old rail route has since been transformed into a popular bicycle riding track known as the Riesling Trail. This 36km sealed trail now extends from the (deserted ) Barinia siding in the north, to the beautiful village of Auburn in the south ( birthplace of poet C.J Dennis 1876 - 1938). A number of Loop Trails enable cyclists and walkers to explore some of the adjacent wineries and natural features.
Clare is the business centre of the area, and is administered by the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council , the influence of which extends to Riverton, Tarlee and Saddleworth in the south.
