Clare Valley Cycling Wine Tours: The Riesling Trail Guide
This guide is part of our ultimate guide to Clare Valley wine tours.
Australia doesn't have many wine-touring experiences quite like the Riesling Trail. This 35-kilometre off-road cycling and walking path follows a converted railway line through the heart of Clare Valley, connecting the townships of Auburn (south) and Clare (north) on a crushed limestone surface that runs between vineyards, stone walls, and open country. It passes within reach of multiple cellar doors, making it possible to ride from tasting to tasting without setting foot in a car.
You don't need to be a serious cyclist. E-bikes are available from multiple hire operators, the trail is almost entirely flat or gently graded, and luggage transfer services mean you can pack an overnight bag and ride the full trail over two days without carrying anything more than a water bottle and a tasting glass.
The Riesling Trail: Key Facts
- Total length: 35 kilometres (Auburn to Clare)
- Surface: Crushed limestone (off-road, suitable for standard bicycles and e-bikes)
- Gradient: Mostly flat to gently undulating. The Auburn-Watervale section has a gentle uphill grade heading north; the return is downhill.
- Estimated riding time: 2-3 hours continuous riding, or a full day with cellar door stops
- Open: Year-round (some sections may be muddy in heavy winter rain)
- Dogs: Permitted on lead
The trail passes directly through the sub-regions of Auburn, Watervale, Leasingham, Penwortham, and Clare. Cellar doors are accessible from the trail at multiple points -- some are signposted directly from the trail, others require a short ride off the main path.
How to Do the Riesling Trail: Three Approaches
Option 1: Self-Guided Day Ride
Hire bikes (standard or e-bike) from one of the operators in Auburn or Clare, ride as far as you want, and return the same way or arrange a one-way hire with drop-off at the other end. This is the most flexible option -- you stop when you want, visit the cellar doors that appeal, and ride at your own pace. Most casual riders cover the Auburn-Watervale stretch (about 12-15 km one way) in a comfortable morning, with time for 2-3 cellar door visits.
Tip: If you're not sure about riding 35 km in a day, ride from Auburn to Watervale or Leasingham (12-15 km), stop for lunch, and arrange a shuttle or taxi back to Auburn. Multiple local operators offer this service.
Option 2: Guided Cycling Wine Tour
An operator guides your group along the trail, manages the logistics, and provides commentary on the region and its wines. Guide-led tours are excellent if you want structure, don't want to navigate, or are combining the cycling with a deeper wine education. Many operators pair the cycling experience with a long lunch and cellar door tastings with the winemakers rather than the front-of-house staff.
Option 3: Multi-Day Trail Experience
Ride the full 35 km over two days, staying overnight in Clare township between Day 1 and Day 2. Operators offer fully supported multi-day packages including accommodation, luggage transfer, meals, and guided tastings. This is the premium Clare Valley experience -- you arrive tired and well-fed each evening, and start fresh the next morning.
Browse cycling wine tours in Clare Valley
E-Bikes: Making the Trail Accessible for Everyone
The introduction of quality e-bike hire has transformed the Riesling Trail experience. Where previously the full trail was only comfortable for reasonably fit cyclists, e-bikes make it accessible for virtually any adult who can ride a bike. The electric assist smooths out the gentle uphill grades and means a day of riding and tasting doesn't leave you physically exhausted.
Several operators in Auburn and Clare hire e-bikes by the hour or day. Prices typically run from $40-$80 per person per day for a quality e-bike, including helmet and a basic trail map. Book in advance for weekends in autumn and spring -- hire stock is limited.
Cellar Doors Accessible from the Trail
The Riesling Trail passes within easy cycling distance of multiple cellar doors. A few guidelines:
Check opening hours before you set out. Many Clare Valley cellar doors are closed Monday-Wednesday, and some require appointments. A morning's ride can become frustrating if the cellar door you were counting on is closed.
Not all trail-adjacent cellar doors are signposted. Download or print the official Riesling Trail map before you ride -- it marks cellar door access points clearly.
Carry a small bag for purchases. Most operators offer carrier bags for bottles, but cycling with a case of wine is challenging. Plan to pick up your purchased bottles at the end of the day using vehicle support or drop-off services.
What to Wear and Bring
- Helmet (mandatory, usually included with hire)
- Padded cycling shorts for rides over 15 km
- Sunscreen and a hat for open sections of the trail
- Layers -- the valley is significantly cooler than Adelaide and the trail cuts through shaded sections
- Water (at least 1.5 litres per person -- hydration matters more when you're also tasting wine)
- Cash for cellar doors without EFTPOS
Combining the Riesling Trail with Accommodation
Staying overnight in Clare Valley opens up the multi-day trail experience properly. Clare township has several accommodation options from basic motels to converted stone cottages. For the cycling experience specifically, look at accommodation directly on or near the trail -- some operators run walking/cycling packages in partnership with accommodation providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be fit to ride the Riesling Trail? No, particularly if you use an e-bike. The trail is largely flat, on a smooth crushed limestone surface, and you can ride any section and turn back -- you don't have to complete the full 35 km. Most visitors ride 12-20 km over a day with cellar door stops, which is achievable for anyone in basic health.
Can children join a Riesling Trail cycling tour? Yes. The trail is traffic-free and suitable for older children and teenagers who can ride a standard bike confidently. Children's bikes and tagalongs are available from some hire operators -- check when booking.
How do I get my purchased wine back to Adelaide? Most guided cycling tour operators include a support vehicle for transporting purchases. For self-guided rides, several hire operators offer luggage and bottle transfer services. Alternatively, wineries will often ship directly to your Adelaide address.
Is the Riesling Trail suitable in winter? The trail is open year-round. In winter, sections can be muddy after heavy rain, and temperatures in the morning can be near-freezing. However, a clear winter day on the trail is genuinely beautiful -- no crowds, clear air, and the stark beauty of dormant vines.
How far in advance should I book a cycling wine tour? For guided tours and e-bike hire on weekends in autumn (March-May) or spring (October-November), book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. Popular dates fill quickly.