Sevenhill Cellars

In the heart of the Clare Valley is the tiny township of Sevenhill and a winery of the same name. Sevenhill Cellars is the oldest and one of the most historic wineries in the Clare Valley. It was established in 1851 by Jesuit Priests from Austria, who fled their home country during a brief period of religious persecution. As the story goes, the Clare Valley reminded them of the Seven Hills of Rome - hence the name. The Jesuit Priests planted the first vines in 1851, bearing their first Sacramental Vintage five years later. "The main reason was out of necessity - Sacramental Wine was shipped from overseas during this period and the source wasn't very reliable. So they decided to make their own, since they had all the raw materials." Sevenhill specialises in red and white table wines and fortified wines for sale to the public to complement their sacramental wine. The Sevenhill vineyards grow many varieties of grapes including - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Semillon, Verdelho, Traminer, Grenache, Touriga, Frontignac, Cabernet Franc, Ruby Cabernet, Pedro and Tokay. Their prices range from $8.00 to $16.00 per bottle and such is the success of this unique establishment, Sevenhill wines are available commercially and they export their Sacramental Wine (Altar Wine) as far afield as Indonesia, India and Papua New Guinea. "Sevenhills winemaking is still carried out under the direction of the Jesuit Manresa Society - which is the only religious order, as far as I know, to operate a winery in the Southern Hemisphere." The Winemaking Team is lead by Brother John May S.J.- who has been in charge since 1972- and Mr John Monten, Mr Jack Larsen and Mr Travis Hague complete the team.

The splendid stone winery is the oldest in the Clare Valley and is well worth a visit, as is the adjacent St. Aloysius Church with it's Crypt. Sevenhill Cellars are located on College Road Sevenhill via Clare and opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday and Public holidays 9.00am -4.00pm - Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day are closed. Formal tours are by appointment only, but visitors are welcomed at the cellar door and can walk around the old underground cellars and the adjoining church grounds - Picnic areas are also located here. For more information the cellars can be contacted by phone +61 08 8843 4222 or fax +61 08 8843 4382 or email info@postcards.sa.com.au