We're back at the Clare Valley. $20 will secure you a spot at the Showgrounds for the night, the same as last year during the rodeo.
Clare is one of those places where you feel instantly relaxed. It's a place of good home-cooked food, seriously friendly folk, and as much wine as your tastebuds can bear (which, in our case, turns out to be quite a lot).
We returned to Mintaro Wines and purchased a few boxes of their marvellous shiraz and riesling, both of which are to die for. We also supped at Reilley's restaurant - and ate one of the most succulent slow-roasted pork bellies I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Afterwards we visited the pub next door and met a group of young locals celebrating a 21st party on bicycle, who chatted with us about living in nearby Keith, and the prospect of either working (or studying) in the big smoke (Adelaide), or remaining in Keith to farm. Emma is studying journalism and wants to become world-travelled. However, her friend is content to drive a grain truck and remain in Keith, which he feels is his true home, and has no desire to seek an alternative. (Frankly, I see both points of view.)
If you want somewhere quiet and charming to live, consider the Clare Valley. Stone cottages built in the mid-1800s will set you back less than $300,000 or so, a far cry from Margaret River (which has a similar atmosphere) or any suburb or city that we've come across.
