Discover Mintaro

Mintaro is a remarkably well preserved and rare example of an early colonial rural town and was declared a State Heritage Area in 1984. Mintaro’s growth was shortlived and spontaneous. This can be seen in its close village settlement, irregular street plan and predominant mid nineteenth century stone buildings.

Your immersive experience in Mintaro begins at Martindale Hall. A step back in time with a tour of this outstanding example of grand country mansions constructed by wealthy pastoralists representing the ‘baronial' lifestyle of South Australian heritage. The property including a mansion and its interiors, coach house, stables, and associated structures. The property is closely associated with the pastoral and economic development of South Australia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The property retains a high degree of integrity and illustrate a way of life that no longer exists in South Australia. Martindale Hall remains as a testament to the successful establishment and ongoing management of the intergenerational pastoral empires created by the Bowman and Mortlock families. You will see their influence in much of Mintaro and across South Australia. 

Time now for lunch and a visit to Paulett’s Bush DeVine Winery Restaurant or Slate Restaurant at Pikes Winery and Brewery.  These award-winning venues are just a 5 minute drive from the centre of Mintaro and located in Polish Hill River. A visit to the Polish Hill River Church Museum (check their opening hours) provides a step back in time to the Polish heritage of the region.

Continue a further 5 minutes to St Aloysius' Church Sevenhill and learn more about the heritage of the region with a visit to the historic church and its grounds plus it is one of Australia’s oldest wineries.  Along with classic Clare Valley wines they supply the bulk of the sacramental wine for Australasia made as naturally as possible with minimal winemaking intervention in accordance with Canon Law.

Now check into one of the unique Mintaro Bed and Breakfast accommodation offerings. You will be absolutely delighted with the choices including a dozen heritage buildings plus several new options. These add to the feeling of relaxation and being wrapped in the warmth and the friendship of this community.  Plus, you can enjoy a quiet glass of wine or cuppa as you continue to unwind and soak in the peace and harmony.

Dinner is no more than a 5-minute walk from anywhere in Mintaro to the Magpie and Stump Hotel, which is rich in character and country charm. The Magpie and Stump Hotel brings together good food, excellent wine and a great atmosphere. An innovative blend of country hotel, event destination, local landmark and regional showcase venue for up-and-coming winemakers, chefs and culinary creatives. 

Sleep in and enjoy your time away as your day will start when you want.  No rush in Mintaro. You can have an abundant breakfast at your bed and breakfast. For those who are more energetic an early morning run, walk or ride on the Riesling Trail and then back for that cuppa and breakfast.

It’s now time to discover the charm and beauty of Mintaro’s historic buildings so put on your walking shoes and grab a copy of the Heritage self-guided walk. The village is relatively flat and easy walking with most sites only 2-3 minutes from each other.

Mintaro’s historic character was shaped by two important mining industries in nineteenth century South Australia. In the 1840s and 1850s it became an early staging point for bullock teams carting copper from the Burra mines to Port Wakefield, and from the 1860s onwards, it was South Australia’s leading producer of high-quality slate.

Between 1848 and 1851 several villages were established along the Gulf Road to take advantage of the trade generated by the bullock traffic. Among the first of these was the village of Mintaro and the self-guided tour provides information on 27 of these locations. 

After all that exercise, it’s time to visit Reilly's Cellar Door and Restaurant in the centre of the village. Enjoy their gourmet á la carte seasonal menu or indulge in their outstanding 5-course Long Lunch Indulgence Experience, all perfectly complemented by their estate-grown wines. Place yourself in the hands of their experienced chefs and allow them to guide you through the culinary tastes of the Mintaro and Clare Valley region. There is no set menu for the Long Lunch, as the journey changes weekly to ensure seasonal and local produce is at its finest celebrating the exquisite sensory bond between food and wine.

Once you’ve finished lunch, head down the road to the Mintaro Maze and lose yourself amongst the hedges. From there, it’s a short walk across the road to the newly opened winery/cellar door Matriarch and Rogue. Meet with the winemaker and owner, Marnie Roberts, and she will tell you the story about Matriarch and Rogue evolving into the brand it is today from the love of her family, Clare Valley and climate-appropriate varieties created using various winemaking techniques. Marnie has created wines that are a tribute to the strong women and men in her family. With five matriarchs and their amazing rogue husbands, it isn’t hard to let the brand grow.

Savour the moment leave the city behind and get ready to release your senses. No matter what the season is you can combine heritage and flavours as Mintaro provides the intimate escape.