Zip up over the hill from Sevenhill (heading east towards Mintaro) and into the Polish Hill River subregion. Slightly higher and slightly cooler than the Clare Valley proper, the terroir here is informed by mineral-rich soils (slate and lime) and lower rainfall. "Yes, yes, yes," we hear you say as you roll into Pauletts. "That’s all well and good. But how about that view!" Most Clare Valley wineries are cloistered within the valley itself, with snug, protected outlooks – but Pauletts serves up a sweeping vista northeast over the hillsides.
Inside, look forward to some excellent whites, including Neil Paulett’s outstanding riesling, which also comes in sparkling and sticky disguises. Tastings start at $10 per person ($5 redeemable if you spend more than $50). After sipping a few, head into the Bush DeVine restaurant next door (see ‘view’, above) and settle in for a long lunch from super-chef Thomas Erkelenz ($70 for a five-course degustation; $44 for a ‘let us feed you’ three-plate meal). The emphasis here is on local native ingredients, many of which are plucked from the adjacent bush-tucker garden. Polish off your Polish Hill visit with a Last Minute Extra Special Bitter beer – the definitive cleansing ale.
