Ethel’s Cottage at the Riesling Trail
Riesling Trail and local wineries near Ethel’s Cottage
Ethel’s Cottage is located a short distance from the Riesling Trail in Leasingham in the Clare Valley, with easy routes to nearby wineries and cafes.
Ethel’s Cottage in Clare Valley
Riesling Trail orientation for bike riders and walkers
The Riesling Trail runs for about thirty two kilometres between Auburn and the north of Clare. Located in Leasingham, Ethel’s Cottage a beautifully restored 1860s stone cottage sits on two acres with a cottage garden and wide lawns for quiet time between rides.
Leasingham is a small hamlet and sits between Auburn and Watervale, which makes short hops simple. Surfaces are well-maintained, and gradients are gentle, making the Trail suitable for families and unhurried riders. Distances between townships are short, so plan more time for tastings than for pedalling.
Distances between towns on the Riesling Trail
- Auburn to Leasingham is about seven kilometres one way.
- Leasingham to Watervale is about two kilometres one way.
- Watervale to Penwortham is about five kilometres one way.
- Penwortham to Sevenhill is about two kilometres one way.
- Sevenhill to Clare is about eight kilometres one way.
- Clare to Barinia is about nine kilometres one way.
Bike and E-bike hire options for Riesling Trail visitors
Bikes and helmets are available for guests during their stay. If you bring your own bikes or prefer to hire, shops in Clare and along the Trail offer hybrids and e-bikes with helmets and locks. Book ahead in busy seasons and check opening hours before you plan a long day.
Ride ideas starting from Ethel’s Cottage
Start from our cottage and use the nearby Riesling Trail and choose a loop that fits your day.
Easy north loop to Watervale and back
Ride two kilometres north to Watervale for a tasting or a cafe stop, then return with afternoon light on the vines.
Classic south loop to Auburn and back
Follow the line south for coffee, a bakery stop and a look along heritage streets, then pause at O’Leary Walker or Claymore cellar doors located in Leasingham on the way home.
Full day north with Sevenhill and Clare
Ride in stages through Watervale and Penwortham to Sevenhill and reach Clare for lunch if you feel strong.
Full day south with Auburn and back roads
Go south to Auburn in the morning, add a short back road loop for views and return to the Trail for an easy finish.
Wineries along the Riesling Trail by area
Use this list to choose tastings that pair neatly with your loop. Each note shows where a cellar door sits in relation to the Riesling Trail.
Leasingham cluster
O’Leary Walker Wines
Glass-walled tasting room with valley views and a seasonal restaurant. Short signed detour from the Trail near Leasingham and a short walk from Ethel’s Cottage.
Claymore Wines
Boutique cellar door with music-themed labels and relaxed tastings. Quick ride from the Trail near Leasingham and a short walk from Ethel’s Cottage.
Tim Gramp Wines
Small estate cellar door on Leasingham Mintaro Road. Close to the Trail and easily paired with a Watervale loop.
Sevenhill and Clare
Mr Mick
Cellar door with a tapas kitchen near the northern section of the Trail in Clare. Great for a relaxed lunch after a longer ride.
Tim Adams Wines
Family-owned cellar door beside the Trail in Clare. Conveniently located for those travelling on foot or by bike.
Watervale and Penwortham
Kilikanoon Wines
Stone farmhouse cellar door set in gardens at Penwortham. Reach it by an easy drive from the Trail or a longer ride into the Skilly Valley.
Polish Hill River and Skilly Hills
These sit off-Trail and are best suited for confident riders or those with a car.
Pikes Wines
Historic site at Polish Hill River with a tasting room and the Slate Restaurant. Best reached by an easy drive from Sevenhill.
Skillogalee
Hillside estate with a historic cottage, cellar door, and a lunch restaurant among gums near Spring Gully.
Jeanneret Wines and Clare Valley Brewing Co
Shared cellar door and brewery deck near Spring Gully with views over the Skilly Hills.
Lunch on the Riesling Trail
Lunch often anchors the day. Book ahead on weekends and during vintage or pack a picnic for a shady patch near an access point or a rest shelter.
Picnic and lunch tips
- Book tables for groups and long lunches.
- Carry water and top up at signed points on the Trail.
- Select a single area for tastings rather than travelling across the valley multiple times.
Trail etiquette and safety
Here are some general tips. Start early on warm days and rest in midday heat. Carry water, sunscreen and a light layer for weather changes. Obey signs at road crossings and use underpasses where marked. Keep to the left and ring a bell when passing walkers. Allow time to walk off the tastings before riding again.
For advice, read more about South Australian shared path rules and SA Health advice to keep cool and hydrated.
Explore more of Clare Valley
Staying near the Riesling Trail makes bike days easy, and there is plenty off the Trail to round out your visit. From Ethel’s Cottage, you can easily visit heritage towns, stroll through wetlands, and find bakeries, pubs and shops in nearby villages. There is a wealth of things to see and do in the Clare Valley. Here are some examples.
- Mintaro and Martindale Hall for a half day of history and stone streets.
- Spring Gully Conservation Park for short walks and lookout views.
- Auburn and Clare for cafes, restaurants, groceries and galleries.
- Family ideas that include wetlands, picnic spots and easy playground stops.
- Practicals like fuel, chemist, visitor information and EV charging.
Discover Ethel’s Cottage: Traditional Hospitality, Modern Comfort
Ethel’s Cottage is located in Leasingham, a short walk from the Riesling Trail. This beautifully restored stone cottage set on two picturesque acres, complete with a cottage garden and expansive lawns perfect for relaxation. The cottage sleeps up to six guests, and have a full kitchen, a dining room, and a separate lounge.
Plan your stay from here
- Read Rooms and Amenities for details on bedding, kitchen details and breakfast.
- See our Clare Valley cottage rates for packages, minimum nights and inclusions.
- Open Booking and Availability to check dates and request your stay.
- Read About Ethel’s Cottage