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Sevenhill is a small settlement on Horrocks Highway (formerly Main North Road) 6 kms south of Clare in the Clare Valley. The district is well known for its fine wines. A number of cellar doors are nearby.
Quiet meandering country roads lead out from the township to a number of cellar doors. Several wineries have a restaurant on site and it's a special treat to enjoy a scrumpuous lunch with a wine of your choice while enjoying the views. The birdlife is prolific and it's very pleasant to take your time and enjoy the short drive. Sevenhill Hotel also provides great meals – fireside in winter, air con in summer.
Sevenhill was named after the seven hills of Rome, there you will find the St Aloysius Church complex and several other businesses and accommodation facilities.
Sevenhill had its beginnings when Franz Weikert, a prosperous Silesian farmer led Catholic immigrants from Silesia (now Poland) fleeing religious persecution. They were accompanied by Austrian Jesuit Father Aloysius Kranewitter.
Whilst the original plan to establish a settlement, was not successful, Father Kranewitter stayed. He was later joined by other Jessuits. Over time they built the historic church and crypt with local stone as well as the school. St Aloysius' Church is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture, set amongst gardens and vines. The Jesuits planted vines in 1851, the first in the Clare Valley. A winery with cellars followed. The church has the only crypt below a parish church in Australia. It is the final resting place for 41 Jesuits. History
Sevenhill is well worth a visit.
The Reisling Trail is nearby and the Spring Gully Conservation Park is a short drive away.
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