The Clare Valley aka Barry Family Valley

Tired and a little hot, we were met by Mark and Annette Barry and parked up the bikes at their lovely old colonial home and vineyard.  Mark runs his own vineyard and winery, MB Wines with label, Mad Bastard.

This was to be the start of 5 wonderful days of meeting, eating and enjoying the fabulous wines of Clare.

We were soon reunited with Peter and Sue Barry, their sons, Tom, who recently married Olivia, and Sam.  Peter and David have known each other and have been good pals for more than 30 years.  We were also able to meet up with Nancy, the most elegant matriarch of the Family.

Over the next few days, we visited the area with our friends and helped a little in some daily chores from unpacking glass chandeliers from France to helping fix a leaking irrigation pipe.  The weather was very warm and much of the activity at the winery was geared towards preparing for the vintage which will start in a few days' time.  We drove lots of old cars from the 1956 Chevy FJ Utility to a 70's 3-litre Mercedes and even the vineyard 'ut'.  We ate at family homes and the best restaurants around Clare, drinking award-winning wines from the family's vineyards.

It was a magical time.  We have certainly built up our reserves for the long cycling trip in Tasmania.  We must say a big 'Thank You' to Peter and Sue, Mark and Annette, and their family for their generous hospitality.