Sevenhill is the birthplace of the Jesuits in Australia. Led by an Austrian priest called Father Aloysius Kranewitter, the Catholic Society of Jesus purchased 40 hectares in 1851 and named the settlement after the Seven Hills of Rome. The St Aloysius’ Church was completed in 1875 a kilometre to the east and vines were planted for the production of sacramental wine. The pretty township is home to around 120 people; local wines and produce can be tasted in several cafes and an historic pub.

FAST FACTS!

• Stone tool fragments from the regions traditional owners, the Ngadjuri people, have been discovered from many nearby places including Red Banks
• Sevenhill Cellars was the first winery in Clare Valley and the Jesuits continue to make wine on the site to this day
• The crypt beneath St Aloysius’ Church is unique for a parish church in Australia
• The Riesling Trail walking and cycling route runs just east of the town
• The Sevenhill Hotel was established in 1863 by Father Kranewitter’s brother and named the Black Eagle Hotel