Just a cork’s throw from the city will land you in the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region, which today is enjoying a renaissance as the centre of Perth’s good life.
The local flavour forged by European migrant families is being refined as a new generation of winemakers, food producers, artists and boutique hoteliers create a tastebud tingling choice for a day trip or weekend getaway.
The larger wine producers of Houghton and Sandalford are well worth a stop, if for no other reason than their sublime environs. At Sandalford old gnarled vines create a cool canopy for an outdoor lunch, while Houghton’s manicured grassed lawn and towering leafy trees provide an ideal picnic spot.
One of the oldest growers in the area is John Kosovich Wines, formerly known as Westfield Winery. At this small operation, the grapes are still picked by hand, ensuring premium quality control.
Up the road at Sitella’s, a new cellar door is welcoming visitors interested not only in the Tuscan-like views of vines, paddocks and the Darling Range available over lunch in the restaurant. It also displays and sells works by local artists and crafts people.
Upper Reach Winery and Café is one of the funkier establishments around, where the ‘stylish but relaxed’ philosophy of owners Laura and Derek Pease flows through to the Spanish-inspired outdoor wine bar and offers a chic dining experience.
With its growing maturity as a centre for all things gourmet, the Swan Valley now boasts four microbreweries, the newest of which is Feral Brewery on Haddrill Road.
Opened just eight months ago, Feral has already been the recipient of international beer gongs and is planning to stage a Beer Festival in November (the name Feral, if you’re wondering, was inspired by the fact that owner, Neil Lamont, started life as a pig farmer).
Bedding down in the Swan Valley is a good idea if you’ve enjoyed a long lunch among the vines.
One of the most stylish properties is Hansons. This boutique guesthouse features private spas in some of its ten rooms, a swimming pool and a delightful 25 acres of Swan River frontage.
Other choices in the region include the five-star Novotel Vines Resort, Suzannah Brook Chalets – just a short, post-dinner stagger from Lamonts, and the four star rated Settler’s Rest Farmstay overlooking the river.
For more information about the Swan Valley contact the Swan Valley Visitor Centre on 08 9379 9420 or visit www.swanvalley.com.au
Swan Valley Day Tours
If you'd like to book a tour to the Swan Valley, contact Discover West Holidays who will book all your travel arrangements. Simply email them at surf@discoverwest.com, or visit their website.
