Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
DiscoverThe best wines from
Western Australia
www.cellarmasters.com.au/western-australian
Explore other wine regions with our series of travel guides for wine lovers!
www.cellarmasters.com.au/travelguides
Swan Valley• Cellar Doors • Restaurants • Festivals & Events
• Cheese & Chocolate • Things To Do • Distilleries • Breweries • AND MORE!
TRAVEL GUIDE
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2018
Swan Valley- Perth’s valley of
wine and food
Page 2 |
5x Practical Websitesswanvalley.com.au
The Swan Valley visitor centre’s website has great information about
upcoming events, and things to see, do and eat, as well as maps to
download.
swanvalleywinemakers.com.auFor all the information you need about wines from the region, as well
as information about wine related events like Vintage in the Valley or
the Swan Valley Wine Show, the Swan Valley Winemakers Association
website should be your go-to.
westernaustralia.comSpending a bit more time in Western Australia? The state’s off icial
tourism website is a great source of information for things to experience,
and has helpful tips on how to plan your trip and even suggested
itineraries so you can get the most of your visit.
experienceperth.comStaying in Perth while visiting Swan Valley? This site has information
on everything from shopping, nature walks to family fun to do in and
around this beautiful city.
cellarmasters.com.au Want to enjoy wines from Western Australia without travelling all the
way? Cellarmasters has a great range of wines from WA that you can
have delivered straight to your doorstep.
| Page 35
Beaufort Street & Perth CBDIf trendy cafes, bars and restaurants
are your thing, then heading to
Beaufort Street in Perth City will
satisfy foodies. From here, you can
explore the CBD for more exciting
food venues, a bit of shopping or a
self-guided walking tour.
Page 34 |
The Swan Valley often gets overlooked for its more famous Western Australian neighbour the Margaret River, but it’s a beautiful wine region that’s defi nitely
worth exploring.
Swan Valley is one of the most closely located wine regions to a city in the world, with Perth CBD only 25 minutes and the airport 10 minutes away by car.
The Swan Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, and it’s also one of the warmest wine making regions in the country. It’s renowned for
making beautiful fortifi ed wines and liqueurs.
It’s also a great region to discover rich red wines like Grenache and Shiraz, often grown on old vines. White wine lovers won’t be disappointed either, as the
region also excels in producing crisp whites like Verdelho and Chenin Blanc.
Swan Valley is also the home to Cygne Blanc, a variety that is said to be the only indigenous Australian grape variety.
You won’t be disappointed with the food off ering here either, as there’s a wide fare of regional gourmet food to be enjoyed with your wine!
We’ve put together a handy guide so you can get the most out of this fantastic region!
““
Christine Ricketts
Cellar Director
Please note: Prices and information correct at the date of publication based on publicly available information. It is always best to contact the supplier directly to ensure the information presented in this guide remain accurate.
| Page 3
Best time to visitWestern Australia is blessed with great
weather all year round (typically), which
means any time of the year is a great to
visit the Swan Valley. However, if you’re not
a fan of the heat, it’s best to visit outside of
the summer months. As the Swan Valley is
inland, it unfortunately doesn’t get blessed
with the cooling afternoon sea breeze,
locally often dubbed the ‘Fremantle Doctor’.
Short travel timesThe Swan Valley is one of the closest wine
regions to a major city in the world. From
the Perth CBD, it’s only a 25-minute drive.
Once you get to the region, you’ll find that
the wineries are all within a 32km stretch,
which means less time travelling and more
time at the cellar doors meeting the makers.
Something for everyoneWithin the 32km radius of the Swan
Valley’s food and wine trail, you’ll find over
150 attractions. There is something for
everyone, including those who don’t drink
wine and for the kids too. Depending on the
time of the year you’re there, you might be
able to take part in some fruit picking.
No or very aff ordable tasting feesFor those not travelling in large groups,
you’ll typically find that most cellar doors
will off er free tastings. The others will have
a small fee, which is redeemable if you
purchase any wine.
5 Practical FactsWhat wines to expectThe Swan Valley is known internationally
as a region for fortified wines (port and
liqueur style wines). If the sweet, higher
alcohol tipples are not for your palate,
then make sure to try the Shiraz, Chenin
Blanc and Verdelho, which all flourish in
the region.
Page 4 |
FremantleJust under an hour from the Swan Valley,
you’ll find yourself in Fremantle. ‘Freo’,
as the locals call it, is a port town with
an abundance of delicious restaurants,
unique art and is home to the famous
Little Creatures Brewery.
John Forrest National ParkApproximately a 20-minute drive from the
Swan Valley, you’ll find yourself in John
Forrest National Park. Enjoy the fresh air
with hikes, beautiful nature or simply hang
out with the local kangaroos at the John
Forrest Tavern.
Bickley ValleyThe Bickley Valley is only about a
30-minute drive from the Swan Valley and
is the Perth Hills wine region. Here, you’ll
find more fabulous wineries, cideries and
local produce to tempt the taste buds.
North BeachOnly a 35-minute drive from the Swan
Valley, you’ll find yourself on the Western
Australian coast. Lined with beautiful,
white sandy beaches and turquoise
waters, it is a must visit for any beach
lovers. To be able to visit a wine region
and world-class beaches all in one day
makes Perth a pretty special place to visit.
| Page 33
5 Towns & Places to Visit
Page 32 |
5 Fast Facts40 cellar doorsThe Swan Valley is home to over 40 cellar doors, which all have their own unique points of
diff erence. Most of the wineries are family-owned and operated businesses, and you can
expect a mix of large wineries, underground cellars and even tin shed cellar doors! In other
words, there is something to suit all types of wine travellers.
Rich in historyThe Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia and one of the oldest in
Australia. The first vines were planted in 1830 at the Olive Farm property in South Guildford
by botanist Thomas Waters. Many wineries have third or fourth generation winemakers at the
helm, and are very proud to share their rich history.
Table grapes and wine grapesThe Swan Valley is known for producing a lot of table grapes, as well as wine grapes. Table
grapes are the grapes you eat in your fruit salad and are diff erent to the types of grapes
that go into making wine. In fact, Western Australia produces about 5% of Australian table
grapes. You can spot the diff erence when driving through the Swan Valley as wine grapes are
typically grown along vertical trellises, while table grapes are on a distinguishable V-shaped
trellis.
Cygne Blanc was discovered in the Swan ValleyCygne Blanc is an Australian white grape variety that is a seedling of Cabernet Sauvignon. It
was founded on the Mann family property in the Swan Valley in 1989, and it is said to be the
first truly Australian grape variety. You can try it at Mann Winery in Baskerville.
Australia’s First Humane Food RegionIn 2014, the Swan Valley was named Australia’s First Humane Food Region. This
partnership between Western Australia’s RSPCA, the City of Swan and the Swan Valley
chefs is to support the welfare of animals and the production of high quality, healthy food.
| Page 5
Page 6 |
Oasis Supa Golf If you’re feeling like some outdoor action and fresh air, then make sure you check out
the family-friendly Oasis Supa Golf in Henley Brook. It’s a modern version of golf where
you have an oversized golf club and ball. If you prefer a smaller version of the game,
then check out the Adventure Mini Putt on the grounds too!
www.getgolfing.com.au
Health & Spa at BrookleighIf you’re in the Swan Valley and are in need
of some pampering, head to the Health
and Day Spa at Brookleigh Estate. From
massages to facials, you’ll feel totally relaxed
after a visit. You can also opt for a 1-5 day
health retreat or head to their gym for a
sweat session if that’s more your pace.
www.brookleigh.com.au
Yahava Koff eeWorksCalling all coff ee lovers! Stopping into
Yahava Koff eeWorks for a cuppa is a must
when in the Swan Valley. Either opt for a
coff ee and bite to eat at the cafe or simply
enjoy a coff ee tasting at the bar, while you
enjoy the aromas of freshly ground coff ee
beans.
www.yahava.com.au
| Page 31
Caversham Wildlife ParkCaversham Wildlife Park is a great day out for
all the family. It’s open every day of the year
except for Christmas Day. You’ll be able to
meet wombats, koalas and kangaroos, and be
able to watch penguins being fed. Tickets are
$29 for adults and $13 for children.
www.cavershamwildlife.com.au
Antique shopping in GuildfordGuildford is an antique lover’s delight!
Walk down the main street of Guildford
to discover antique shops, bookshops
and collectable shops. When you need a
break, simply stop off at one of the cafes
or pubs along the strip.
Page 30 |
Getting Here & AroundBy carAs it’s only a 25-minute drive from the CBD, most visitors venture
to the Swan Valley for the day and stay in the city or by the
beach. Perth’s Domestic Airport is only a 10-minute drive from
the historical township of Guildford, which is home to the Swan
Valley Visitor Centre and is the gateway to the region. The visitor
centre is open 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm.
Public transportThe closest train station to the Swan Valley is Guildford Station
(Midland train line). From here, you’ll either need to jump on an
organised tour bus, grab a bicycle or get a taxi or Uber, as it’s too
far to walk between the cellar doors.
Taxi or UberTaxis and Ubers are readily available in and around the Swan
Valley on most days and times of the year. If you’d like your own
driver for the day you can opt for an UberVINO at $40 per hour
($60 minimum fare), directly via the app.
ToursThere are plenty of organised wine tours in the Swan Valley to
choose from that can cater for couples or large groups. If you’re
not sure which wineries you want to visit and want to learn more
about the Swan Valley, a tour is a good option. If you’d prefer to
choose your own itinerary, you can charter a small to large tour
bus. If you want to do wine tasting in style, then why not discover
the Swan Valley by horse and cart!
www.swanvalleywa.com
www.mrshuttle.webs.com
Cycle the regionYou can pre-book bicycles online to cycle around the region.
The Swan Valley wine and food trail has cycle lanes throughout
most of the region. However, please remember that as a cyclist
you must still stick to road rules, including not being over the
drink-driving limit.
www.brookleigh.com.au/swan-valley-tours/bike-hire
| Page 7
5 Happenings
Vintage in the ValleyOver a long weekend in March or April every
year, the Swan Valley region celebrates
the end of vintage by holding a number of
special events – think long lunches, twilight
concerts or masterclasses. Keep an eye on
the Swan Valley Winemakers Association
website as they’ll release the dates and line-
up of events early in the year.
www.swanvalleywinemakers.com.au
Stirling Square MarketsOn the third Sunday of every month (except
January) from 9am to 2pm, the Stirling Square
Markets in Guildford take place. You’ll find
locally produced food, crafts and collectables,
alongside plenty of fun for the kids, as well as
live entertainment.
www.facebook.com/stirlingsquaremarkets
Avon DescentThe annual Avon Descent is a two-day white
water event along the Avon and Swan Rivers.
Many people head to the Swan Valley to
watch the participants race along the river.
Some of the wineries, like Upper Reach
Winery, have great spots to watch the race
from with a glass of wine in hand.
www.avondescent.com.au
Swan Valley Wine ShowThe Swan Valley Wine Show celebrated
its 30th year in 2018. The annual wine
show celebrates achievements in the Swan
Valley and is typically held in August.
Once the judging is completed, the Swan
Valley Winemakers Association will hold
an awards dinner to announce the trophy
winners. This dinner is open to the public
and is a great way to try some superb
wines from the Swan Valley and mingle
with the producers.
www.swanvalleywinemakers.com.au/
Entwined in the ValleyEntwined in the Valley is an annual
celebration in the Swan Valley held over
several days, typically in October. With over
50 unique events, the Swan Valley is simply
buzzing during this festival. From long-table
lunches to masterclasses, it’s a great time
to visit. Previous years has seen the likes of
Australian chef George Calombaris and the
Punk Princess of Pastry, Anna Polyviou be
part of the festivities.
www.entwinedinthevalley.com.au/
Page 8 |
5 Non-Wine Related Things To Do
| Page 29
Great Northern DistilleryThe Great Northern Distillery knows a
thing or two about rum! They are home
to both the Kimberley Rum Company
and Canefire Rum off ering tastings either
straight or in a cocktail. On Sundays
between 12-4pm they run tours of the
distillery on the hour so you can see some
of the behind the scenes action.
496 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan
08 9250 5422
Funk CiderCider lovers rejoice! The Swan Valley is home
to Funk Cider in Caversham. The ciders at this
hip cidery are unpasteurised and completely
preservative free. Stop in for a cider paddle
and a bite to eat. Some of their unique cider
flavours include ginger, feijoa, strawberry &
lime, pineapple and passionfruit, alongside
their classic apple and scrumpy ciders.
55 Benara Rd, Caversham
08 9377 4884
Old Young’s DistilleryOld Young’s Distillery in the Swan Valley
produce premium handcrafted spirits. Their
line-up of tasty booze includes award-
winning gin and the ‘Pavlova’ is a must
try - made from 100% Australian wheat
and infused with passionfruit, strawberry,
kiwifruit, sugar, burnt sugar and vanilla.
10581 W Swan Rd, Henley Brook
08 9296 6656
Cider & Ale TrailThe Swan Valley love their cider and ale just
as much as their wines, which is why the
region has put together their very own Cider
& Ale Trail for you to follow. The self-drive
trail will take you to six venues throughout
the Swan Valley.
www.swanvalley.com.au/Plan-Your-Trip/
Suggested-Itineraries/Cider-and-Ale-Trail
Page 28 |
Margaret River Chocolate CompanyOne chocolate company is not enough for
the Swan Valley (and we’re not complaining!).
Over on West Swan Road, you’ll find the famed
Margaret River Chocolate Company who also
off er free samples. This busy spot has a café
overlooking a large grassy area, so the kids (or
your better half) can run around while coming
down from the sugar high.
5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan
08 9250 1588
Chocolate and wine matching masterclassProvidore in the Swan Valley is a must visit for
all food and wine lovers. This delicious spot is
full of gourmet treats from dukkah and spice
rubs to wine! Every Saturday and Sunday at
11:30am, or by appointment, you can attend a
chocolate and wine tasting masterclass. You’ll
even be given a bottle of Providore’s mouth-
watering chocolate liqueur to take home.
5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan
08 6274 4040
Whistlers Chocolate CompanyWhistlers is a chocolate shop and café set
on Great Northern Highway, and off er free
samples so you can try their delectable
creamy chocolates before you buy. However,
be warned – it’s very diff icult to leave without
a packet of chocolate covered pretzels, rocky
road or some chocolate freckles.
506 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan
08 9274 7777
5 cheese & sweets favourites
The Cheese Barrel at Olive Farm WinesIf cheese and wine are your thing, then a
visit to The Cheese Barrel at Olive Farm
Wines is a must. This cheese café and shop
with its impressive architecture was the first
licensed fromagerie in Perth. The cheese
boards and matching wine flights will take
your appreciation of wine and cheese to a
whole new level!
920 Great Northern Hwy, Millendon
08 9296 4539
Sweet Temptations TrailIf you have a sweet tooth, then following the
Sweet Temptations Trail through the Swan
Valley will satisfy all your cravings. From French
macaroons made fresh at Maison Saint-Honore
to honey ice cream at the House of Honey, this
self-drive trail is not to be missed.
www.swanvalley.com.au/Plan-Your-Trip/Food
-and-Wine-Trails/Sweet-Temptations-Trail
| Page 9
5 Cellar Doors with Outstanding Reds
Page 10 |
Homestead Brewery at Mandoon EstateHomestead Brewery is part of the impressive
Mandoon Estate. The brewery and beer garden has
a laid-back vibe serving food alongside their beers
and cider. The brewery is equipped with only the
best Schulz German brewing equipment to ensure
their brews are top notch. From a Munich larger to
a Hefeweizen and a black IPA, beer lovers will be
swooning over these brews. Wine lovers should stop
by the cellar door while visiting Mandoon Estate
and all foodies need to book in the for seven-course
degustation menu with matching wines.
10 Harris Rd, Caversham
08 62790500
5 Other Drink Destinations
| Page 27
5 Places to Eat
The Henley BrookThe Henley Brook is a laid back, family-
friendly venue in the heart of the Swan
Valley. From ‘parmies’ and wood fired pizzas,
to local wines and beers, you’ll walk away
with a full, happy tummy. It’s a popular spot
with the locals, therefore it may be wise to
call ahead and book a table.
9810 W Swan Rd, Henley Brook WA 6055
08 9296 2985
The Tap at Chapel FarmThe Tap at Chapel Farm is in a refurbished
old Victoria homestead with sass. The
unique and retro interior design will catch
the eye, while the tapas and drinks menu will
satisfy all hunger and thirst levels. The venue
is highly rated and they are well stocked in
the spirits department with over 50 rums,
30 tequilas, 20 vodkas, 30 bourbon/
American whiskies, 10 scotch/Canadian
whiskies and 45 liqueurs. Make sure to ask
what their cocktail of the month is!
231 Toodyay Rd, Middle Swan
08 9250 4755
Alfred’s KitchenA visit to the Swan Valley is not complete
without a stop into Alfred’s Kitchen in
Guildford for one of their famous burgers
or some pea and ham soup roadside in
front of the fire. Alfred’s has been serving
up burgers since 1946 and is open 7 days a
week from 5pm and from 12pm on Saturday
and Sundays.
James St & Meadow St, Guildford
08 9377 1378
The Guildford HotelThe historic Guildford Hotel is at the
gateway to the Swan Valley in Guildford.
This heritage listed Perth pub has a
relaxed atmosphere with a funky beer
garden to relax in. The focus is on great
food and drinks, with cheeseburger
spring rolls being the must-try on the
menu. You can reserve a table online,
however they accept walk-ins as well.
159 James St, Guildford
08 9460 9966
Swan Valley CafeThe Swan Valley Cafe is vegetarian, vegan
and gluten free friendly. Even the wine
list focuses on organic and vegan friendly
wines! From raw pizza, Thai noodles, to BBQ
Tempeh Burgers and mezze tasting plates
- all your vegan, raw and dairy-free foodie
delights are covered at the Swan Valley Cafe.
990 Great Northern Hwy, Millendon
08 9296 6320
Page 26 |
Talijancich WinesTalijancich Wines have been on the
winemaking scene in the region since 1932.
This family owned and operated winery
has Croatian heritage, and right from the
start they knew the Swan Valley was the
perfect location for making fortified wines.
They have picked up numerous awards for
their wines and fortifieds, and have stellar
customer service at the cellar door.
Stand-out wine: Pedro XimenesTasting some of the fortified wines at the
Talijancich cellar door is a must, and the
Pedro Ximenes is a complex and luscious
fortified wine that will mesmerise your
taste buds. If you can get your hands on
the award-winning 2007 vintage, which
Talijancich say is their best vintage ever;
you’ll never look back.
CostAll aged fortified wines have a tasting
fee starting from $3 and up to $10. Other
tastings are complimentary unless you are
in a large group, then fees may apply. What’s
available to taste varies, however they
usually have at least one museum release
open to try.
Expert tipConnect with the winery on Facebook
(handle @taliwines) for a behind the scenes
look at the winery alongside great videos
from winemaker James Talijancich on all
sorts of wine topics.
26 Hyem Rd, Herne Hill
08 9296 4289
www.taliwine.com.au
Great for for tifi eds
| Page 11
Pinelli Estate WinesPinelli Estate is the closest Swan Valley
winery to Perth CBD, located in the suburb
of Caversham. The Pinellis are a highly
regarded winemaking family in the region,
and Domenic and Iolanda Pinelli established
the vineyard in 1980 after Domenic worked
for over 20 years at Waldeck Wines (no
longer in operation). In early 2018, the family
owned and operated winery opened up their
own Italian restaurant onsite so now visitors
can stay for lunch or dinner after their cellar
door tasting.
Stand-out wine: DurifPinelli produce amazing Shiraz wines,
however it’s the Durif that will satisfy red
wine lovers who are looking for something
big and bold. In 2017, Pinelli released their
limited 2016 Durif in a magnum (1.5 litres),
which will make a great addition to any home
wine cellar.
CostCellar door tastings are free of charge. All
wines, excluding special museum releases,
are available to taste and you can expect a
wide range of sparkling wines, rosé, white
and red wines.
Expert tipSet aside a couple of hours for this stop so
you can pop into the cellar door for a tasting,
before heading over to the restaurant for
some delicious Italian food.
30 Bennett St, Caversham
08 9279 6818
www.pinelliwines.com.au
Page 12 |
5 Placesfor Breakfast
The Nest at SittellaThe Nest at Sittella winery is only open
on Saturdays and Sundays. From 9am
to 11am, you can enjoy breakfast with
or without sparkling wine. During the
warmer months, you can sit out on the
verandah and look out over the vineyard,
while you tantalise your taste buds with
breakfast options like poached eggs on
sourdough or why not try their special
“Nest breakfast scotch egg” with a
delicious sausage, bacon and mushroom
coat on the egg.
100 Barrett St, Herne Hill
08 9296 2600
Riverbrook Restaurant at Upper Reach WineryRiverbrook is the on-site restaurant at Upper
Reach Winery and is open daily for breakfast
and lunch from 9am. Either sit inside or out
on the veranda overlooking the grapevines.
The breakfast menu includes tasty delights
like smoked salmon with scrambled eggs
and smoked paprika meatballs with poached
eggs. Order a glass of Upper Reach Sparkling
Chardonnay or a ‘Bucks Fizz’, sparkling wine
and orange juice to start the day off right.
77 Memorial Ave, Baskerville
08 9296 3883
Taylor’s Art & Coff ee HouseBrother and sister duo Michael and Caroline
Taylor grew up in the Swan Valley, and focus
their menu on fresh, locally sourced organic
food. Not to mention quality coff ee! It’s a great
spot for breakfast and lunch Tuesdays to
Sundays.
510 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan
0447 441 223
Oakover GroundsThe Oakover Grounds café is open
Wednesday through to Sunday for breakfast
from 8am. It has a relaxed atmosphere with
plenty of room for the kids to run around.
The brekkie menu includes a burger and
smashed avocado with poached eggs and
wash it down with a Fiori coff ee. If you are
a coff ee lover, then make sure you try the
coff ee paddle, which includes an espresso
and a white and cold brew!
14 Yukich Cl, Middle Swan
08 9374 8000
Padbury’s Café Padbury’s Cafe in Guildford is at the gates of
the Swan Valley, and they are famed for their
Instagram-worthy pancakes and breakfast
off erings. Either opt to have a sparkling wine
with breakfast or a ‘bowl’ of coff ee to kick
start the day.
114 Terrace Rd, Guildford
08 9378 4484
| Page 25
Edgecombe BrothersHave you ever visited a cellar door and
been off ered fresh asparagus to snack on?
You can expect a bit of quirk like this at
the Edgecombe Brothers cellar door in the
Swan Valley. This unique spot is known
for their local produce and humour, and a
cellar door tasting typically leaves you with
sore cheeks from laughing so much. There
is also a cafe onsite where they pack the
meals with plenty of fresh, local produce.
Cost Wine tastings are $5 per person.
Expert tipHead along to the winery on a Friday night
as they open their ‘Burger Kitchen’ and
typically have live music and fire pits for
toasting marshmallows. 1733 Gnangara Rd, Ellenbrook
08 9296 4307
www.edgecombebrothers.com.au
EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide when
visiting the cellar door, if you buy three
bottles, you get one bottle free.
Page 24 |
Olive Farm WinesOlive Farm Wines is a fourth generation
family owned and operated Swan Valley
winery. They have a beautifully modern
cellar door which sits adjacent to their sister
business - The Cheese Barrel. Olive Farm
Wines is the oldest established winery in
Western Australia dating back to 1829, and
the Yurisich family – who are the current
custodians – purchased it in 1933. The
winery produces around 38 diff erent wines.
Red wine lovers, make sure to check out their
Cabernet Franc, Durif, Touriga Nacional and
Shiraz to name just a few!
Stand-out wine: Petit VerdotThe Swan Valley is starting to produce more
and more Petit Verdot. This red grape variety
thrives in warmer climates with long growing
seasons, like those of the Swan Valley. The
2015 vintage has lovely cooling aromas
of eucalyptus and mint with a firm tannin
structure.
CostThe Cellar door has a $5 tasting fee per
person that is waived upon purchase of wine.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide and
mentioning the word “Cork”, get 10% off
up to five bottles of full priced table wine
from the cellar door your tasting. Excludes
other third party discounts.
Expert tipBefore visiting the winery, call up and book
a spot on one of their one hour ‘Tour and
Taste’ tours of the winery, for a behind the
scenes look at what goes on at the winery.
920 Great Northern Hwy, Millendon
08 9296 4539
www.olivefarmwines.com.au
| Page 13
Faber VineyardFaber Vineyard was established in 1997 by
winemaker John Griff iths and his wife Jane
Micallef. John believes in letting the grapes
speak for themselves, and aims to make
wines that showcase the region in your glass.
At the cellar door, they off er platters and
small bites to eat and also host renowned
long table lunches throughout the year.
Stand-out wine: Riche ShirazShiraz is a standout grape variety in the
Swan Valley, and Faber Vineyard has hit
the nail on the head with their Riche Shiraz.
If you want the perfect example of a Swan
Valley Shiraz, then this is the wine to try with
its fruit forward nature and ripe softness on
the palate.
CostFaber Vineyard has an excellent cellar door
experience. There is no tasting bench like
you’ll find at most wineries, but instead,
once you arrive you are seated at one of
the indoor or outdoor tables. From there,
the cellar door staff will bring the wines for
you to taste, making it a very personalised
experience. There are no tasting fees when
you purchase wine.
Expert tipA Faber Vineyard long-table lunch is a great
way to spend an afternoon if you enjoy great
food and wine with lots of laughs. Make sure
to sign up to their e-newsletters or follow
them on social media to find out when the
next one is.
233 Haddrill Rd, Baskerville
08 9296 0209
www.fabervineyard.com.au
Famous long lunches
Page 14 |
Pandemonium EstatePandemonium Estate has one of the most
stunning backdrops in the Swan Valley, with
backyard views of the Perth Hills. There is
a definite Spanish vibe to the estate, and all
the wines are named after happy demons.
For instance, the Chenin Blanc is called The
Fruitimer, which is the demon who rules over
parties and festivals! They off er platters and
woodfired pizzas, so stay and enjoy the wine
with some delicious food!
Cost There are no tasting fees and once you have
finished your cellar door tasting you can buy
a glass of wine to enjoy while you soak up
the beautiful views.
Expert tipPandemonium is launching an artisan gin,
so keep an eye out for that!
1050 Great Northern Hwy, Baskerville
08 9296 3537
www.pandemoniumestate.com.au
Devilishly good wines
| Page 23
301 Padbury Ave, Millendon WA 6056
0438 296 000
www.tylersvineyard.com.au
3 QuirkyCellar Doors
Tyler’s VineyardThe Tylers have triplet teenagers, sheep,
geese, a dog and more! If you love animals
and are looking for a rustic Swan Valley cellar
door experience, then Tyler’s Vineyard is a
must on your itinerary. Within minutes, you’ll
feel like part of the family! On the property,
they only grow Grenache grapes from 100
year old, non-irrigated vines. From these
red Grenache grapes, the Tylers make blush
sparkling, white, rosé, red and fortified wines!
CostCellar door tastings are free. If you are in a
large group, it is recommended to call ahead,
so they can organise a special area for your
group.
Expert tipYou can create your own wine labels to be
put on any wines you purchase. Either use a
photo from your phone or take a picture in
the vineyard to go on your very own bottle.
Page 22 |
Windy Creek Estate and Ante CobanovWindy Creek Estate and Ante Cobanov was
established by Ante Cobanov after moving
to Western Australia from Croatia in 1937.
Current winemaker, Tony Cobanov is a
fourth generation winemaker, and the winery
produces a range of whites, reds and fortified
wines at very aff ordable prices.
Stand-out wine: GrenacheAt $12 a bottle, the Windy Creek Estate
Grenache is not only great value but it is
delicious. It’s also of great quality, with the
2017 Grenache picking up a gold medal at
the 2018 Swan Valley Wine Show! It has
wonderful cherry, wild strawberry aromas
and a lovely, long finish.
CostCellar door tastings are free of charge. Windy
Creek have a great spot that looks out to the
vineyard, so after your wine tasting, you can
purchase wine by the glass and soak up the
views.
Expert tipWindy Creek Estate make great wine at very
aff ordable prices so make sure you have
plenty of room to take some home with you.
If you don’t have space, simply place an
order at the cellar door (or online) and they’ll
deliver Australia-wide.
27 Stock Rd, Herne Hill
08 9296 1057
www.windycreekestate.com.au
| Page 15
5 Cellar Doors with Outstanding Whites
Page 16 |
Harris Organic WinesHarris Organic Wines is owned and operated
by winemaker and distiller, Duncan Harris.
Sustainability is the core of Harris Organics
philosophy being the only certified organic
wine producer in the Swan Valley. Duncan
purchased the property in 1998 and also
producers organic brandy, vodka and gin.
Stand-out wine: VerdelhoThe fruit for Harris Organic’s Verdelho is
handpicked and treated with the utmost
care. This organic Verdelho is bursting with
easy-drinking tropical fruit flavours, which
makes it a great match for soft cheeses.
CostThere is a small tasting fee which is waived
upon purchasing any of the organic wines.
Expert tipHarris Organic Wines hold a number of
events every year. One of the highlights is
the ‘Pruning and Pizza Party’ where you
spend an afternoon helping prune the
vines in exchange for home-cooked pizza
and organic wine!
179 Memorial Ave, Baskerville
08 9296 0216
www.harrisorganicwine.com.au
EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide, you will
receive 10% discount on wine purchased
on the day of your visit to the cellar door.
| Page 21
John KosovichArch Kosovich is a third generation
winemaker who follows in the footsteps
of his father John and grandfather Jack.
The winery was established in 1922, and
soon after this, the underground cellar and
tasting area was dug out by Jack with help
from family and friends. The underground
cellar is still intact today and makes for a
great spot to taste all the award-winning
John Kosovich wines.
Stand-out wine: Chenin BlancJohn Kosovich produce stunning Chenin
Blanc for drinking now and also for ageing. If
you haven’t experienced the deliciousness of
an aged Chenin Blanc, then make sure you
pop into the John Kosovich cellar door. Keep
an eye out for their special Chenin Blanc
vertical tasting events too!
CostCellar door tastings are free of charge. The
underground cellar is the perfect spot to visit
on a hot Perth summer day, as it’s always
nice and cool down there. Alongside their
Chenin Blanc, they also produce a range of
premium red wines and a blush Cabernet
Sauvignon rosé that’s a must try (if it hasn’t
already sold out when you visit, as this tends
to happen with each vintage!).
Expert tipWhile at the cellar door, make sure to ask
about the history of the winery. When you
hear it directly from the family, it is a truly
captivating story.
180 Memorial Ave, Baskerville
08 9296 4356
www.johnkosovichwines.com.au
Page 20 |
SittellaSittella was founded in 1993 by Simon and
Maaike Berns. It’s a popular spot for weddings
with its picturesque vineyard views. Alongside
the cellar door, there is a restaurant and wine
bar/café on site. The team produces a range
of sparkling, white and red wines from their
Swan Valley, Margaret River and Pemberton
vineyards.
Stand-out wine: NV Sparkling Chenin BlancSittella are really making a name for
themselves as a premium sparkling wine
producer in Western Australia. Their top of
the range Grand Vintage Marie Christien
Lugten is a standout. But you also can’t
go past their crowd-pleaser sparkling, the
NV Chenin Blanc which is also available in
magnum size. The latter is made from 100%
Swan Valley Chenin Blanc grapes and is
highly refreshing.
Cost Cellar door tastings are free of charge for
up to nine people, and you can try through
the range of sparkling, white, red and
fortified wines.
Expert tipIf you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday,
make sure you pop into The Nest wine bar to
try some older vintages and special release
wines which aren’t available for tastings at
the cellar door.
100 Barrett St, Herne Hill WA 6056
08 9296 2600
www.sittella.com.au
| Page 17
209 Toodyay Rd, Middle Swan
08 9274 1747
www.garbinestatewines.com.au
Garbin EstateFamily owned and operated Garbin Estate
have been producing Swan Valley wines
since 1956. They produce sparkling, white,
rosé, red and fortified wines from their Swan
Valley and Gingin vineyards. Garbin also
operate a sparkling wine disgorging service
for other producers in the region.
Stand-out wine: VerdelhoThe Swan Valley is known for its Verdelho
– a fresh white wine with tropical flavours –
and Garbin Estate produce a great example
of how vibrant this variety can be.
CostThere is a small fee for wine tasting, however
this is waived if you purchase any wine at the
cellar door.
Expert tipCheck out their sparkling wines with gold
flakes in - you’ll be mesmerised!
EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide when
visiting the cellar door, receive 10% discount
on wine purchased on the day, and a free
bottle of wine when you buy a dozen!
Page 18 |
Upper Reach WineryUpper Reach Winery is a six time Gourmet
Traveller Wine award winner. Owners Derek
& Laura Pearse opened Upper Reach in
1997, and over the years they’ve built a cellar
door, restaurant and have refurbished an
onsite cottage for accommodation. They
have a gorgeous spot in Baskerville, which
is popular for weddings. During the summer
months of February and March, they even
hold twilight concerts in the vineyards.
Stand-out wine: Reserve ChardonnayIf you love oaked Chardonnay, then the
Upper Reach Reserve Chardonnay will have
you salivating. It’s the perfect example of
balancing the elegance of oak with juicy
fruits and an ultra smooth texture. 77 Memorial Ave, Baskerville
9296 0078
www.upperreach.com.au
CostYou can enjoy complimentary tastings at the
cellar door. For large groups, you will need to
book ahead.
Expert tipPlan ahead and try to organise your visit
when they have a winery tour on off er or one
of their Wine 101 classes to learn more about
how their Swan Valley wines are made.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide, you will
receive a free bottle of wine with every
six pack purchased at the cellar door.
| Page 19
