Only 25 minutes from the Perth CBD and 10 minutes from the domestic airport, the Swan Valley is the oldest, most visited wine region in the state. Boasting a unique European heritage, spectacular scenery and a variety of experiences to enjoy, the Swan Valley is truly Perth’s Valley of Taste.
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.
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.
Choices in the region include the five star Novotel Vines Resort and the four star rated Settler's Rest Farmstay overlooking the river.
For more information about the Swan Valley contact the Swan Valley and Eastern Region Visitor Centre on +618 9379 9400, visit the Swan Valley website or download some suggested itineraries.
Download itineraries:
Artisans on Swan (PDF 80KB)
Cultural discovery trail (PDF 80KB)
Family fun (PDF 80KB)
Indulge your senses (PDF 80KB)