Visiting wineries in Perth, WA & other highlights

Recently my parents from New Zealand visited me for 3 and a half days here in Perth. The reason I love wine so much is because of those crazy two! My very first after school job was as a Cellar Hand at a local winery, this came about due to my parents visiting that winery so often.

So when they decided to come to Perth it was only natural that I had to make sure I showed them as many of my favourite wine haunts in and around Perth in the short time they were here! It was a hard few days but we managed to get to; 16 wineries, 1 brewery, 1 chocolate factory, 1 distillery, 1 cider house, 1 coffee specialist and a handful of foodie spots.

It’s nice to see and hear the first impressions of people new to the area so I asked my parents to come up with 1 sentence to describe each place we visited. I left this completely up to them, their words not mine. Here is what they thought…

Pinelli Wines, Swan Valley
“I’m not sure about the Cab Sauv in the flagons but they’d be ideal for a BBQ or party”.
Wine Pick:  2011 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon & 2012 Durif

Providore/Coward & Black, Swan Valley
“Great tastings, not just of wine either the oils, sauces and jams were to die for”.
Wine Pick: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lancaster Wines, Swan Valley
“The magic show by the managers son was pretty special as was the cheese board. The sticky Shiraz was a definite highlight”.
Wine Pick: Sticky Shiraz

Sandalford Winery, Swan Valley
“Great deal by Callum on the wines. However a few team members cared more about cashing up than customer service”.
Wine Pick:  2011 Botrytis Semillon

Mash Brewing, Swan Valley
“Freo Doctor was worth drinking”.

The Tap – Chapel Farm, Swan Valley
“Food was good, service suffered a bit due to a busy night”.

Edgecombe Brothers, Swan Valley – Asparagus Master Class
“Nice to do something a little different that was interesting and had a touch of craziness about it”.
Wine Pick : NV Sparkling Chardonnay

Tyler’s Vineyard, Swan Valley
“Mrs Tyler was absolutely lovely, it was just delightful to be there. We felt very welcomed and they have lovely Grenache bubbles. Super friendly, nothing was a problem”.
Wine Pick: Grenache Sparkling Wine

Windy Creek Estate, Swan Valley
“Tastings with the cheese and crackers were good. Lovely port”.
Wine Pick: White Port

Olive farm Wines, Swan Valley
“Very efficient Kiwi girl at the cellar door, there were some exceptional wines particularly the Cab Sauv and the Petit Verdot made the cut to be taken home”.
Wine Pick: 2009 Petit Verdot

The Cheese Barrel, Swan Valley
“Good selection of cheese and wine and the coffee wasn’t bad for the skipper: it was good to have the matching wine and cheese board, the Australian board was exceptional”.
Wine & Cheese Pick: Olive Farm Wines Crystal with the Tarago Shadows of Blue

Paul Conti Wines
“Lovely underground cellar, best Sauvignon Blanc tasted in Australia – nice and crisp. Very great wines”.
Wine Pick: 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Ugly Duckling Wines, Swan Valley
“Great customer service, very friendly… Picked up some lovely olive oils”.
Wine pick: 2009 Reserve Shiraz

Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley
“The history of the property is amazing, the Irish lady at the cellar door was good value”.
Wine Pick: 2010 Reserve Research Station Cabernet Sauvignon

Ambrook Wines, Swan Valley
“Very pleasant cellar door lady”.
Wine Pick: 2012 Rosso D’ Amore

The King & I Thai Restaurant, Guildford
“Big portions, lovely curries went well with the sweeter style wines”.

Core Cider House, Perth Hills
“Great tasting platter – the lemon sparkling cider was superb”.

Due Jolly, Perth Hills
“Pretty good 08 Chardonnay and quirky cellar door. Nice art”.

MyattsField Vineyard, Perth Hills
“Looovely bubbles, nice big cellar door”.
Wine Pick: 2012 Kenneth Green Vintage Fortified & 2011 Methode Champenoise

Hainault Vineyard, Perth Hills
“Interesting driveway. Good cellar door staff, they were very informative”.
Wine Pick: 2010 Semillon & 2012 Ruby Cabernet (Port style)

Yahava Koffee, Swan Valley
“Great to do a coffee tasting for a change from all the wine! It was very informative and interesting. The ice coffee was a nice surprise”.

Whistlers Chocolate Factory, Swan Valley
“Large range – lovely little tasting, the coconut rough was a favourite for all”.

Great Northern Distillery, Swan Valley
“Tasting platter was very disappointing, the coke didn’t taste like natural coke but rather a cheap soda-stream alternative”.
Spirit Pick: OP rum if I had to choose one.

Rose & Crown Hotel Pub, Guildford
“Beautiful meal! The lamb rack and sirloin steak were simply lovely. Great bar downstairs but pity we didn’t see a ghost”.

My parents had an absolutely fabulous time and they were already talking about their next visit. They would definitely want to head back to Olive Farm Wines and MyattsField to stock up their cellar and they would love to get down to the Margaret River and the southern regions next time!