Cheese & Wine at Ambrook Wines in the Swan Valley

Seriously $36 for a HUGE cheese board and bottle of wine, it’s cheaper than making your own at home!

Ambrook Wines is situated on West Swan Road about 5 minutes drive from Guildford and just down the road from Sandalford Estate. If you’re a walker or cyclist you could take the train to Guildford and then easily cover the 4km’s by foot.

Ambrook is a small winery with Italian heritage which shows through in their cellar door and wines. They have a gorgeous black Labrador called Bella who is super friendly and relaxed. I have also never met such a clean dog, so shiny and she smells great!

I’ve stopped into Ambrook a few times and always heard about their cheese boards but never had the chance to try one as I always just stick to the wine tasting.The cheese boards are prepared super quick and the alfresco area under the cascading grape vines is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon.

The board consisted of 3 plentiful sized blocks of cheese, a lovely olive tapenade, fresh grapes, olives, bread and crackers. It was enough for two of us for lunch and it went beautifully with the Chenin Blanc. The cheese board was $22 and the bottle of Chenin $16.

Check out my Ambrook Wines tasting notes below:

2013 Classico White $16: 
This Classico is made from Chenin Blanc so it’s a slightly off-dry style. On the eye it’s virtually a clear water-white with subtle yellow hints. I found the nose rather closed to be honest with slight aromas of tropical fruits and spiced pear. On the palate it was crisp, clean and refreshing – Granny Smith apples and pineapple dominated. A great accompaniment to a cheese-board! $16 a bottle from the cellar door, wino bargain alert!

‘Amonini’ 2012 Rosso D’Amore $20:
A gorgeous vibrant red-purple-magneta colour on the eye. This red is meant to be chilled which I actually really enjoyed alongside freshly made pasta. The nose has aromas of blackberries, liquorice and toffee candy apples. In the mouth it has a slight fizz to it with those blackberries coming through alongside blueberries, sweet fresh red cherries and a dash of nutmeg. For something different I really enjoyed this one.

‘Amonini’ 2013 Verdelho $18:
The Amonini family behind Ambrook have a strong Italian heritage. They also use corks for all their wines which I love. This Verdelho has to be one of my favourites in the Valley in 2013. It’s vibrant, fresh and an exceptional match with spicy food. On the eye it’s a yellow-white crisp colour. The nose is full of white flowers, peach and melon. While on the palate there is plentiful fruit ranging from honeysuckle & tropical fruits to stone fruits like nectarine. Gorgeous wine which I struggled to put down!

Apart from it being a super cheap afternoon out in the Valley, Ambrook Wines has a fantastic laid back feel. I loved the traditional Italian music playing in the background, the trays of grapes drying out in the sun to make the most tastiest raisins I have ever had in my life and the peaceful outdoor setting.

For more information please check out the Ambrook Wines website or connect with Ambrook Wines on Facebook.