Pinelli Wines & Fillaudeau’s Cafe in the Swan Valley, Perth

If you live in Perth the Mediterranean is literally a 25-minute drive from the CBD. I am not joking, you can experience the food, wine and ambiance of the Med in a matter of minutes. The difference is that you don’t have to board an airplane for a long, uncomfortable flight that will probably cost you a fair share of your wages.

This piece of paradise I am talking about is Pinelli Wines & Fillaudeau’s Cafe located in Caversham in the Swan Valley. Pinelli Wines is a family owned winery that began in 1980 and is now run by second generation Pinelli’s. They have partnered up with husband and wife team, French-born chef Manu Fillaudeau and Perth-born Jasmin, who run the café/restaurant on the property.

The Pinelli’s emigrated from Italy in the 1950’s and its safe to say that they have brought their heritage with them. I felt like I was in Tuscany again as I arrived to the winery, vines and olive trees adorning the sides of the driveway. The cellar door is bright and open with plenty of room available for different groups to all taste at one time. I hate being cramped in around people during a tasting, it really puts me off!

The cellar door staffs are part of the family or extended family and are all super friendly and happy to guide you through the wines and answer any questions. From sparkling wine to rosé and moscato as well as reds, the tasting list has something for everyone. Check out my #365winesin2013 Facebook album for tasting notes on some of my favourites.

After all the hard work of tasting you are bound to work up an appetite so you would be happy to know that Fillaudeau’s Cafe is literally right beside the cellar door. The day I visited with my boyfriend I was in ‘healthy-mode’ so we decided to share a platter instead of having a proper meal. But boy was I tempted!

We ended up having the Cellarhand platter for $32, which consisted of pork rillettes (a type of pâté so we found out!), goat’s cheese (the most divine one I have ever tasted! We were later told it is mixed with honey and thyme to get its amazing flavour), crostini, grilled squid, bread and garden salad. It was a good in-between meal, perfect for brunch. It matched well with a glass of the Pinelli Sparkling Juliet with its crisp tropical fruit and citrus flavours for $9.

However I have to admit I was already eyeing up what to order next time we visit. We will definitely be back soon. From the beef bourguignon rolled in filo pastry to the slow cooked pork belly and the crab cooked in chili, garlic and tomato – it’s definitely one tasty looking menu! Check it out yourself by clicking here.

On leaving the café we ran into Manu himself who gave us a smell of some fresh herbs he had just picked from the garden. This really topped off our experience and gave the place a down to earth “Grandma’s in the kitchen cooking you up a traditional meal” feel.

If you’re wanting an intimate setting, with great food and wine and that laid back Mediterranean touch, then make sure to stop in to Fillaudeau’s and Pinelli’s for a Mediterranean meets Australian fusion of mouthwatering goodness.

PS: The boyfriend has booked us in for dinner tonight, we literally couldn’t make it a week without going back. I’ll post again on this stunning venue. Au revoir for now!