Following on from our introduction to the Swan Valley in The Swan Valley Re-Explored, now we take a closer look at eating and drinking options in the area.
In the past, this region just 25 minutes east of Perth has been acclaimed for its vineyards and wines. Now, the Swan Valley is fast expanding its profile as a foodie destination with new restaurants, cafes, gourmet shops, pop-up food options, fresh fruit and vegetable markets and tasting experiences. The venues we mention below are just a few of many wonderful options for you to experience in the Swan Valley.
Wine in the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. The long hot summers of Western Australia ensure that grapes are grown here reach premium ripeness. This region produces one of the largest varieties of wine due to the range of different soils found here. Wines range across the spectrum from Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc to Sparkling Wines and Fortified Wines. Don’t forget to try a local wine sorbet if it’s on offer – a simply delicious and refreshing way to end a wine tasting.
Most vineyards offer wine tasting options for you to try their locally made wine. Your host at the cellar door or tasting table can offer a wealth of information on how the wine is made, the distinction in flavours, grape varieties and bottling processes. At most vineyards, for 4 or fewer people, you can taste the wines for free. For larger groups, there is a tasting fee.
Bottles of wine can be purchased at the cellar door or adjoining stores. You can also enquire about vineyard tours to learn how the wine is made.
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail offers an award-winning scenic route for you to get the most of the Swan Valley. Larger international vineyards like Sandleford and Houghton have large tasting rooms but the smaller vineyards are definitely worth a visit too Sandleford Winery was one of the first vineyards in the Swan Valley as well as being a pioneer in Margaret River and well worth a visit to try their amazing wines. The Laughing Barrel, Ugly Duckling Wines and Carilley Estate are just a few of the venues to stop at.
Beer & Cider in the Swan Valley
Beer and Cider Houses have become a popular activity in the Swan Valley, where you can taste some unique and local craft beers. The recent launch of the Cider and Ale Trail has proved a popular taste sensation and a way to enjoy locally made beers and ciders and meet the brewers. The Feral Brewing Co offers restaurant or beer garden dining where you can taste beers fresh from their on-site brewery – or visit the tap room to try 16 different beers on tap.
Coffee & Cake in the Swan Valley
There is nothing better than whiling away an afternoon with a plate of delicious sweet treats washed down with delicious coffee or tea options. Whether scones, cakes, or a range of other sweet offerings are your thing, there is something here for every sweet tooth.
The Swan Valley Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant offering gluten free food and cakes. The macaron and cake factory at Maison Saint-Honore are definitely worth a tasting. The Cottage Tearooms offer a range of freshly brewed teas and Yahava Coffee – all from a delightfully renovated ’50s style cottage. For group High Tea bookings, check out Valenti’s on the Brook.
Yahava KoffeeWorks is an Australian boutique coffee roaster, who travel all over the world to find the best coffee beans. Taste speciality coffee, watch the roasters or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee. Yahava is offered at a wide range of venues across Western Australia.
Restaurants & Cafes in the Swan Valley
Restaurants and cafes in the Swan Valley offer a range of dining options from fine dining to family friendly, relaxed and casual eating. There are now over 90 restaurant and cafe options in this region and it is proudly referred to as “Perth’s Valley of Taste”.
Mandoon Estate offers a fine dining restaurant, microbrewery, purpose-built function centre, cellar door with private wine tasting cellar, outdoor deli and bar. The Laughing Barrel offers gourmet pizzas, homemade bread, bruschetta and fresh fish, all in a relaxed rustic environment. Lamont’s Winery offers a casual dining menu (changing monthly) with dishes designed to share at rustic wooden tables, benches and stools.
Gourmet Local Produce in the Swan Valley
There’s a burgeoning list of gourmet goods, from extra virgin olive oils, speciality cheese, marinated olives, tapenades, dried fruits, pickles and preserves to handmade chocolate, fudge, truffles, nuts and nougat.
Mondo Nuts
Taste a wide array of nuts at Morish Nuts. From caramel coated, wasabi macadamia, hot cashews and almonds to abalone flavoured, savoury nibbles.
Nougat
At the Mondo Nougat Factory, you can sample the world’s finest nougat made from local Australian ingredients.
Honey Tasting
Taste locally made honey at the House of Honey and be amazed at how many different varieties of honey there are and how different they taste.
Fruit & Vegetable Markets in the Swan Valley
Experience the best locally grown produce from the Swan Valley at a range of stores and roadside stalls. The Swan Valley Farmers Market offers local produce as does the Farmers Market at Edgecombe Brothers.
Fruit Picking in the Swan Valley
Fruit picking in the Swan Valley is a popular pastime for Perth locals and visitors alike. You can pick Strawberries, Mangos, Plums Apples and more at various farms and vineyards in the Swan Valley and Pickering Brook in the Perth Hills. Find out more.
Swan Valley Tasting Tours
If you would like to relax and explore the Swan Valley, why not consider joining a tasting tour. Explore Tours Perth offers a Swan Valley Half Day tour where you can sample nuts, chocolate, wine, nougat, honey and coffee and enjoy a wander around the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery.
For group tours, consider a full day Swan Valley Wine Tour, visiting up to 5 vineyards for wine tasting, vineyard lunch, cheese tasting and chocolate tasting. Contact us today to find out more
The post The Swan Valley Re-Explored – Exquisite Taste Sensations appeared first on Explore Tours Perth.
