Located just 25 minutes from Perth, the Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine-growing region and a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. The Swan Valley Wine Trail meanders through stunning landscapes, offering a unique blend of family-owned wineries, award-winning vineyards, and boutique cellar doors. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a day of relaxation, the Swan Valley Wine Trail is the perfect getaway. Here's your guide to the must-visit wineries and vineyards along the Swan Valley Wine Trail.
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1. Sandalford Wines
Sandalford Wines is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Swan Valley, with a history dating back to 1840. Known for its rich heritage and world-class wines, Sandalford offers a stunning winery experience with sprawling vineyards and beautiful grounds. The cellar door provides wine tastings of their award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, alongside exclusive releases.
The on-site Sandalford Restaurant offers a fantastic food-and-wine pairing experience, serving locally sourced seasonal dishes. With guided tours of the winery and vineyard, as well as events like concerts and private tastings, Sandalford is a must-visit for those seeking a full wine and dining experience.
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Signature Wines: Margaret River Chardonnay, Prendiville Cabernet Sauvignon, Sandalera.
Tip: Book a wine tour and tasting experience ahead of time to explore the winery’s rich history and enjoy a guided tasting.
2. Houghton Wines
Established in 1836, Houghton Wines is one of Australia’s most iconic wineries and a cornerstone of the Swan Valley wine scene. The winery is best known for its Houghton White Classic, a refreshing and approachable white wine that has been a favourite for decades. Set on picturesque grounds with towering gum trees, Houghton Wines offers an idyllic setting for a wine-tasting experience.
The Houghton Cellar Door allows visitors to sample a wide range of their famous wines, including Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the gardens or dine at the Houghton Café, which offers casual meals that pair perfectly with their wines.
Signature Wines: Houghton White Classic, Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy under the shady trees, or try a meal at the Houghton Café for a relaxed afternoon among the vines.
3. Mandoon Estate
One of Swan Valley’s most popular destinations, Mandoon Estate is a multi-faceted venue that combines a winery, restaurant, brewery, and gallery. The winery is known for producing elegant, contemporary wines, with a focus on Shiraz, Verdelho, and Chenin Blanc. At Mandoon’s Cellar Door, visitors can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the winemaking process.
The estate’s Homestead Brewery is perfect for those who want to sample craft beers alongside wine, while the Wild Swan Restaurant offers a fine dining experience that highlights local produce. For a more casual visit, the beer garden provides the perfect spot for a picnic with live music on weekends.
Signature Wines: Mandoon Reserve Shiraz, Mandoon Estate Chardonnay, Verdelho.
Tip: Stay for lunch at Wild Swan or grab a spot in the beer garden for a relaxed afternoon with local beers, wines, and gourmet food.
4. Lancaster Wines
For a more intimate and laid-back experience, Lancaster Wines is a boutique winery with a rustic outdoor tasting shed nestled among the vines. The friendly, unpretentious atmosphere at Lancaster makes it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Shiraz, Lancaster produces premium small-batch wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the open-air shed, where the vibe is casual and relaxed. Lancaster is also famous for its cheese platters, which perfectly complement a glass of wine as you soak in the views of the vineyard.
Signature Wines: Lancaster Old Vines Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc.
Tip: Lancaster Wines is known for its great-value tastings and cheese platters, so be sure to pair your tasting with some local cheeses for the full experience.
5. Upper Reach Winery
Upper Reach Winery offers a tranquil, boutique experience on the banks of the Swan River. The winery is family-owned and known for producing exceptional wines from estate-grown fruit. Their Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo are highly regarded and regularly win awards.
At the Upper Reach Cellar Door, visitors can enjoy intimate tastings of their wines, with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through the experience. The on-site Upper Reach Restaurant offers stunning views of the vineyard and river, serving up delicious seasonal dishes made from local produce.
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Signature Wines: Upper Reach Shiraz, Reserve Chardonnay, Tempranillo.
Tip: Enjoy a winery lunch at the Upper Reach Restaurant, or book a vineyard tour to learn more about the winemaking process while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
6. Olive Farm Wines
Olive Farm Wines is a family-owned boutique winery with a history that dates back to 1829, making it one of the oldest in Australia. The winery specialises in small-batch wines, with a diverse range of varietals that includes Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Verdelho. Visitors to Olive Farm’s modern cellar door can enjoy tastings in a relaxed setting, learning about their innovative approach to winemaking.
Adjacent to Olive Farm is The Cheese Barrel, a café where you can pair your wine with an impressive selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world. The combination of fine wine and cheese makes this a popular stop for food and wine lovers.
Signature Wines: Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Tempranillo.
Tip: Visit The Cheese Barrel next door for a cheese platter to accompany your wine tasting. It’s the perfect way to relax and savour the flavours of the region.
7. Sittella Winery
Sittella Winery is a standout in the Swan Valley for its picturesque setting, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Known for producing premium sparkling wines and champagne-style wines, Sittella has gained a reputation for excellence. The winery also produces a range of red and white wines, including Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sittella’s Cellar Door offers tastings of their full range of wines, with knowledgeable staff providing insights into their winemaking techniques. The winery also has a restaurant that is highly regarded for its modern Australian cuisine, making it a perfect spot for lunch with a view.
Signature Wines: Sittella Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Reserve Shiraz, Grand Vintage Sparkling.
Tip: Book a table at the restaurant for lunch to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes paired with Sittella’s sparkling wines.
8. Faber Vineyard
For those looking for a boutique winery experience, Faber Vineyard is a hidden gem in the Swan Valley. Established by John Griffiths, a former winemaker at Houghton Wines, Faber is known for producing full-bodied reds, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as elegant white wines like Chardonnay and Verdelho.
The Faber Cellar Door offers a personal and intimate tasting experience, often hosted by the winemaker himself. The laid-back atmosphere and focus on craftsmanship make Faber a favorite for those seeking an authentic, down-to-earth wine tasting experience.
Signature Wines: Faber Reserve Shiraz, Riche Shiraz, Verdelho.
Tip: Visit during harvest season for a chance to participate in the winemaking process or attend one of their regular wine events for a unique experience.
9. Talijancich Wines
Talijancich Wines is a third-generation family winery that has been producing premium fortified wines since 1932. Specialising in Shiraz, Verdelho, and Grenache, Talijancich is renowned for its rich, aged fortified wines that have become iconic in the region. The cellar door offers tastings of their award-winning Tawny Ports and Muscat, as well as their full range of table wines.
The winery’s rustic charm and dedication to tradition make it a must-visit for those who appreciate the art of winemaking, particularly when it comes to fortified wines.
Signature Wines: Talijancich Verdelho, Shiraz, Aged Tawny.
Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste their aged Muscat—one of the finest in the region—and take a bottle home to enjoy after dinner.
10. Windy Creek Estate
Windy Creek Estate is a small, family-owned winery that offers some of the best-value wines in the Swan Valley. Known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, Windy Creek produces a range of Shiraz, Cabernet, and Chardonnay, as well as fortified wines. Their tasting room is surrounded by gardens, making it a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy a wine flight.
Visitors often rave about the excellent value of the wines and the welcoming staff who make the experience feel personal and memorable.
Signature Wines: Windy Creek Shiraz, Fortified Muscat, Chardonnay.
Tip: Take advantage of the winery’s affordable wine prices and friendly hospitality. It’s the perfect spot for stocking up on great wines without breaking the bank.
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Final Thoughts
The Swan Valley Wine Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore Western Australia’s rich winemaking history while enjoying some of the country’s best wines. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Sandalford Wines, the intimate charm of Lancaster, or the relaxed atmosphere of Windy Creek Estate, the Swan Valley has something for every palate. With its close proximity to Perth and a range of experiences that include tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet dining, the Swan Valley Wine Trail is the perfect destination for a day of indulgence and discovery.