Just 20 minutes outside of Perth, a small-town food-and-wine trail winds through Swan Valley, presenting a more intimate taste of Western Australia
In recent years, Margaret River has basked in the spotlight as Western Australia’s golden child. The region has become known for its gourmet stops, located some three hours by car from Perth.
But an equally delicious discovery even nearer to the city lies waiting. Fed by the Swan River, vineyards just 20 minutes from Perth stretch across the slopes of Swan Valley. Cosy wineries line up side by side, each barely five minutes from the other, their grape fields sprawling out into the hilly horizon.
We hopped on a day trip with D’Vine Wine Tours and spent six hours sipping and chomping our way through Swan Valley. Here are four stops that left a lingering impression.
Ugly Duckling Wines
It’s easy to mistake Ugly Duckling Wines for a private backyard. Its humble storefront comprises just a bar, a restroom that resembles an outhouse and a couple of seats under umbrellas and a tent. A darling Golden Retriever bumbles between the tables, yearning for visitors to toss her a slice of bread or two.
But don’t be fooled by its cheeky name and simple setup. Ugly Duckling Wines presented a tasty collection of wines, followed by a lavish smorgasbord of cold cuts, cheeses, jams and dips for lunch. Gathered beneath the shade, we feasted in the sunny Australian summer, admiring the rows of grapevines running before us into the valley beyond.
7790 West Swan Road, West Swan WA 6055, Australia.
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