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.
How to taste wine like an expert in Swan Valley
Step 1: Grip the wine glass by the stem, not by the bottom
Step 2: Place the rim of the glass between your upper lip and your nose. Dip your nose past the rim and whiff
Step 3: Swirl the glass and repeat Step 2. The wine has ‘opened up’ (oxidised) and its hidden notes are now more noticeable
Step 4: Take a sip of the wine and swirl it within your mouth, coating your tongue. This allows you to taste the full-bodied flavour of the wine
Step 5: Enjoy the wine at your own pace. When done, tip any leftovers out into the bucket on the tasting counter
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