Sip and sample your way through the cellar doors of this iconic Australian wine region.
By Sophia Watson
Rustic charm, time-honoured recipes and generations of tradition and passion sown into the land. This is what you can look forward to in Western Australia’s Swan Valley and the iconic wineries that call it home.
Edgecombe Brothers Winery
Where: Gnangara Road, Henley Brook
Asparagus masterclasses and a Friday night burger kitchen are just two of the reasons to visit this historic Swan Valley winery and fresh produce outlet. Edgecombe Brothers Winery is a place that likes things done the old-fashioned way. Operating from the property since 1925, the values of freshness and friendliness continue today under the ownership of the current generation of Edgecombe brothers, whose friendly team offers simple, produce-driven cafe fare, premium table wines and luscious fortifieds and liqueurs. When the weather’s fine, grab a table under the vines and enjoy a slower pace of life as you savour good food, good wine and great views of the Darling Ranges and tranquil Lake Yakine.
Tyler’s Vineyard
Where: Padbury Avenue, Millendon
If you love wine but are looking for a more down-to-earth experience, stop in at Tyler’s Vineyard for a good drop, good conversation and a good laugh. The Tylers, Colin and Donelle, specialise in grenache-based wines made from vines planted over 100 years ago in the earliest days of Swan Valley settlement. The maturity of these vines, and the fact they’re non-irrigated, make for a vino of wonderful intenseness and depth. As a keepsake, take and print a photo of yourselves at the vineyard to create a label to adorn your own bottle. While you’re there, be sure you make time to meet Gilbert the goose, Gizmo the sheep, Howard the duck and a whole bunch of other charmingly colourful farm animals.
The House of Honey & Meadery
Where: Great Northern Highway, Herne Hill
In ancient times it was said that mead was the nectar of the gods – and judging by the delicious craft mead at The House of Honey & Meadery, that hasn’t changed. If you’re looking for something a little different to your typical wine genres, a mead tasting will be right up your alley. You’ll find four different styles here, including Melomel Mead (fruit juice and fermented honey), Metheglin Mead (honey, herbs and spices), Pyment Mead (grape based that has honey added to it) and Morat Mead (fermented honey and mulberries). The onsite Sticky Spoon Cafe offers honey-rich delights like traditional German bee-sting cake and a cream tea served with home-made honey scones, cream, jam and (of course) honey.
Olive Farm Wines
Where: Great Northern Highway, Millendon
Fourth generation winemaker, Anthony Yurisich makes a diverse range of Swan Valley wines at this award-winning cellar door in the heart of the valley. Olive Farm Wines was established an astonishing 192 years ago and has been operated by the Yurisich family since 1933. Over 40 premium wines are available for tasting, including sparkling, white, red and fortified styles. On weekdays you can book a 90-minute guided walking tour through the vineyard and winery to learn how the wines are made, finishing with a well-earned tasting.
Faber Vineyard
Where: Haddrill Road, Baskerville
Latin for ‘craft’, Faber Vineyard is driven by the love of the winemaking process – a skill that, according to founders John Griffiths and Jane Micallef, is learned but never perfected. Established in 1997, the pair have spent over 20 years crafting what are traditional varieties for the Swan Valley – verdelho, shiraz and brown muscat – as the ‘backbone’ of Faber Vineyard. In addition to their love of the wine journey, John and Jane are known for hosting the region’s most exciting and enjoyable soirees. Visit for the Christmas barbeque, luxurious long lunches among the wine barrels or hearty harvest breakfasts to prepare your body for a full day of tasting. An aficionado’s dream.
Lancaster Wines
Where: West Swan Road, West Swan
The award-winning Lancaster Wines is as chill and down-to-earth as they come, serving up high-end wine from within the walls of an unassuming, rustic tin shed. The first thing that strikes you on arrival at Lancaster’s famous outdoor tasting shed is just how picturesque this inviting venue is. Set smack-bang in the middle of the vineyard, the sheltered bar offers free wine and cheese tastings in a casual, relaxed atmosphere with none of the snobbery or intimidation often associated with wine tasting. If it’s low-key, high-reward ambience you’re looking for, Lancaster will not disappoint.
Sandalford Winery
Where: West Swan Road, Caversham
Sandalford Winery is one of the most well-known wineries in all of Swan Valley – and it’s not difficult to work out why. The estate’s award-winning restaurant combines the rustic ambience of limestone, wood and a grand open fire with fresh regional produce and innovative Australian cuisine. For a historic touch, try the relaxed al fresco atmosphere under 125-year-old vines, offering views of vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Groups are welcome for wine tastings, wine appreciation sessions and winery tours, all of which operate from the cellar door. Make a day of it and try something a little different by booking in for a wine cruise. Leaving Perth at 9:45am, you’ll cruise up the Swan River and arrive by boat. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sandalford before cruising back to town.
Little River Wines
Where: Forest Road, Henley Brook
Just off the West Swan Road lies a little piece of France waiting to be discovered at Little River Wines. The de Tastes family has a long and proud history of producing fine wines in the French region of Bordeaux. Bruno de Tastes has brought this family passion for winemaking to the Swan Valley, blending centuries of French tradition with Western Australia’s climate and rich soil. Highly sought-after for their flavour and finesse, the quality of Little River wines is maintained by keeping batches small. For that perfect Europe-meets-Australia fusion, the onsite Little River Cafe complements the winery perfectly, featuring authentic French-inspired meals for that perfect Swan Valley lunch.
Albion on Swan
Where: West Swan Road, Henley Brook
Saving the luxe for last! Best known and loved as a wedding venue, Albion on Swan is a historic property and vineyard on the banks of the Swan River. Its estate hosts a variety of upscale events and is home to a cellar door offering wine tasting on weekends, along with Little Albion Cafe serving barista-made coffee, savoury bites and cakes. The ethos here is simple: back-to-nature quality with a minimum of environmental impact. Visitors to the cellar door are welcome to sit a while with a coffee or picnic – seating is provided at the front of the property, underneath the eucalypts. Be sure to drop in and try the estate-grown sauvignon blanc and shiraz.
