Cheers to spring and drinking local!
Perth is one of the luckiest cities in the world. Not only do we spectacular beaches and plentiful sunshine hours, but we have the Swan Valley. Perth is in fact one of the closest major cities to a wine region in the world which is why we need to soak up this good fortune as much as possible.
We shouldn’t only support the Swan Valley because it’s on our doorstep, but because the 2017 vintage was a hard one for many of the local wineries. Remember the massive flooding back in February? It was classed a Natural Disaster for the Swan Valley with many winemakers losing full crops of grapes just before harvest was about to begin. For me and you, showing our support is easy – we just need to drink a lot of wine. Done!
Below I have put together a list of 10 Swan Valley wines I believe are perfect for the upcoming warm and sunny days of spring. Whether you buy a bottle to enjoy on the patio or you venture out for a day in the Swan Valley (highly recommended) – these wines will put a spring in your step for sure!
1. Pinelli Estate 2017 Breanna Rosé, $16
From the first taste of this pale-coral coloured rosé, I knew I would be consuming a lot of this pink wine over the coming months. It just scooped up a silver medal at the 2017 Singapore Airlines Swan Valley Wine Show – however in my opinion it’s a gold medal winner.
Website: pinelliwines.com.au
Address: 30 Bennett St, Caversham WA 6055
2. Olive Farm Wines 2016 Touriga Nacional, $37
If you’re looking for something a little bit unique and a spring-friendly red wine, the Olive Farm Wines Touriga is exactly what you are after! This is the first and only Touriga Nacional in the Swan Valley. In terms of style, it’s similar to a Pinot Noir with lovely aromatics, sweet fruits and smooth texture. Some may say it’s too easy to consume! Which is a bit of a worry with the limited quantities available.
Website: olivefarmwines.com.au
Address: 920 Great Northern Hwy, Millendon WA 6056
Also Related: 2017 Swan Valley Wine Awards
3. Pandemonium Estate 2015 ‘Carman’ Moscato, $18
This is the perfect drink-now wine with a bit of spritz! I don’t drink a lot of Moscato to be honest. However, when I visit Pandemonium, I always walk out with at least one bottle of their Moscato. It just goes down so well with its fresh, fruity berry flavours and crunchy acidity. A great tipple to be matched with brunch ot to be enjoyed at the winery while looking at the Perth Hills backdrop.
Website: pandemoniumestate.com.au
Address: 1050 Great Northern Hwy, Baskerville WA 6056
4. Faber Vineyard 2017 Verdelho, $19.50
Verdelho thrives in the Swan Valley. It’s typically made into a dry white wine and in my opinion, it goes down so well with Asian cuisine like a freshly made Pad Thai. The 2017 Faber Vineyard Verdelho is not just any Verdelho, in fact, this wee star scooped up not only a gold medal at the 2017 Swan Valley Wine Show but also the overall trophy for the Best Verdelho of the show. It’s easy to understand why with its delectable nectarine and mouth-watering tropical fruit flavours.
Website: fabervineyard.com.au
Address: 233 Haddrill Rd, Baskerville WA 6056
5. Upper Reach Winery ‘The Gig’ Shiraz Grenache, $26
It’s tasty, easy-drinking and simply screams to be enjoyed around the fire-pit with good company or with a BBQ lunch. The Gig 2015 received a silver medal and The Gig 2016 received a bronze medal at this year’s Swan Valley Wine Show. My personal favourite is following this up with a glass (okay let’s be honest, a bottle) of the Upper Reach Sparkling Shiraz (approx. $35) with its vibrant red foamy bubbles and decadent flavor.
Website: upperreach.com.au
Address: 77 Memorial Ave, Baskerville WA 6056
6. Sittella Sparkling Wines, $20-30
It’s hard to single out only one of the Sittella sparkling wines as all their bubbly offerings would make ideal company during the months of spring. From the crowd-pleasing Sparkling NV Chenin Blanc (which also comes in a magnum and is made in a cremant style) to the Sparkling Rosé which I recently couldn’t put down over breakfast at The Nest, to the vibrant and fresh NV Blanc de Blanc and the sweetly scented NV Sparkling Shiraz. If you do manage to come across the 2012 Grand Vintage ‘Marie Christien Lugten’ (also a gold medal and trophy winner from the Swan Valley Wine Show) – try it and buy up!
Website: sittella.com.au
Address: 100 Barrett St, Herne Hill WA 6056
7. Houghton Winery 2017 ’Small Batch’ Rosé, $25
I haven’t had a chance to try the 2017 Small Batch Rosé yet, the 2016 was awesome and from what I have heard the latest Small Batch Rosé vintage from Houghton’s is even more spectacular! Thanks to Deb from the Swan Valley Winemakers Association, she has put this high on my list to try ASAP. The ‘Small Batch’ range from Houghton’s are exclusively cellar door only, but trust me, it’s worth the trip out. Plus, you can grab lunch at the café which is run by Herb Faust Food.
Website: houghton-wines.com.au
Address: 148 Dale Rd, Middle Swan WA 6056
Also Related: Swan Valley Cider and Ale Trail
8. John Kosovich 2010 Bottle Aged Chenin Blanc, $35
I have to admit, I love a good aged Chenin Blanc and John Kosovich do them so well! I tried the 2010 a couple of months ago and I immediately feel in love with the freshness and depth of flavor in the wine. It teams well with a cheese board in the afternoon spring sun. From what I have heard the 2011 and 2013 Chenin’s from Kosovich are also divine. Both vintages received gold medals at the 2017 Swan Valley Wine Show.
Website: johnkosovichwines.com.au
Address: 180 Memorial Ave, Baskerville WA 6056
9. Windy Creek Estate 2017 Vermentino, $12
If you haven’t yet visited the newly renovated Windy Creek cellar door, spring is the time to do it! Windy Creek have an awesome offering of very affordable wines and their Vermentino is one of my favourites. Vermentino (“vur-men-teeno”) is an Italian grape variety that creates a light-bodied white wine full of green apple and citrus flavours. Vermentino is going to be the new Sauvignon Blanc for spring 2017! And at $12 a bottle, you may as well just buy a case!
Website: windycreekestate.com.au
Address: 27 Stock Rd, Herne Hill WA 6056
10. Tyler’s Vineyard Sparkling Rosé Grenache, $30
This is such a fab rosé bubbles. You literally can’t put it down. It’s so versatile as it goes well on its own or matched with anything from a cheeseboard to sausages cooked over an open fire. Plus, I love the fact that you can create your own label to put on the bottle when you visit the cellar door/shed. Definitely a must-visit spot for anyone visiting the Swan Valley.
Website: tylersvineyard.com.au
Address: 301 Padbury Ave, Millendon WA 6056
There are so many awesome wines which are perfect for not only spring but for all-year-round from the Swan Valley. I suggest you plan at least a few visits out to the region during this beautiful time of the year in Perth. It’s also a great time to see the beginning of the new 2018 vintage with the leaves growing back on the vines. C
Cheers to drinking local Perth!
Recommended great wine reads from Travelling Corkscrew
