Who’s excited for WA Day? At Tweet Perth we certainly are!
One would normally think that you couldn’t get better than a long weekend with perfect weather and the chance to catch up with family and friends. Well we are here to make your WA Day even more amazing!
Tweet Perth Founder @adam_barrell has given his #WADay pledge. #Perth will you join him? pic.twitter.com/uDVRk9Q0nE
— Tweet Perth (@tweetperth) May 28, 2015
Part of my pledge for WA Day is to relax with friends/family and to drink local. If you would like to join my pledge and drink local than we have a treat for you. We have asked local experts Girl Plus Beer, Travelling Corkscrew and Perth Champagne Club to share their thoughts on some of WA’s best local brews, wines and bubbles.
So when you are at the bottelo, pub, down south or in the Swan Valley – why not have a local drop this WA Day and be sure to share a photo with us of your local selection.
Beer in Western Australia by girl+beer
WA breweries are some of the best in the country, if you speak to any beer lover on the east coast they will express envy at the likes of Feral, Bootleg and Mash being a short drive away.
At the recent Australian International Beer Awards our WA breweries were awarded 88 medals collectively.
Here’s five great local beers for your WA Day celebrations. Good beer, good food, good company, what more could you want on the last public holiday on the calendar for a while!
I have provided pricing from Mane Liquor, Belmont. If this isn’t in your area here are a few other good beer bottle shops – International Beer Shop, West Leederville; Old Bridge Cellars, North Fremantle; Liquor Shed, Jandakot; Swanbourne Cellars, Swanbourne; Cellarbrations Carlisle, Carlisle; DeVine Cellars, Inglewood and The Freo Doctor, Fremantle.
Colonial Small Ale – Colonial Brewing Co, Margaret River
3.5 % ABV | Session Ale
Usually full flavoured and lower alcohol are not two concepts that go hand in hand but that is starting to change. Colonial’s Small Ale is big on flavor, full of citrusy, tropical fruits and hints caramel, yet low on booze at just 3.5% ABV. A quick word on the Small Ale cans, their unique 360 degree lid pops open with an oddly satisfying sound that is hard to put into words.
You can enjoy Colonial Small Ale on tap at Lot 20, Northbridge; The Sail & Anchor, Fremantle; Oakover Winery, Swan Valley; The Raffles Hotel, Applecross; The Royal on the Waterfront, East Perth; and, of course, at Colonial Brewery in Margaret River.
375ml cans at Mane Liquor for $18 per 6pk and $65 per case of 24.
Eagle Bay Pale Ale by Eagle Bay Brewing, Eagle Bay
5.1% ABV | American Style Pale Ale
If you enjoy Little Creatures Pale Ale or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale then you’ll be pretty happy sipping on one of these beauties. True to the style this pale ale boasts citrus, stone fruit and a hint of sweet malts.
You can enjoy Eagle Bay Pale Ale on tap or by the bottle at Propellor, North Fremantle, The Fire Station, Busselton, Young George, Fremantle, Brika, Perth and The Chophouse, Perth.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $20 per 6pk and $70 per case of 24.
Feral Sly Fox by Feral Brewing, Swan Valley
4.7% ABV | Summer Ale
Maybe you like your hops but you’re looking for something not too big and super refreshing, well Feral Sly Fox is the one for you – sparkling golden in appearance with bright floral hop flavour and a soft finish.
You can enjoy Feral Sly Fox on tap at Ace Pizza, Mt Lawley; The Flying Scotsman, Mt Lawley; and direct from Feral Brewing, Swan Valley.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $15 per 4pk and $50 per carton of 16.
Nail Red Ale by Nail Brewing, Bassendean
6.0% ABV | Red Ale
When you pour it into a glass you’ll see why it’s called a Red Ale and when you have a sip you’ll see why it seems to be universally loved. Expect grapefruit and tropical fruits with a soft toffee back.
You can enjoy Nail Red Ale on tap at The Bassendean Hotel, Bassendean; The Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth CBD and Clancy’s Fish Pub Canning Bridge, Applecross.
330ml bottles at Mane Liquor for $20 per 4pk and $65 per carton of 16.
Kaiser’s Choice by Homestead Brewery, Swan Valley
5.0% ABV | Hefeweizen
One of the best wheat beers you’re going to find in WA, this beer is right on point for the style with subtle spices and banana.
Kaiser’s Choice is only available on tap at Homestead Brewery, Swan Valley.
About girl+beer
I’ve spent the better part of 10+ years either pouring beers as a bartender/manager or selling beer as a rep and, of course, enjoying many beers along the way. I started girl+beer as a way of continuing my beer journey with the hopes of sharing it with a few people too.
Follow girl+beer: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Wine in Western Australia by Travelling Corkscrew
We truly do have it so lucky here in Western Australia. We have the world famous Margaret River wine region on our shores, we have one of the closest wine regions to a major city in the world (the Swan Valley) and we have some of the most innovative and passionate winemakers in Australia.
Let’s be honest here, I am a born and bred Kiwi who spent 6 years living and working around the world before unexpectedly settling in WA. Don’t get me wrong, I love New Zealand but I also love WA and its intoxicating wine scene. So much so, I can’t seem to get away from it.
Correction: I don’t want to get away from it. I could easily list hundreds of amazing tipples produced in WA however here are 5 beauties I have recently drank and truly can’t get enough of at the moment. They’re the perfect vinos to stock up on for WA Day 2015.
MyattsField Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine, Perth Hills
Rachael Davenport, owner & winemaker at MyattsField Vineyard, is known as the Queen of Sparkling in the Pert Hills. It’s safe to say she makes some of the best bubbles in the state, if not the country. From the fresh aromas to the smooth, silky mouth-feel and the bubbles that dance across your palate, there’s no doubt this bubbles will help your WA Day go off with a bang.
Currently at the cellar door you can buy a magnum of the 2010 for $75 or a 750ml bottle of the 2012 can be bought for $28.
Apricus Hill 2014 Semillon, Great Southern
A stunner of a straight Semillon coming out of Denmark made by James Kellie (Harewood Estate) who has recently opened the Apricus Hill cellar door. Gorgeous aromas of orchard fruit and tropical fruits with a side of quince and sprinkle of white pepper. Mouth-watering citrus fruit flavours on the palate followed by flavours of flint, spiced pears and it has a crisp lengthy finish. A great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay drinkers who wish to be a bit adventurous this WA Day.
Purchase direct from the cellar door in Denmark on McLeod Road for $28 per bottle.
Little Black Dog 2015 Rose Merlot, Swan Valley
LBD is a relatively new player in the Swan Valley. This super vibrant highlighter pink-red rose is made from Merlot grapes. Fresh red berries, particularly cranberries, and lovely floral aromas escape the glass. Whilst on the palate it’s delightfully dry with flavours of strawberries, cranberries and lime. A good one for the ladies to sip on while the blokes run around playing footy!
For sale at $18.50 via littleblackdogwine.com.au
Evans & Tate 2012 Malbec, Margaret River
Commonly used in blends in WA, this is the perfect example of Malbec stealing the limelight. It has that iconic inky opaque colour typical of Malbec. On the palate it’s super juicy and sexy with dark plum, black cherry and spice flavours. It has a lovely long berry-fueled finish with subtle but muscular tannins. The perfect red for a classic Aussie BBQ with flavours that’ll marry perfectly with grilled meats and veggies.
Purchase via the cellar door in Wilyabrup for $33 or online via www.mcwilliamscellar.com.au
Talisman 2011 Shiraz, Ferguson Valley
This is the red that’ll take you well into the night on WA day. It’s rich, powerful and smells like fruits of the forest, with some bark and foliage aromas too. On the palate it’s literally a fruit bomb with a lovely fruity sweetness on the finish.
$30 a pop via talismanwines.com.au
About Travelling Corkscrew:
If you’re looking for more WA wine recommendations, make sure to check out the Travelling Corkscrew tasting note section on the blog. I also profile other Aussie wines, as well as wines from around the globe. Happy WA Day everyone!
Casey is a passionate wine blogger and drinker. She began blogging in 2010 while working in the fine wine industry in Dubai and turned up on the shores of WA in 2012 with an empty wine glass and an eagerness to explore the local wine scene. She has completed both her Intermediate and Advanced Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses and is continually improving her knowledge by way of online wine courses, tastings around Perth and strenuous product research.
Follow Travelling Corkscrew: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Sparkling Wine in Western Australia by Perth Champagne Club
Historically, I haven’t rated many of the Sparkling Wines coming out of WA but in recent years I’ve seen a real emergence of brilliant winemakers producing some spectacular Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blends as well as some interesting sparkling wines using variety’s like Chenin Blanc, Riesling and even… Shiraz!
Here are a few WA made sparkling wines that you MUST try
House of Cards ‘Queen of Diamonds’ Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
House of Cards’ Winery is based on Caves Road and make a range of single vineyard wines. They use organic and biodynamic principles to ensure the vineyard is kept naturally healthy and sustainable.
Their Sparkling Blanc de Blancs is of world class quality and is a favorite with us. The cellar potential of the 2013 vintage is in the 10 year range, but is drinking incredibly now. It’s clear in color, with loads of crisp green apple and buttered toast flavors. Produced using ‘methode champenoise’ and considering it’s well under $40 a bottle it’s great value for money considering the level of flavor in the wine.
As testament to it’s popularity, sadly the 2013 vintage is completely sold out, but keep an eye out for the next vintage in a couple of months’ time, it won’t last long!
Duke’s Vineyard ‘Magpie Hill’ Sparkling Riesling
In 1999, Duke and Hilde Ranson retired to a 160 acre property in Porongorup, where on his 60th birthday he planted the first vine of 25 acres worth of Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
The Duke’s Sparkling Riesling is one of only 6 produced in the entire country and – I’ll admit it was the first time I had ever tried the sparkling version of what is my favourite white grape.
This is the brief note I wrote in Delectable to give you an idea of how taken-by-surprise I was with this wine;
[quote_box_center]”This is actually a really interesting wine, it’s a supplier sample and I dare say we will be selling this very soon! It’s the 2013 Duke’s Magpie Hill Reserve Sparkling Riesling, yes, Riesling. The nose is an initial burnt toast with a clear secondary of Maple Syrup, whaaat? The palate is acidic and very citrusy so it doesn’t follow the nose, but I really like it. The finish is short, sharp and acidic, this would go so well as a refreshing finish to a busy Friday!”[/quote_box_center]
Duke’s Vineyard Sparkling Shiraz
This is Christmas cake in a glass. Soft, dark berries perfectly intertwined with baking spice and cinnamon. This is a great example of sparkling Shiraz and it’s so food friendly – roast lamb, turkey, chicken, a summer bbq. If you’ve never tried a sparkling shiraz before, make this your first!
Those are 3 of my current favourites, but there are many other great examples, here are some others that I recommend you seek out next time you’re looking for some local bubbles!
- Wise Wine
- Bead Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
- Pink Bead Sparkling Pinot Noir
- Black Bead Sparkling Shiraz
- Oranje Tractor Wine
- Spark Plug Merlot
- Fat Tyre Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
- Myattsfield
- Methode Champenoise Rose
- Methode Champenoise Pinot Noir Chardonnay
About Perth Champagne Club:
This post was written by Nick from Perth Champagne Club which launched in August 2013 and offers a selection of hand picked Champagne and Australian sparkling wine for purchase through their online store located at www.perthchampagneclub.com or via convenient ‘Champagne Subscriptions’ where you get a bottle of the finest Champagne delivered to your door once a month.
Follow Perth Champagne Club: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn
