Cancel your weekend plans: you’re going for a drive and a feast. The lush, verdant surrounds of the Swan Valley are positively packed with award-winning wineries, cideries, restaurants and more – here are a few of our favourites.
Old Young’s certainly know how to make a splash – whether it’s their audacious manifesto (“don’t be sh*t”), bevy of awards or their bold flavours. A must-visit next time you’re in the Valley, the distillery has a steadfast commitment to high quality ingredients, and innovation which they’ve now applied to their food offerings. Their kitchen opened in December of 2021 and has since become one of the Swan Valley’s (and Perth as a whole’s) most delicious destinations. Helmed by Chef Rohan Park (formerly of Fleur, Fervor and Santini), the menu features bold share dishes, like kangaroo tartare served with youlk (a native root vegetable), duck egg yolk and garum, or crocodile chorizo with black garlic and lily pilly.
10581A West Swan Road, Henley Brook
Highgate locals will be familiar with a Saturday morning street sausage from Elmar’s, but that’s just a tiny taste of what’s on offer from their Swan Valley restaurant and micro-brewery. Beers are produced in the southern hemisphere’s largest glass micro-brewery kettle, and strictly adhere to the 1516 German Beer Purity Law, but most importantly: they go down really well with a pork shank. Prost! The sprawling lawns and kid-friendly events make it the perfect spot for a family day out, too.
8731 West Swan Road, Henley Brook
The number of quality wineries in the Swan Valley is almost overwhelming, but tried and true classics like Lamont’s always keep you in good stead. With a rich heritage in winemaking, the Lamonts know how to balance a commitment to quality with a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Take a seat under the gum trees in their renovated outdoor area, and enjoy some of their award-winning wine and crowd-pleasing menu of relaxed tapas plates.
85 Bisdee Road, Millendon
With the establishing estate formed nearly 200 years ago, Sandalford is one of the state’s most historic vineyards. That rich history has brought with it a reputation for high-quality, premium wines – which are now also exported to over 40 countries. As well as their premium wine offerings, their restaurant is one of the most well-regarded in the region, with an Italian-influenced menu and a lush fit out to match.
3210 West Swan Road, Caversham
After a decade of being WA’s most awarded boutique winery, Mandoon Estate have taken a step back from competition – but don’t let that fool you. They’re still producing some of the state’s best premium wines, with two historic vineyards that include vines over 100 years old. The sprawling grounds include three eatery options: Wild Swan’s fine dining that overlooks the manicured lawns, the bold flavours of the Homestead Brewery, or relax with the family on the Llawn. Plus, there’s accommodation at the newly completed Colony, overlooking the nearly 130-year-old Verdelho vines – so you don’t need to worry about how to get home.
10 Harris Road, Caversham
Highlighting the distinctive qualities of their Swan Valley grown fruit, Upper Reach‘s wines are full-flavoured and vibrant, made with a painstaking dedication to the craft. But it’s the warm service and extensive knowledge you’ll find at this boutique winery that really sets them apart – as well as their stellar restaurant offerings. And why not make a weekend of it, with a relaxing stay at the estate’s cottage amongst the vineyard? A glass of wine by a log fire sounds pretty good right now…
77 Memorial Avenue, Baskerville
WA produces some tip-top apples, so it’s only natural that we’d make some killer cider, too. In fact, Funk are so good at it, they’ve had to open a second location about 15 minutes up the road in Baskerville. Their original Caversham location has been a long-time favourite for sunny afternoons, so any excuse for more cider – we’re on board with. Hearty and fun, both locations’ menus go tremendously well with refreshing cider or two.
Funk: 55 Benara Road, Caversham
Funk 2.0: 38 Swan Street, Henley Brook
Guildford might be pushing the limits on what’s technically the Swan Valley, but we couldn’t help but give King & I the attention it’s due. Pick up all your Thai favourites from this well-loved Guildford eatery – their service is as warm as their spicy curries.
147-149 James Street, Guildford
If you’re looking for a rocking and rolling, rollicking good time – you can’t go past Joey’s. Bringing some retro-licious vibes to the Swan Valley, this drive-through diner is serving up some epic American-style burgers and hot dogs – plus some waffle fries that are worth the drive alone.
766 Great Northern Highway, Herne Hill
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Header image: Sandalford Wines