Swan Valley

Sampling sparkling and fortified wines in a beautiful regional setting with our close friends showing us the sights? Yes, please!

One of the highlights of our time in Western Australia was spending a day exploring the beautiful Swan Valley wine region. Harry and Sugnet are lifelong friends of ours and are probably responsible for our well-developed wine palate, so visiting a few vineyards was always going to be part of the itinerary. Located only around 30 minutes from Perth, the Swan Valley feels worlds away from the city, with winding roads, vineyards, cellar doors and countryside views creating the perfect setting for a slow and relaxing day out. It is also one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with a winemaking history dating back to the early colonial settlement of Western Australia.

Our first stop was to Sittella, nestled amongst the vines near the Swan River, Sittella has a more contemporary feel while still holding onto the relaxed charm that makes the Swan Valley so enjoyable. Sittella was inspired by the owners’ travels through France and their love of wine, food and the relaxed European lifestyle. That influence definitely comes through when you visit. The setting is peaceful and picturesque, with vineyard views stretching out from the restaurant and cellar door. Uniquely, they have a range of sparkling wines, so obviously we had to sign up for a full tasting. We spent a lovely hour or so enjoying the atmosphere, tasting wines and simply enjoying time together in the beautiful surroundings.

Our next stop is one of Sugent’s favourites, Olive Farm Wines. There is something special about visiting a winery with so much history behind it. Olive Farm is recognised as Western Australia’s oldest winery site, with vines first planted in 1829, and the current Yurisich family continuing four generations of winemaking tradition. The atmosphere at Olive Farm felt incredibly authentic and welcoming. The cellar door had a relaxed family feel, and the wine tasting experience never felt rushed. We enjoyed slowly working our way through a range of wines and ports while learning a little about the winery’s long history in the Swan Valley. The winery is known for producing a huge variety of styles including sparkling, white, red and fortified wines, with many of the wines produced in smaller batches to showcase the character of the region. We tried different varieties, and left with a bottle of their delicious Crystal port.

What stood out most to us was how passionate the team were about both the wines and the visitor experience. It felt less like a commercial wine tasting and more like being welcomed into a long-standing family tradition. The vineyard setting itself was beautiful too, surrounded by vines and open countryside that perfectly captures the Swan Valley atmosphere.

What we really appreciated was how different each winery felt. Olive Farm carried the rich history and heritage of the Swan Valley, while Sittella offered a more modern vineyard experience with stunning scenery and a refined but still approachable atmosphere. Visiting both gave us a great sense of the diversity within the region itself.

The Swan Valley ended up being far more than just a wine tasting day. It was about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, discovering local stories and experiencing a completely different side of Perth. With so many wineries, restaurants and artisan producers scattered throughout the valley, it is easy to see why both locals and visitors keep returning here.

A day in the Swan Valley is not about rushing from one place to the next. It is about long lunches, slow tastings, scenic drives and simply enjoying the experience along the way. Thank you Harry and Sugnet for showing us a couple of your favourite spots.