15 must-visit Swan Valley wineries

Located just 25 minutes north-east of Perth, picturesque Swan Valley is home to more than 40 world-class wineries and is one of the best things to do in Perth. It is famous for its 190 years of winemaking, which makes it the second oldest winemaking region in the world after New South Wales’ Hunter Valley region.

While you’ll find everything from Chardonnay to Shiraz here, the Swan Valley region’s most popular varietals include Verdelho, Chenin Blanc and fortified wines including Pedro Ximenes, Muscadelle, Liqueur Shiraz and Liqueur Verdelho. This makes the region more well-known for producing a variety of fresh, crisp, and creamy white and sparkling wines. But thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it’s one of the few wine regions that grows and produces a diverse variety of red and white wine styles, making it the perfect destination for a wine tasting tour.

With so many Swan Valley wineries, it can be challenging to plan a vineyard tour and shopping trip that allows you to experience the best the region has to offer. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the Swan Valley wineries you’ll absolutely want to visit!

Best Swan Valley wineries

1. Ugly Duckling Wines, West Swan

Ugly Duckling Wines is a charming boutique vineyard and cellar door specialising in locally grown wines and old-fashioned service. It’s also one of the best Swan Valley wineries to have lunch, as the vineyard serves gourmet platters and pies while you take in the view of the valley and Perth hills. The vineyard hosts live music on weekends, coffee and gelato on Saturdays and Sundays, and the occasional markets to shake things up.

2. Sittella Winery & Restaurant, Herne Hill

Nestled in the heart of Swan Valley, the Sittella Winery is a place of natural beauty and elegance. Its restaurant is idyllic for a relaxing lunch or dinner paired with Sittella’s nationally acclaimed sparkling wine. In addition to fine food and award-winning wines, the vineyard has a dedicated cellar door where guests can taste up to five wines and learn about their backstories from passionate vintners.

3. Lancaster Wines, West Swan

Lancaster Wines is the vineyard to visit if you’re a fan of laid-back vibes and visiting one of Wine Business Magazine’s top 10 hottest cellar doors in Australia! The vineyard is notably famous for its outdoor tasting shed and being surrounded by some of the oldest vines in the Swan Valley region. They also serve freshly shucked oysters to their tasters on weekends and an excellent selection of gourmet cheeses, meats, and antipasto to create your own grazing platter.

4. Sandalford Wines, Caversham

Sandalford Wines is one of the best Swan Valley wineries. It’s also a historic winery, as the centuries-old estate has been winemaking for more than 180 years. The family-owned vineyard specialises in globally known premium wines, and its restaurant is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. In addition to fine wine and food, the vineyard also hosts concerts, events, and cellar tours. You can even book a glamorous wine cruise on the Swan River.

5. Garbin Estate Wines, Middle Swan

The Garbin Estate has been producing premium sparkling wines since 1956. The family-run winery has an incredibly storied history, with three generations contributing to the méthod traditionelle, which is what makes their wines so unique. While the winery doesn’t serve food, except for a cheese platter that you must request in advance, it’s surrounded by different food venues within walking distance. 

6. Upper Reach Winery, Baskerville

The Upper Reach Winery vintners firmly believe in living and sourcing locally. That's why they use local grapes and produce to handcraft their award-winning wines and supply the ingredients for the winery’s restaurant and TreeHouse Pizza Bar. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing, whether you’re visiting during lunch or dinner hours — or sitting by the fire pit. You can also book a stay in the estate’s cottage, which is just a stroll from its concert and events area. 

7. Ambrook Wines, Caversham

Ambrook Wines is situated on a historic vineyard dating back to 1945. Here, you’ll find a beautiful variety of award-winning wines made from Sangiovese, Vermentino, Moscato, old vine Grenache, Chenin, Verdelho, Shiraz, and Cabernet, as well as several fortified wines. The vineyard itself offers a simple and rustic appeal, complemented by Italian cuisine that you’ll enjoy in the vine arbour that overlooks the entire vineyard. 

8. Twin Hill Wines, Baskerville

Twin Hill Wines has been owned and operated by the Kraljevich family for over 80 years. The cellar is the embodiment of old-world charm, with lots of character to marvel at. The winery also offers a nice list of moderately priced wines, from white to tawny, in addition to a range of West Australian cheeses, marinated olives, relishes, jams, and vinegar—all available for tasting and purchase. The wines here are known for being full-bodied and fruity, and the vintners are well-regarded for their hospitality.

9. Faber Vineyard, Baskerville

Faber Vineyard is the youngest of the Swan Valley wineries on this list, but it’s worth visiting—especially if you enjoy long lunches and social gatherings. The vineyard specialises in modern fine wines that are uniquely delicate, with soft tannins, yet are incredibly rich and flavourful. The winemakers here also know how to throw a party, so plan for sundowners, holiday BBQs, and long lunches among rustic wine barrels!

10. Olive Farm Wines, Millendon

Olive Farm Wines is the oldest and most innovative Swan Valley winery. Established in 1829, the vineyard is currently in its fourth generation of family ownership. Olive Farms offers a remarkably diverse range of wines to suit all palates, from big, bold reds to fresh, crisp whites. They even offer kid-friendly Croatian-style grape juice! What’s more, the vineyard hosts fun events, including a wine and chocolate masterclass, sunset tours, and much more.

11. Lamont’s Winery, Millendon

Lamont’s Winery is a tried-and-true classic for wine lovers. Lamont’s has arguably the richest heritage regarding winemaking in Swan Valley, and the family of vintners is not only committed to staying true to the vineyard’s origins but offering the finest wine selection in the most welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can stroll the vineyard or take a seat under the gum trees while sipping crisp and classic wines. They also offer a gourmet food menu and monthly events to enjoy.

12. Windy Creek Estate, Herne Hill

Like most Swan Valley wineries, Windy Creek Estate has been family-owned and has operated for multiple generations. Regardless of your taste in wine, Windy Creek has something for everyone, including luscious and sticky fortified wines. The vineyard offers a picturesque experience, where visitors can enjoy the afternoon sipping classic, award-winning wines under umbrellas, overlooking the vines and the Darling Range Dam.

13. Little River Winery & Cafe, Henley Brook

The Little River Winery is one of the smaller Swan Valley wineries that people tend to drive right by. The boutique winery is rustic and intimate, and it follows centuries of French winemaking tradition to offer stunning Bordeaux, Rosé, sparkling wines, and more. The grapes here are harvested by hand, and the gourmet menu is packed with light nibbles and hearty French dishes for an unforgettable afternoon overlooking the charming vineyard.

14. Pinelli Estate Wines, Caversham

The Pinelli Estate has earned the reputation for being a “family affair” vineyard. Its warm and inviting atmosphere allows visitors to meet and learn from the winemakers themselves! The Estate’s history dates back to 1955 and is now a second-generation family-owned and operated vineyard. In addition to delicious, premium wines, Pinelli Estate is also well known for its fine dining restaurant that provides a modern and always exciting menu for both lunch and dinner. It’s one of the most relaxing and beautiful vineyards in Swan Valley.

15. Black Swan Winery & Restaurant, Henley Brook

The Black Swan Winery & Restaurant is truly an artisan experience. Right in the heart of Swan Valley, the Black Swan Winery offers unrivalled views of its rural surroundings, which include the Darling Ranges. Here is where rustic charm meets grandeur, and the vineyard’s award-winning wines have brought in numerous medals and accolades over the years, thanks to traditional winemaking techniques and age-old vines. This is incredibly impressive when you consider that the vineyard is only seven acres and is still able to produce a range of fruits, including Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin, and Chardonnay.

There are no cellar door tastings here. However, you can taste a few premium wines before ordering a glass or bottle inside the Black Swan Restaurant. The restaurant is well worth the time and money, as the owners use locally sourced and fresh in-season ingredients that make up an eclectic, mouthwatering menu. It’s truly a place to linger and take in the atmosphere and fine wines!

Best wineries in Swan Valley for lunch

If you’re interested in more than cheese plates and small nibbles with your wine, you probably want to narrow down your list of Swan Valley wineries offering the best lunches — or other courses. In addition to the Swan Valley wineries listed above, these are three of the best wineries to visit with lunch in mind:

1. The Mandoon Estate

The Mandoon Estate boasts elegant surroundings with modern upgrades. Known for its old vines and fine wines, the vineyard’s Wild Swan Restaurant offers fine dining in a contemporary setting overlooking the estate’s manicured gardens. Enjoy innovative a la carte tasting menus or the restaurant’s full modern Australian menu. Everything here is designed to complement the vineyard’s premium wine selection and its brewery’s craft beers.

Address: 10 Harris Rd, Caversham, WA 6055 – Google Maps

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 7.30am to 8pm

2. Edgecombe Brothers Winery

Edgecombe Brothers Winery is a multi-generational family winery specialising in classic wines. While the vineyard is known for producing zesty, fruity white wines and warm, spicy red wines, it’s becoming even more well-known for its farm-fresh breakfast and burger offerings. Not to mention, the winery overlooks Lake Yakine and the Darling Ranges, which is quite the view.

Address: 1733 Gnangara Rd, Henley Brook, WA 6055 – Google Maps

Opening Hours:

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm

Friday: 11am to 8pm

3. Oakover Grounds

The Oakover Grounds is the perfect place to indulge in a long afternoon of sipping and eating. The sprawling grounds of the vineyards offer up multiple functional areas to enjoy as well as family-friendly (and free) activities. In addition to its classic surroundings, Oakover offers award-winning wines and an industrial-style restaurant serving up country classics and gourmet items. Once you’ve had your fill, you can perk back up with artisan Fiori coffee!

Address: 80 Yukich CI, Middle Swan, WA 6056 – Google Maps

Opening Hours:

Wednesday to Sunday: 11am to 4pm

Other popular wineries for lunch in the Swan Valley include:

• Sittella Winery & Restaurant

• Black Swan Winery & Restaurant 

• Sandalford Wines

• Upper Reach Winery

• Lamont’s Winery

   

Wineries in Swan Valley with free tastings

For many people, wine tasting is more of a luxury than an affordable activity. This is especially true when you consider that the tasting part is often a gamble if you’ve never tried the vineyard’s wines before. Whether you’re visiting Western Australia on a budget or don’t want to shell out too much cash, don’t worry. You still have some excellent options for Swan Valley wine tastings.

These are our favourite three wineries in Swan Valley that offer free tastings:

1. The House of Honey

Okay, so it’s not wine — but mead has long been referred to as the “nectar of the gods” due to its semi-sweetness and potential health benefits. It’s also in its own class of alcohol. The House of Honey will give you an interesting, educational, and palate-pleasing alternative to wine. You’ll get the opportunity to taste nearly a dozen unadulterated varietal honey and mead while (safely) viewing the bees that make it all happen. They also serve up some interesting sweet treats at their Sticky Spoon Cafe!

Address: 867 Northern Hwy, Herne Hill, WA 6056 – Google Maps

Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm

2. Twin Hill Wines

While Twin Hill Wines was mentioned earlier, it’s worth mentioning twice. In addition to tasting tours that you’ll need to book in advance, the vineyard offers a free wine, cheese and for groups of 10 or less.

Address: 1093 Great Northern Hwy, Baskerville, WA 6056 – Google Maps

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm

3. Ugly Duckling Wines  

Ugly Duckling Wines is another repeat on this list, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking for the best of Swan Valley’s wineries and a free tasting. Depending on the size of your group, you may have to book a tour in advance — but everyone will get to taste at least four wines for free. If you’d like to continue tasting, they only charge $2 per tasting glass.

Address: 7790 W Swan Rd, West Swan, WA 6055 – Google Maps

Opening hours: 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday; 11am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays

Experiences in the Swan Valley

With 40+ Swan Valley wineries, you’ll want to plan your visit to Western Australia and your wine-tasting route appropriately. If you’re short on time or looking to do something a little different, the Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise is always a good idea. If you’re looking for a full day of wine drinking and aren’t sure which wineries to choose, you could always opt for the Swan Valley Wineries Full Day Tour. The full-day wine tour includes five of the best Swan Valley Wineries, beer tastings, chocolate tastings, lunch, and more!

When you’re ready to visit Western Australia and indulge in delicious wines, we’ll be here to help you book your flight!