Peel  |  Geographe  |  Swan Valley

One of the two major wine zones of Western Australia, The Greater Perth Wineries district provides a plethora of options for wine lovers across the board.

Hugging the beautiful western coast, this wine zone is often split into its regions, as there are many wineries to choose from. These notable regions include Peel, Perth Hills and Swan Valley, nationwide renowned areas that produce a variety of tantalising vintages. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the city, there is plenty to explore with an easy road trip along the coast.

The three major regions surprisingly vary in climate, with Swan Valley having dry heat whereas the Perth Hills are somewhat cooled by the altitude and slope of the surrounding landscape. Peel, being located immediately adjacent to the Indian Ocean is also moderated by the winds that come off the seas. Ultimately, the Greater Perth Wineries zone produces wines of a similar style, with exceptions coming only from specific site climate and any regional blending that occurs. The reason Greater Perth is so widely talked about in the Western Australian wine scene, so be sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re a lover of all things wine!.

PEEL

The Peel wine regions is conveniently located near the city of Perth. If you’re staying in or around Perth, this region makes for an easily accessible day trip or weekend getaway. The cellar doors in this region exude a welcoming and relaxed ambiance. Many wineries in the Peel have beautiful gardens, outdoor seating areas, and panoramic views, allowing you to unwind and enjoy your wine tasting experience in a serene setting.

GEOGRAPHE

Geographe, nestled in Western Australia, proudly stands as the region’s most diverse wine-producing area. This picturesque viticultural enclave boasts a remarkable tapestry of terroirs, microclimates, and grape varieties, making it a vinicultural gem. With a climatic spectrum spanning from maritime influences along the coast to warmer inland pockets, Geographe offers an ideal canvas for winemakers to experiment with a wide array of grape varieties. From the renowned Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs to distinctive Shiraz and Merlot, Geographe’s vineyards thrive, producing wines that showcase the region’s unique character. With this diversity, Geographe cements its status as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a rich and varied tasting experience.

SWAN VALLEY

The Swan Valley wine region boasts Western Australia’s oldest vines. First planted in 1829, it has been under vine ever since. Vineyards were established and developed by a close community of multi-generational and multi-cultural families. Over time, this has created a passionate group of independent, hands-on winemakers, with deep ties to the region.

Being a natural food bowl, only twenty-five minutes from Perth city, the Swan Valley has always been home to growers and producers. The original market gardens have been joined by breweries, distilleries, chocolate and cheese makers and other ventures. Collectively, you have a rich diversity of “makers”.

While traditions endure, new ideas and sustainable practices are embraced as the Swan Valley pioneers Mediterranean warm climate styles. This is history in the making: building on the deep knowledge of both the indigenous and immigrant forebears, whilst continuing to be “makers” who explore new paths to excite and delight wine lovers.

A vast spectrum of wine styles is produced in the Swan Valley. Very few other wine regions would be able to say that they are able to produce a range of wines from sparkling through to fortified styles in the one region.

The Swan Valley has a strong record of producing whites that are simple, fresh and crisp as young wines and then age for a remarkable period of time of up to twenty years, gaining intense toasty flavours. The most widely grown varieties are verdelho and chenin blanc.

Deb Tucker

Swan Valley Winemakers Association