The Perth Hills Wine Region

The Perth Hills Wine Region lies to the east of the better known Swan Valley Wine region. However the climate is markedly cooler, thus vintage is 10-20 days later.

The region is very close to Perth and it is surprising that the modern era of winemaking only gathered momentum during the 1990s. The vineyards are located on the western slopes of the Darling Range. There is an abundance of hills, ridges and valleys and generally good soils.

The region is close enough to be influenced by sea breezes from the Indian Ocean; the diverse effects of these added to altitudes varying between 150-400 metres mean that there is a wide selection of microclimates for grapegrowing. Some sites are obviously cool enough for Pinot noir and there are others which are suitable for late ripening varieties.

As a relatively new region it is not surprising to see a smattering of new varieties here as well as the WA classics of Chenin blanc and Verdelho.

The Carnelian grown here is probably the result of a nursery mistake when this variety was propagated in the mistaken belief that it was Sangiovese.

Some of the vineyards using alternative varieties used in this region include

• Briery Estate Furmint, Grenache, Harslevelu, Verdelho
• Carosa Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Chittering Valley Winery Chenin blanc, Grenache, Pedro Ximenez, Zinfandel
• Cosham Petit verdot
• Darlington Estate Grenache
• Francois Jacquard Verdelho, Viognier
• Hainault Gewurztraminer
• Hartley Estate Viognier
• Jarrah Ridge Chenin blanc, Verdelho, Viognier, Zinfandel
• Kyotmunga Estate Barbera, Chenin blanc, Grenache, Taminga
• Lake Charlotte Wines Verdelho
• Lion Mill Winery Zinfandel
• McCuskers Vineyard Carnelian, Malbec, Tempranillo, Verdelho, Viognier
• Millbrook Winery Malbec, Petit Verdot, Viognier
• Myattsfield Vineyard and Winery Durif, Mourvedre, Verdelho, Viognier
• Parkerville Ponds Vineyard Grenache
• Stringybark Verdelho
• Walsh Family Winery Gewurztraminer
• Western Range Wines Carnelian, Chenin blanc, Grenache, Malbec, Verdelho, Viognier
• Windshaker Ridge Carnelian, Verdelho

An interactive map of the Perth Hills Wine Region

There is an abundance of boutique wineries with cellar doors to visit in this region. Many have cafe and dining facilities, and the region has some beautiful scenery as well as being close enough to Perth for day trips or weekend stays.