There have been several phases in the history of this region. Houghtons (established 1836) and Sandalford (1840) are among the oldest wineries in Australia. During the 20th Century.

Immigrants from the former Yugoslavia established vineyards in the region, both before and after the Second World War.

Over the past couple of decades many new wineries have been established, while older vineyards which formerly emphasised fortified and bulk wines have been renewed and are now used to produce premium wines.

The climate is quite hot so many of the wineries actually source some of their grapes from cooler areas outside the region.

Chenin blanc and Verdelho are mainstream varieties in this region. Both of these grape varieties produce reliably in the hot climate, although they have reputations for producing fairly nondescript wines. More winemakers are demanding quality rather that quantity from the vineyards these days so the general standard of wines from these varieties is improving.

Zinfandel is a popular alternative red wine variety in Western Australia, and several Swan Valley wineries are using it. Late ripening Petit verdot would also seem to have potential here as well. Over recent years a few growers have begun using Tempranillo.

The region has all the ingredients for a thriving tourism industry. There are many options for making a wine tour to this region. It is just a short drive from the state capital of Perth, ideal for day trips. You can even enjoy Swan Valley wines as part of a cruise on the Swan River. The vineyards, gardens, stately trees, and historic buildings provide a perfect backdrop for picnics or visiting the many winery-restaurants to be found here.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Swan Valley include

• Ambrook Wines Chenin blanc, Grenache, Verdelho
• Black Swan Winery Cabernet franc
• Carilley Estate Chenin blanc, Grenache, Malbec, Viognier
• Charlies Estate Wines Chenin blanc, Marsanne, Tempranillo, Viognier
• Faber Vineyard Malbec, Petit verdot, Verdelho
• Fish Tail Wines Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Garbin Estate Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Harris Organic Wines Bastardo, Chenin blanc, Madeline Angevine, Muscadelle, Pedro Ximenez, Verdelho
• Heafod Glen Winery Chenin blanc, Verdelho, Viognier
• Houghton Chenin blanc, Tempranillo, Verdelho
• Jane Brook Estate Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• John Kosovich Wines Verdelho
• Lancaster Wines Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Lilac Hill Estate Chenin blanc, Verdelho, Zinfandel
• Little River Wines Chenin blanc, Cinsaut, Marsanne, Viognier
• Mann Cygne blanc
• Moondah Brook Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Neilson Estate Wines Verdelho
• Oakover Estate Chenin blanc, Verdelho, Viognier
• Pinelli Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Riverbank Estate Chenin blanc, Grenache, Malbec, Petit verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Verdelho, Viognier, Zinfandel
• Sandalford Wines Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Sittella Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Swan Valley Wines Chenin blanc, Grenache
• Swanbrook Estate Wines Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Talijancich Chenin blanc, Graciano, Grenache, Muscadelle, Tempranillo, Verdelho
• The Natural Wine Company Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Upper Reach Vineyard Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Vino Italia Chenin blanc, Grenache
• Westfield Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• White's Vineyard Grenache, Verdelho
• Windy Creek Estate Chenin blanc, Grenache, Verdelho