Rare Ozzies Book describes 120 Rare Australian Wine varieties details here.

Swan Valley Wine region

The Swan Valley is a picturesque wine region is on the outskirts of the city of Perth in Western Australia and is part of the much larger Swan District.

Image from Wikipedia

A guide to the region

My friend Tracy the Travelling Corkscrew has an excellent guide to tasting, eating and drinking, touring and events in the Swan Valley.

The climate is here quite hot so many of the wineries actually source some of their grapes from cooler wine regions of Western Australia outside the region.

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

During the 20th Century new immigrants, many 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 table wines.

Chenin blanc and Verdelho are among the 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 when over cropped.

Nowadays more winemakers and consumers are demanding quality rather that quantity from the vineyards 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

Alternative varieites in The Swan Valley region

Ambrook Wines Sangiovese, Vermentino
Caravino Barbera, Tempranillo
Corymbia Tempranillo
Faber Vineyard Durif, Malbec
Garbin Estate Chenin blanc, Sangiovese
Harris Organic Wines Bastardo, Chenin blanc, Madeline Angevine, Muscadelle, Pedro Ximenez
Heafod Glen Winery Chenin blanc
Jane Brook Estate Chenin blanc, Malbec
John Kosovich Wines Chenin blanc, Malbec
Lamonts Chenin blanc, Malbec, Pedro Ximenez
Lancaster Wines Chenin blanc
Little River Wines Malbec, Marsanne
Mann Cygne blanc
Oakover Estate Chenin blanc, Vermentino
Pandemonium Estate Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo
Pinelli Chenin blanc, Colombard, Durif, Vermentino
Riverbank Estate Malbec, Sangiovese, Zinfandel
Sittella Chenin blanc, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo
Talijancich Chenin blanc, Graciano, Muscadelle, Pedro Ximenez, Tempranillo
Upper Reach Vineyard Chenin blanc, Tempranillo
Windy Creek Estate Chenin blanc, Vermentino

Visiting The Swan Valley Wine Region

The Swan Valley Wine 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.

Vinodiversity Hotels Booking Service can help you find the best online deals for staying in this region.