Spring is here and it’s time to start planning how you will can be entwined in the Swan Valley.
Have a Go News had a sneak peek of some of the offerings happening across the valley and we are excited to share some of the wonders of WA’s oldest wine region.
From checking out the asparagus farm at Edgecombe to tasting some of the oldest fortified wine at Talijancich Winery, meandering through the Valley is a must do to discover this region which has at its heart are families.
Most wineries and businesses are family owned and it gives the valley an edge that has been lost in other regions.
People put their heart and soul into their businesses and I love the story about Pink Bus Tours driver Mark Harrison (pictured above) who after spending years delivering people to venues decided to start his own with the opening this year of The Tapas Bar located in Great Northern Highway, Millendon. It’s just next door to Olive Farm Wines which is the Valley’s oldest winery and Australia’s second oldest.
Small plates are a great way to sample a variety of dishes and the eclectic menu on offer at The Tapas Bar is not only delicious but interesting.
We would highly recommend the popcorn crocodile with citrus, spices and sesame mayo and the kangaroo carpaccio with beetroot, lemon, parmesan and olive oil (pictured above). Every dish we tried was delicious but it’s nice to sample something that is uniquely Australian.
And if something sweet is on your agenda than a high tea at Champagne and Gumboots which offers one of the few gluten free ‘high teas’ in Perth.
A 100 per cent gluten-free and Coeliac Australia-accredited business this is the perfect place for those who have dietary issues and we were surprised that each morsel we tried was delicious.
Owner and baker Stacey Dadd said she has spent 15 years perfecting her scone recipe and these little morsels were delicious. Stacey has a range of gluten free food available for purchase but wiling away an afternoon tasting her fare presented on beautifully laid tables with elegant tea cups, pots and plates makes for a very pleasant stop.
I like the fact that a visit to the Valley is more than just a quick bite to eat or a drop of wine to sample.
Masterclasses are exceptionally popular and available not only during the spring celebration of Entwined but throughout the year.
Sin Gin Distillery is one of the first producers of gins in the valley and provide a variety of classes. We participated in a cocktail workshop using some of the delicious brews found at Sin Gin.
Located in Swan Settlers Market the venue is open seven days a week and their signature Seven Deadly Sins range make a wonderful gift for those who love gin. If you want to spark up a glass of bubbles than a dash of the sloe gin is a must.
Entwined in the Valley has evolved into a month long celebration with City of Swan Mayor, Tanya Richardson saying she was thrilled to see the event expanded to give more people the chance to attend.
“We’ve listened to feedback from visitors who wanted to attend multiple events or activities but found it difficult because they were often on the same day,” she said.
“With events spaced out over four weekends and some with multiple sessions, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone.
“Come for a ladies’ lunch one weekend, and a family event the next. It will be a great way to get a taste of this beautiful region in spring, especially with our vineyards celebrating 190 years of winemaking.”
So, get ready to fill your weekends with days and nights of sipping, savouring and exploring your way through WA’s oldest wine region, check out the list of events below:
Family fun
• European Experience in the Swan Valley, Baba and Dida’s, Sundays October 6-27. Join the Tolich family for a Sunday filled with delicious food including pig on a spit, juicy cevapi and irresistible doughnuts and crepes.
• Italian Family Weekend, Mondo Nougat, October 12-13. Play bocce on the lawn, taste some Italianstyle wine and The Chillo Collection Limoncello, enjoy samples from Mondo Nougat and Morish Nuts, then order a gelato, cannoli, pizza or arancini to snack on.
• Kids Oktoberfest, Swan Valley Station, October 12-13 and October 19-20. Enjoy fun activities including sensory play and colouring in, plus a delicious schedule of pop-up tastings from locals Hippie Kombucha, Swan Valley Fudge and Robyn’s Creative Cakes.
• Swan Valley Sisters 7th Annual Market Day, October 12. Browse and buy jewellery, art, condiments, fresh produce and plants galore. Then, pop into the Produce Cafe for a famous toastie or tempting cake or baked treat to enjoy by the lake. There will also be entertainment and food trucks.
Masterclasses
• Asparagus Masterclass, Edgecombe Winery, Saturdays and Sundays from October 5-27. Delve into the fascinating world of the Swan Valley’s favourite spring vegetable through lively discussions, complemented by a guided wine tasting, lunch, and dessert.
• Sparkling Masterclass, Garbin Estate Wines, October 6. Find out what goes into the perfect glass of bubbly with a hands-on sparkling wine adventure, including a personalised tour, tastings and a delectable cheese platter.
• Food and Wine Matching, Upper Reach Winery, October 12. Discover the hidden potential of wine to enhance your food experience. Explore eight canapes and eight different wines, then use your new skills to choose wine to match with your main course.
• Beekeeping Experience and Honey Masterclass, The House of Honey, October 20. Experience taking on the role of a beekeeper followed by a unique tasting experience with owners Kim and Rupert, WA’s only honey sommeliers.
Linger over a long lunch or dinner
• The Longest Rose Luncheon, Sandalford Wines, October 5. Sandalford will be pretty in pink with an afternoon of dining, sipping pink cocktails and rosé, complete with an outdoor pink dancefloor and Looking Pink entrance wall for the perfect selfie.
• John Kosovich Wines Spring Lunch, Oscar’s in the Valley, October 6. The six-course tasting menu at Oscar’s in the Valley will feature dishes including the freshest WA seafood and expertly dry-aged meats, paired with acclaimed John Kosovich Wines.
• Starlit Sips and Tapas, Olive Farm Wines and The Tapas Bar, October 11. Experience celestial wonders and earthly delights while marvelling at the night sky through professional telescopes guided by Perth Observatory volunteers.
• Leisurely Long Table Shiraz Lunch, October 12-13. Showcasing Lamont’s award-winning vintages of Old Vine Shiraz, these lunches promise an afternoon of convivial company celebrating Lamont’s 35th year of excellence in crafting premium wine and food.
• Smokey BBQ Tasters & Delights, Valley Social, October 26. Indulge in an evening of smoky barbecue delicacies paired with boutique hemp-infused beer tasters. Local musicians will serenade diners under the stars, creating the perfect ambiance for a magical night.
Cheers to Swan Valley beverages!
• Pop Up Bar, Old Young’s, Saturdays and Sundays from October 5- 27. Celebrate with the crew out the front as they unveil the limited Juniper Society’s October edition! Enjoy exclusive tastings or indulge in a classic Old Young’s signature serve.
• Fortified Blending Class, Talijancich Wines, October 5. Learn the art of fortified blending from Swan Valley specialist James Talijancich. Join the team to taste premium aged wines and fortifieds including barrel samples.
• Spring Wine Release Launch, Nikola Estate, October 12. Enjoy 10 expertly paired wines and canapés, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Meet the winemakers, learn the stories behind the bottles and celebrate the flavours of the season.
• A Celebration of 190 Years of Winemaking, Windy Creek Estate, October 20. Enjoy wine conversations and tastings from a selection of award-winning wines from the recent Swan Valley Wine Show and Australian Chenin Blanc Challenge, with locally-sourced finger foods.
• Chenin Social, Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants, October 26. This historic Guildford venue will be sampling Chenin Blanc from producers including Vino Volta, Pinelli Estate and Swan Valley Wines.
Events are already selling out fast so don’t miss your opportunity to get tickets to your favourite picks for Entwined in the Swan Valley at www.swanvalley.com.au/entwined
