Swan Valley wineries: Wine-tasting near Perth

Try Swan Valley wineries such as Sandalford and Mandoon Estate instead of driving to Margaret River. The cellar doors of Western Australia’s oldest wine region are about 25km away from Perth.

The Swan River wineries of Western Australia are the best place to go wine-tasting near Perth.

Western Australia’s best-known wine region is Margaret River, and the reputation is richly deserved. The quality of Margaret River wines is generally high across the board, and the region has made concerted efforts to offer adventure and nature-based tourism on the days where people aren’t hopping around the wineries. The likes of Cullen Wines and Vasse Felix offer genuinely impressive wine-tasting experiences.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

The problem with Margaret River is that it’s 275km south of Perth – that’s a three hour drive. And an extremely dull drive, at that.

So Margaret River is great if you want to spend a few days in the south-west of WA, but not for a quick day trip. That’s where the Swan Valley wineries come in.

Swan Valley wineries: Oldest wine region in Western Australia

The Swan Valley is closer to Perth International Airport than the city of Perth is. You can be out of the airport, and in one of the wineries within 15 minutes.

From the city, it’s about 25km to the Swan Valley and half an hour’s drive. After Rottnest Island, it’s the best day trip from Perth. And it’s not just about the wine, either – there are gin, craft beer, honey and native bush foods to taste. Other top Swan Valley spots include the Mash Brewery and Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm in Henley Brook. There’s also Whiteman Park, home to several transport museums and the Caversham Wildlife Park.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

The Swan Valley wine region is Western Australia’s oldest, and arguably the Australia’s hottest. This means the Swan Valley is best known for its big, beefy, bold red wines – expect shirazes that clock in at 14% or more, and some surprises from the region’s niche speciality, the durif.

Wine-tasting near Perth at Olive Farm, Swan Valley — Olive Farm is one of several Swan Valley wineries open to the public, should you wish to go wine-tasting near Perth. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions.

Wine-tasting near Perth: Sandalford & Mandoon Estate

Notable Swan Valley wineries include Sandalford Wines, which has an award-winning on-site restaurant, Olive Farm, which claims to be the oldest winery in Western Australia, and the Mandoon Estate, which also offers accommodation and a brewery. Oakover Grounds, meanwhile, is a good bet for a weekend breakfast and local produce.

The wineries can be driven around, but that provides obvious legal issues when wine-tasting. So perhaps the best option is to take a tour. Swan Valley Tours offers a range of public and private tours, which stop at several wineries.

Another option is to go by boat – one of the best river activities in Australia. Captain Cook Cruises offers a cruise from Perth up the Swan River, stopping at Sandalford Wines for a tasting and a two course lunch. There’s also all-inclusive wine on the boat trip back to Perth. At $185, though, this is a pricy option.