Swan Valley
The Swan Valley wine region, located just north of Perth, Australia, is renowned for its rich history and diverse array of wineries. With a warm climate and fertile soil, it produces a variety of exceptional, particularly known for its verdant whites and full-bodied reds.
Photo Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Swan Valley (just 20–30 minutes from Perth) is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—which gives producers a very broad stylistic palette (from fresh whites and sparkling through to fortifieds and ripe, early-drinking reds).
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Key grape varieties
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Verdelho & Chenin Blanc — these two white varieties are the region’s signature plantings and reliably succeed in the warm, fertile valley soils; many bright, aromatic and dessert-style wines (and fortifieds) are made from them.
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Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc — used both as blends and single-variety wines; they contribute refreshing acidity and varietal lift in the whites.
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Shiraz & Cabernet (reds) — reds in Swan Valley tend to be fruit-forward and soft, often picked ripe and approachable early; Shiraz is common, and you’ll also find lighter-styled Cabernets and Merlot blends.
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Fortified & dessert styles — the region has a long history of fortified wines and late-harvest/dessert wines (a cultural and commercial speciality).
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Major wineries & what they’re known for
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Sandalford Wines — one of the largest, best-known Swan Valley estates with an extensive cellar-door, restaurant and a broad range of wines; long history and heavy visitor focus.
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Houghton — an historic Swan Valley name (dating to the 1800s) made famous by long-standing styles such as the classic Chenin-based “White Burgundy”/Classic White; a landmark regional brand.
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Mandoon Estate — a family-owned, award-winning boutique estate that combines dining, accommodation and a cellar-door experience while producing premium Swan Valley wines.
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Sittella — a modern cellar-door/restaurant producer known for a mix of sparkling, Chenin and other whites plus high-quality small-batch releases.