If you don’t have time to go to Margaret River for wine, I would recommend doing an easy day trip to Swan Valley. It’s a 30 minute drive from Perth (we paired it with a visit to the Caversham Wildlife Park) and there’s plenty there to keep you busy. Since it was my second time in Swan Valley, I’ll list some of my favourite must-visit places. They’re not all vineyards!
Lancaster Wines – 5228 W Swan Rd, Perth WA 6055, Australia
This vineyard only sells their wines out of a tin shed in Swan Valley. Don’t let that exterior fool you. I’m not a wine connoisseur, but their Rose (AUD 19 / bottle) is absolutely delicious and tastes like strawberries and cream. The free wine and cheese tasting is made extra fun with their super friendly and pleasantly chatty staff.
The Margaret River Chocolate Company – 5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA 6055, Australia
Just across the street from Lancaster Wines is The Margaret River Chocolate Company. If you think being a kid in a candy store is bad, wait until you experience it as an adult. Walking in the store ignited a carnal need for chocolate that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Every imaginable form of chocolate was there and everything screamed “EAT ME”! To your immediate left of the main doors, three large bowls of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate pellets were there for free sampling. Strategically placed too high for a 5 year old to reach and grab a handful without getting caught, adults can grab a spoonful of chocolate to sample. I’m not ashamed to admit that I probably had seven spoonfuls.
Lunch at Houghton Cafe – 148 Dale Road, Middle Swan WA 6056, Australia
You can purchase wine from the Cellar Door while tucking into Houghton Cafe’s stringy pizzas (AUD 25-26). The alfresco dining shaded by the original Houghton building and overlooking their picturesque grounds made for an extremely relaxing afternoon meal. You can walk through the quaint Houghton museum and view artwork by their resident artist.
Windarra Honey – 5 George St, West Swan WA 6055, Australia
I’d never heard of Jarrah honey before. It has all the same health properties as Manuka honey, but at half the cost. The jarrah flower flowers only once every two years so supply is limited! Phil the owner started bee-farming as a hobby and has now made it into a full-time job (and I’m glad he did). Ironically, his wife is terrified of bees, but is still dedicated to the business. The couple are as sweet as their honey and their products are completely organic, unpasteurised and natural. I bought some Jarrah honey (AUD 25 for 500mL) to take home as well as my 4th tub of their signature moisturiser that smells like Christmas (cinnamon and cloves) when you put it on. It’s a thick overnight moisturiser that I use for my eczema (AUD 15 for 100g and AUD 29.50 for 250g).
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