Swan Valley Vineyards, Perth

I found myselves in Perth for business rather than leisure, but tempted by the glorious weather that Perth enjoys almost all year round, I decided to stay the weekend and explore. some Aussie friends suggested I spend Saturday in the Swan Valley Vineyards sampling local wines and cuisine - sounded good to me!

Having similar scenery to more famous wine regions to the south such as Margaret River, but without the lengthy drive, the Swan Valley is just right for a day trip out of Perth. By car, it takes less than half an hour to get there. If you plan to taste lot of wine, there are alternative options to driving, including guided river cruises, which shuttle you from one waterfront vineyard to the next (A$75-A$175). You can also hire a driver for the day, or opt to cycle through the area if you're feeling motivated.

My friends offered to drive us to some of their favourite spots on the wine trail. I were greatful for the personalised tour, as the massive 32-kilometre loop is filled with a multitude of choices, including over 40 wineries, a chocolate factory, bed and breakfasts and cafes. There is a visitor's centre in the historic town of Guildford, where the region begins. Here you can pick up a self-guided tour map and get suggestions on what to visit. Luckily, it's hard to go wrong as every establishment has its own charm.

Suggested Stops:

There are several types of wineries in the area, from family run boutiques to large, well-known institutions. Even some of the biggest ones are still run by descendants of the original owners who came from Europe to Australia in the 1800s, so be prepared to imbibe some history with your wine.

I decided to visit a range of places, starting with Oakover Estate, a small operation with a laid-back, family-orientated atmosphere. After sampling some of the excellent Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay that the area is known for, I sat down to an alfresco lunch on the terrace. As I ate my delicious sage roated chicken and potatoes, I took in the beautiful surrounds. There were couples, families and groups of friends all enjoying each other's company amidst rolling vineyards. Oakover is informal enough for a casual gathering, but still manages to make you fel elegant. Another of this boutique genre is the Upper Teach Winery. We didn't have time to go there, but we were told it was outstanding.

I highly recommend the Sandalford Estate, which is much grander in scale. In fact, it's one of the Swan Valley's leading tourism facilities, offering extensive winery tours, wine-appreciation classes, outdoor concerts, and dining. Its vineyard is truly impressive and the grounds are immaculately kept, providing the perfect place for a romantic stroll in the sun. Unlike some of the smaller wineries, whose winers can be purchased only from the cellar door, Sandalford's three ranges of wine are available in stores, restaurants and hotels all over the world. This is a good place to visit if you're interested in learning a large wine outfit operates.

Another worthwhile stop, especially with kids, is Whiteman Park. This conservation area is home to a myriad of tree and plant species as well as native animals, such as kangaroos and reptiles that roam free in their natural habitat.

When you're had enough wine and wildlife for one day, I suggest making your way over to the Margaret River Chocolate Company, where you can watch chocolate being made, binge on free samples and purchase all sorts of goodies. This is a dangerous place for anyone with a sweet tooth.