You’ll taste your way through Swan Valley’s boutique wineries with a small group and a local guide sharing family stories along the way. Enjoy cheese pairings, sample spirits at an award-winning distillery, and finish with handmade chocolates before heading back to Perth. It’s relaxed, full of flavor, and leaves you smiling long after you return.
“You’ll want to try this one,” our guide said, holding up a glass that caught the late sun just right. I’d barely settled into the minibus from Perth—still thinking about whether I’d locked my flat—when we rolled into the first Swan Valley winery. The air was warm but not heavy, and you could smell eucalyptus somewhere behind the rows of vines. There were only seven of us, so it felt more like a group of friends than a tour. Someone (I think her name was Priya?) tried to guess the wine’s aroma—she said ‘green apple’ and the winemaker grinned, “Close enough.” I got…grape. Not my finest moment.
The cheeseboard came out next, all crumbly cheddar and something blue that I pretended to like more than I did. Our guide, Mark, told stories about old families in Swan Valley who still run their vineyards—he pointed out a faded sign from 1923 as we drove by. At the second stop, a boutique place with chickens wandering around (not part of the tasting), I finally understood why people go on these wine tours: it’s less about swirling and sniffing, more about laughing at your own guesses and hearing snippets of local gossip you’d never find online.
By the time we hit the distillery—award-winning, apparently—I was feeling bold enough to ask for a smaller pour (I’m not made for spirits at 3pm). The guy behind the counter had this way of explaining gin botanicals that almost made me forget how strong it was. And then there was chocolate. Western Australia’s oldest chocolate factory smelled like cocoa even before we got inside; I bought something for my sister but honestly ate half before we reached Perth again. Still think about that last sip of shiraz as we pulled away—sun dipping low over the vines—and how easy it felt to just…be there for an afternoon.
The tour is a half-day afternoon trip departing Perth at 12:15pm.
Yes, pickup is included from selected locations in Perth city center.
Yes, you’ll get a cheeseboard plus tastings at wineries and chocolate factory.
If you’re under 25 or an international visitor, bring your passport as proof of age.
No, children under 7 years are not allowed on this tour.
No, there isn’t room in the vehicle for luggage or large backpacks.
Your afternoon includes convenient pickup from central Perth, guided tastings at handpicked Swan Valley wineries with generous pours, a delicious cheeseboard along the way, spirit samples at an award-winning distillery, entry to Western Australia’s oldest chocolate factory for handmade treats, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle—with sunscreen and umbrellas provided if needed—and drop-off back in town when you’re done.
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