Swan Valley: Small Group Wine Tour & Gourmet Lunch

Summary

Small group tastings at Swan Valley’s boutique wineries with gourmet food and local stories

You’ll ride from Perth into Swan Valley’s quieter corners with a small group, tasting premium wines at boutique cellars most tours skip. There’s an artisan cheeseboard for morning tea, a relaxed gourmet lunch (with plenty of options), plus chocolate sampling to finish. You’ll get stories from your local guide along the way — and maybe find yourself lingering over one more glass than planned.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Perth in this van that smelled faintly like eucalyptus and coffee — maybe someone spilled their flat white earlier, who knows. Our guide, Mark, started chatting straight away about the Swan Valley and honestly, I didn’t realize it was so close to the city. Thirty minutes later we were winding past vineyards I’d never heard of. The air felt heavier out here, warmer somehow — grape leaves twitching in the breeze. Mark had this way of pointing out little things, like the old weathered sign for a family-run winery you’d miss if you blinked.

First stop: a cellar door where the owner poured us sparkling wine and told us how his grandfather planted the first vines after “a very long boat ride.” The cheese board came out with these crumbly wedges that tasted like grass and salt — in a good way. I tried to pronounce one of the local grape varieties (Li laughed when I butchered it), and everyone just kind of relaxed after that. It’s different when there are only eight or nine people; you don’t get lost in a crowd. By the second winery, my notes were already trailing off into doodles.

Lunch was at this place with big windows looking over rows of vines — I picked something vegetarian without thinking much about it, but it turned out to be perfect with the glass of rosé they gave me. Someone asked about vegan options and they just nodded like it was no big deal. After that, we ended up at a chocolate shop that smelled so sweet it made my teeth ache before I even tried anything. There was time for one last tasting if you wanted (I did), but mostly we just stood outside for a bit, letting the sun soak in.

I still think about that view from the lunch table — sunlight on glass, voices drifting through open doors. It wasn’t fancy-fancy but felt like being let in on something locals actually do. Hard to explain unless you’ve sat there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swan Valley wine and gourmet tour

• Travel 30 minutes from Perth
• Learn Swan Valley wine region history
• Enjoy air conditioned travel and bottled water
• Visit boutique wineries for premium tastings
• Sample sparkling, white, rose, red wines
• Enjoy artisan cheeseboard morning tea
• Have gourmet main course lunch with drink
• Sample hand crafted chocolates and gourmet foods

Top questions

How long does the Swan Valley small group wine tour take?

The tour lasts approximately one day, starting from central Perth and returning in the afternoon or early evening.

Is pickup included for this Swan Valley wine tour?

Yes, pickup is included from multiple central locations in Perth such as Perth Train Station, Barrack St Jetty, Crown Casino & Guildford.

Are dietary requirements catered for during lunch?

Yes, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are available for lunch upon request.

What types of wines will I taste on this tour?

You’ll sample sparkling, white, rosé, red, and fortified wines from boutique Swan Valley wineries.

How many people are on each wine tour group?

The maximum group size is 10 guests to ensure a personalized experience away from large crowds.

Is there an experienced guide on this Swan Valley wine tour?

Yes, an internationally experienced local guide with formal wine accreditation leads the tour and provides commentary throughout.

Does the tour include any food besides lunch?

Yes, morning tea includes an artisan cheeseboard and later you’ll sample hand-crafted chocolates and other gourmet foods.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Perth locations by air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and bottled water provided throughout. You’ll visit several boutique Swan Valley wineries for guided tastings led by your accredited local guide. Morning tea features an artisan cheeseboard; lunch is a main course of your choice (with options for all diets) paired with a glass of wine or beverage; plus there’s chocolate sampling before heading back to Perth in comfort.