The Swan Valley is Perth's close-to-home wine region, a short drive north-east of the city, and the oldest wine-growing area in Western Australia. It is a flat, sunny valley of vineyards, breweries, chocolate makers and farm stalls along the river, and it is easy to visit in a day. This full-day tour is a well-reviewed way to do it without driving, with an air-conditioned vehicle, wine and spirit tastings, a cheeseboard, and lunch with a glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink. It is rated 4.9 from more than 200 reviews, and it is marked as likely to sell out. It suits couples and small groups who want to taste, relax and let someone else do the driving.
What to do
The tour takes you between several producers in the valley, with tastings of wine and spirits and snacks including a cheeseboard. A lunch with a drink is included, which helps pace the tastings, and sun screen and umbrellas are provided for the hotter months. The exact stops can vary with the day, so treat the itinerary as a guide rather than a promise. Additional food and drinks and any purchases from cellar doors are not included, so bring a card if you want to take bottles home.
Planning
The tour lasts about five and a quarter hours, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience. It is marked as likely to sell out, so book early for weekends and holiday periods. A tour is the sensible option if you plan to drink, because Swan Valley roads are not served by regular public transport and the cellar doors are spread out. Check the pick-up arrangements when you book, and let the operator know about dietary needs when you book.
Fitting it in
The valley is a good counterpoint to a city day, and it works well on a weekday when the cellar doors are quieter. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and eat breakfast first. If you prefer a different style, there are also river-cruise and brewery options in the valley, but for a first visit a full-day small-group tasting tour gives the best balance of variety and ease. Combine it with a relaxed evening back in Perth rather than a late night, because the tastings add up.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day tasting tour through a nearby wine valley, with wine and spirit tastings, a cheeseboard and lunch.
Best time
A weekday, when the cellar doors are quieter, and not on a very hot afternoon.
How long
About five and a quarter hours on the itinerary.
Tips
Eat breakfast first, wear comfortable shoes, carry a card for cellar-door purchases and book ahead because it can sell out.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and friends who want tastings without having to drive.
- Families
- Not suited to young children, since the day centres on wine and spirits.
- Couples
- A relaxed, shared day with lunch built in, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Pair with
- An evening at Elizabeth Quay or a quiet dinner in the city afterwards.
- Time needed
- About five and a quarter hours, plus transfers.
Good questions
What is included in the tour?+
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, wine and spirit tastings, snacks including a cheeseboard, and lunch with a glass of wine, beer, cider or soft drink. Sun screen and umbrellas are also provided.
Is it a good tour?+
It is rated 4.9 out of 5 from more than 200 reviews, and marks it as likely to sell out. Book early for weekends.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Check the terms when you reserve.
Do I need to drive?+
No, the tour provides the vehicle, which is the main reason to choose it. That way everyone in your group can enjoy the tastings.
What is not included?+
Additional food and drinks and any purchases at the cellar doors are not included. Bring a card if you plan to buy bottles.
