By now we’re all becoming accustomed to living in the new realm of COVID-19. Changing the way we live, work and socialise. Most of us find ourselves working from home, making our own sourdough starters and keeping sane by a daily zoom call or three. One thing it can’t change is our love for quality wine, food and everything in between.
Cue our beloved Swan Valley. A visit to this beautiful wine region is usually the ideal antidote to the stresses of life. And luckily, with some restrictions easing, you can still make a day of it and support the local businesses we’ve all come to cherish.
Hold that happy dance… unfortunately this doesn’t mean d’Vine can take you on a tour just yet as venues are still unable to offer tastings. What we can do is spread the word about how you can continue to support your favourite Swan Valley businesses whilst having some fun in the process! Get ready for your mouth to water and your knees to weaken.
Wino’s rejoice!
One of d’Vine’s go-to-tour-stops (or shall I say one-stop-shop) Mandoon Estate, have kept the beating heart of their operation open for takeaway sales. Not only can you purchase their delicious wine and Homestead beer from the cellar door, they’ve once again thought of everything… Gift Hampers! If you’re looking for a fabulous gift for someone (or personally just need some TLC), Mandoon have got your back.
They’ve created a variety of hampers that can be ordered online or over the phone with collection from their Estate. With names like ‘All Day Rose’, ‘Chance of Wine’, or ‘Cheese Hamper’ you know you’ll be in for a treat. You can also ‘Create Your Own’ with the ability to choose from delectable truffle products, Avanti Aerator’s, crystal wine glasses, candles, honeycomb, chocolate, stainless steel wine tumblers and their wine and beer of course! This is a great idea for that fast approaching event of the year for all of those mums out there. Mandoon will have you winning the golden child award with their ‘Ultimate Mother’s Day’ Hamper. 10th of May, write that down boys and girls!
Wanting to support a family business…
Drum roll please… at almost 100 years old John Kosovich Wines have just been announced as the ‘Best Small Cellar Door in the Swan Valley’ by Australia’s Gourmet Wine Traveller magazine for 2020. How’d you like them apples… or shall I say grapes! Although the family winery is closed they are currently offering free delivery on six or more bottles within the Perth metro area. Alternatively, you can place an order over the phone with contactless pickup from this award winning winery.
If your wine collection is getting low but you’ve felt the hit of Covid-19 financially, have a squiz at Windy Creek Estate’s large variety of wines, including some of the richest and luscious fortified in the Swan Valley. And wait for it… their crisp, fruity white wines and their medium to full bodied reds are all priced between $10 to $12 per bottle! This lovely boutique winery is also continuing to sell Wicked Stepmothers’ delicious chutneys and preserves, the perfect accompaniment to your iso-cheeseboard.
Then you’ve got Talijancich Wines who’ve opened a magical ‘Wine Window’… enough said, I’m there!
Organic, Organic, Organic…
Harris Organic is the only organic winery in Perth and is currently open 7 days a week. Not only can you purchase delicious wine from their cellar door or online, they also produce organic vodka, brandy and gin. PLUS, smother that guilt of your Covid-19 escape drive by stocking up on their very own certified organic hand sanitiser – GENIUS!
Looking for your takeaway wine with a side of breathtaking views?
Go no further then the award-winning Riverbank Estate. Their cellar door is open 7 days a week with sales of up to 50 per cent off in store. You can also purchase your wine online with sales of up to 30 per cent off with free delivery! My advice – take a leisurely drive out to collect your wine and soak in the stunning natural setting of this winery located on the banks of the Swan and overlooking the vineyards.
Better yet, continue your collection with a view by taking a visit to one of d’Vine’s all time favourite boutique wineries. Give me an L, give me an A, give me an …. Okay I’ll just tell you – LANCASTER. This is one of the most beautiful times in the vineyard to visit as their rows of vines become blanket hues of yellow, orange and red. You’ll be greeted with a smile and some fantastic wine specials. Make sure you take a selfie amongst those vines and hashtag #supportswanbiz – no filter required!
Fancy something extra special…
Sittella Winery and Restaurant have just launched their new takeaway menus that will be sure to impress. Pre Covid-19, Sittella are known for the delicious monthly changing set menus their well-renowned Chefs produce. Fast forward a month and you can now experience this in the comfort of your own home! They have created a number of 3-course set menus that can be ordered online or over the phone. If your missing those date nights out on the town or having to cancel your Europe getaway – try their ‘Bring the Gastro Pub Home’ or ‘A Taste of Italy’ feasts. Add a few bottles of their wine and you’ve got yourself a great night out (but really in!).
Not a wine drinker or just wanting to mix things up?
Old Young Distillery are still open for bottle sales through their online store with free shipping, or for collection from their tasting room everyday of the week! If you haven’t tried James Young’s award winning gin and vodka, now is the time my friend. Personally, the smoked vodka is my fav. This can also be paired with their cold-drip coffee vodka to make a mean coffee old-fashioned. Leave out the smoked vodka and you have yourself the finest espresso martini fit for any 10-person party.
Talking about parties, Elmars in the Valley are putting on a car park feast every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Pull in, and grab some delicious German goodies to takeaway – Bratwurst with the works, shanks, chips and beer of course! Elmar’s is also offering an extensive takeaway service with delivery and pick-up options. Enjoy authentically world class German food and locally sourced Aussie cuisine in the comfort of your home, or grassy patch for a picnic! I highly recommend driving out to get your feed, not only to soak in the atmosphere but mainly because all pick-up orders receive a FREE toilet roll or 375ml can of Elmar’s beer.
And what better way to finish your German feast than to escape on that sun-kissed European holiday you’ve all been dreaming about. Get your creamy, traditional Italian gelato fix from the famous Oggies Ice Cream Café – all home-made in the Swan Valley.
Sweet tooth not quite satisfied just yet…
The busy bees at The House of Honey are still open 7 days a week for… well honey of course! They’re also offering honey ice cream, takeaway coffee and honey cake, making this the perfect indulgent pit stop between all of those beverage collections!
And we can’t forget about the Margaret River Chocolate Company with their free chocolate tastings and lots of great gift ideas. They’re also serving takeaway coffee and house-made hot chocolate, the yummiest way to warm up on these cooler mornings.
So, if you’re getting over those odd projects around the house, need to stock up on some vino or simply wanting to treat yourself, why not make a day of it in the Swan Valley.
Don’t forget, these are just some of the amazing venues still open for takeaway sales in the City of Swan. If you’re after a particular variety of wine, a gift for a loved one or eager to try a different craft beer, then please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US. We would love to help you any way we can until we can actually take you out there ourselves!
Much Love
Taryn – d’Vine Tours Operations Manager
