Pick, stomp, sip and sample – it’s all happening at Harvest in the Swan Valley near Perth this autumn.
The Swan Valley is a “grape” place to visit all year round. And as Harvest in the Swan Valley returns for 2023, it’s a go-to on the West Australian wine calendar.
The Swan Valley has been abuzz all summer, with visitors spending time with friends and family over long lunches and stocking up on local produce. And as we enter into autumn, and the harvest season, it continues to be ripe for the pickings with boutique tours and tastings, food masterclasses, long lunches and dinners, and gin events running from Thursday, 16 February, to Sunday, 5 March.
Seasonal delights
After its successful debut in 2021, Harvest is back with an extended season of events and delicious opportunities to celebrate Swan Valley’s chefs, wine producers, growers, and creators of gourmet goods.
Go behind the scenes to see how grapes are picked, get messy at a traditional wine stomp, make your own nougat flavour with native Aussie ingredients. Or simply experience the sights and sounds – and tastes – of the picturesque wineries and their latest wine vintage. Across three weeks, more than 25 venues in the Swan Valley will open their doors, stands, vineyards and fields for a range of epic activities.
Harvest highlights
The Grape Stomp Off at Naked Fox Wine Lounge & Cafe
Saturday, 18 February
Get your feet sticky at this free ticketed event, acting as a Harvest curtain-raiser. Then come back to taste the fruits of your labour at Swan Valley Espana event on 5 March.
Grape Picker for a Day at Harris Organic Wines and Spirits
Saturday, 25 February
Spend a day in the life of a grape picker at a small organic winery. Pick grapes in the cool temperatures of the early morning. Learn tricks to help you choose the best fruit and participate in grape stomping. Once the work is over, relax with a light grazing board paired with a glass of wine.
Upper Reach Harvest Lunch
Sunday, 26 February
Chef Ryan Fels has sourced the best local fare for a long table lunch showcasing Swan Valley produce across seven grazing courses. With a menu that includes Swan Valley sweetcorn puree with Shark Bay prawns, finishing off with a delectable Whistler’s dark chocolate and peanut butter tart.
Honey Harvest at The House of Honey
Sunday, 26 February
Have you ever wanted see inside an active bee hive, extract your own honey and pour your own jar of this sweet WA delicacy? Don a bee suit and head into the hives at House of Honey. You’ll be able to slice a piece of your very own honey comb before heading off to spin your own jar of honey to take home.
Authentic American Barbecue: Discovery of Smoked Meats at Gryphon Smokehouse
Sunday, 26 February
Take a journey through an authentic Kansas City American barbecue experience of food favourites including beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and pork ribs – all smoked using fruit woods from retired trees in the Swan Valley. Add tasty sides like cornbread using locally grown corn and butter infused with Swan Valley honey.
Harvest Fresh Produce Tour
Sunday, 26 February
Join this exceptional Harvest experience and let Mr Shuttle introduce you to some favourite growers and local providores in the Swan Valley. Then while away the afternoon with a vineyard platter and optional tastings at Pandemonium Estate.
Tapas and High Cheese Heaven at Holy Mary Cellars
18-19, 25-26 February and 4-5 March
Munch your way through three wine-matched tapas tasters, followed by a glass of fortified wine and a WA ‘high cheese’ plate. Plus, join in the age-old harvest tradition of a grape stomp (4-5 March weekend only).
Discover Western Australia’s oldest wine region
Come for a long lunch at a winery, meet the makers at cellar doors, and stock up on their artisan wares. These are just a few ways to while away a day in the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region – a must on any Perth itinerary. Other venues joining the Harvest fun include Kato’s 3000 Grapes and SubZero Gelato, who will have Harvest-branded ice cream and gelato flavours using fresh local fruit flavours.
Harvest in the Swan Valley runs from 16 February to 5 March. Tickets and full details of events are available here.
About the Swan Valley
Hugging the Swan River and bordered to the east by the Darling Ranges, Swan Valley is only 25 minutes from Perth city centre. Jam-packed with more than 150 attractions, with a heavy food and wine tilt, its culinary offerings having upped the ante in recent years to award-winning levels. With craft beer and gin distilleries ever-growing alongside over 40 world-class wineries, the oldest dating back to 1829. The wine harvest season starts in January, peaking in February and March. Come in summer and early autumn for fresh fruit like melons and the region’s iconic table grapes, which are in abundance at roadside shops and stalls selling direct from the grower.
In a gin spin
The Swan Valley has seen several new openings beyond wine in recent years, and with a distinctly gin spin. After the success of its Margaret River location, Ginversity now has a Swan Valley outpost. Here you can try a gin tasting, gin blending classes and dine on a full restaurant menu that’s 100% gluten-free. While another renowned WA spirit company, Old Young’s, has opened their Kitchen beside their tasting room. A modern, bright space with a menu made to delight with local produce and some unusual, very Australian dishes. Following the distillery trail to visit the many spirit-making sites in the Swan Valley is a very worthwhile day out.
Swan Valley for families
And families, fret not. The Swan Valley is very kid-friendly, with one way to experience it via the sweet life. Mondo Nougat, a family-owned and operated factory, has been churning out its goodies since 1989. Western Australia’s oldest chocolate company, Whistler’s Chocolate Co., has passed down their recipes from generation to generation over the past 50 years. Visit its showroom and café that sells the most delectable chocolate confections. While The House of Honey serves up Devonshire tea amongst its honey and mead tastings.
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