Swan Valley

Swan Valley 27th Feb - 3rd March

The Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region and the second oldest in Australia, has a winemaking history spanning nearly 200 years. Established alongside colonial Guildford, it remains a cornerstone of the state's viticulture.

In 1829, botanist Thomas Waters planted the first grapevines at Olive Farm in South Guildford, recognising the Mediterranean climate's suitability for viticulture. By 1834, the region produced its first commercial vintage, marking the start of its rich winemaking tradition.

The actual caravan site was a strange place to get your bearings , surround by industrial estates and doggie neighbor hoods and a rough round the edges caravan park that was in desperate needed of care and attention or just flatting. We hired a couple of electric bikes so choose this park solely because of location being so close to the winery’s.

28th Feb Old Young’s Distillery- Henley Brook
The bikes got delivered to the park, it was late morning we set off!With our seats burning in 30deg heat! The temp was set to rise over the next few days so we only had two days to wizz round without risking heat stoke!

First stop Old Young’s distillery.
We knew we were in for a ride as soon as we entered though the wrong door and was greeted by the anti christ! Her words not ours!
I have to say I’ve never tasted such good gin and vodka but then again that could have been the wall paper that seems to move when you stared at it!
Obviously we finished off with a small purchase.

SIX SEASONS GIN
This herbal and earthy gin pays tribute to the six seasons of the Noongar people indigenous to the Swan Valley. A savory gin for special occasions that makes a unique and complex martini.

SMOKED VODKA
Gather around the campfire. We’ve collected hickory, cherrywood, peat and eucalyptus to make a distiller’s mix that adds a smoky dimension to classic cocktails such as an old-fashioned or manhattan, not to mention making a downright dirty vodka martini.

Next stop
Beelzebub Brewing Co
We were actually looking for a different brewery but as one can imagine when you’re on a bike and have traveled Km’s and pub will do!
We had the brewery to our selves maybe because it was early afternoon and only two alcoholics riding electric bikes would make the journey in a modest heatwave but someone has too!
We walked away with a 1lt pale ale jug after having ordered their sample paddle with an array of different tasters accompanied by a rather poor cheese board!
The function room was a surprise a giant shed with decor which resembled the Victorian era with a mix of the squid games with a dash of industrial which I rather liked.
On the way back Paul received his “first” puncture, we had just enough time to get to the local bike shop , fix it and get a back up tube and pump incase!Læs mere