New gourmet destination in the Swan Valley

The Swan Valley has a new drawcard for lovers of food and drinks.

Family-owned and -operated restaurant Oscar’s has partnered with the team at Limeburners Whisky and Ginversity Gin to open Oscar’s in the Valley.

Previously located in nearby Guildford, Oscar’s is now at the cellar door of Limeburners and Giniversity in the Valley in the Swan Valley wine region, which is just a 30-minute drive from Perth city centre.

The restaurant offers a modern Australian menu designed for sharing and one that celebrates the local produce.

The food can be paired with a selection of different gin and whisky cocktails from Limeburners and Ginversity, as well as Swan Valley wines and local beers, Tourism Western Australia reports.

Oscar’s menu is built on source great produce, keeping it simple, and cooking over fire.

There are three tasting menus on offer, as well as a la carte dining. Think dishes like seared scallops with smoked pumpkin cream and basil, and braised lamb, cauliflower and potato croquette with mint sauce.

Oscar's is open five days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday).

See https://oscarsinthevalley.com.au/

Luxury new accommodation opens in Margaret River

There will be a new place to stay in the Margaret River region from next month with the opening of Edge Luxury Villas at Springwater Estate.

The adults-only retreat will start welcoming guests in a couple of weeks. 

There will be four luxury villas, all built over the property's lake and boasting water views from their private decks. 

All the villas are equipped with self-sufficient kitchenettes, lounge areas, king beds, bathrooms with freestanding stone baths, and luxury fittings.

One of the villas is also fully accessible for those with mobility issues. 

See  https://www.edgeluxuryvillas.com.au/

In other hospitality news from Tourism Western Australia, the Wonil Hotel in Perth has opened its signature restaurant West Kitchen & Bar.

It is said to offer a "laid-back culinary experience" while taking in views of Perth and the Swan River.

West Kitchen & Bar aims to exclusively source West Australian produce and wines.

Meanwhile, Dunn Bay Continental, a grocer, wine store, café, deli and flower shop, has opened in Dunsborough, serving up gourmet produce from the Margaret River region and beyond.

Dunn Bay Continental is located within the new Southcamp precinct, which opened its doors earlier this year with village-style accommodation offering 18 cabins and two apartments, alongside a Brewhouse bar and kitchen.

Back in Perth, Elizabeth Quay will welcome the opening of another venue on the waterfront this month, with 6HEAD Perth set to open its doors on November 24.

This will be the second venue for the premium steakhouse, after opening in Sydney in 2019.

Busselton's hospitality scene continues to boom, with the opening of Inara Dining in the newly redeveloped Busselton Central Shopping Centre.

The contemporary restaurant and bar specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine.

The state's WA's oldest wine region, the Swan Valley, has welcomed another micro-distillery and tasting room.

Damaged Goods Distilling Co gets its name from its sustainable concept of using 'waste' and unwanted produce to distil liquor.

The spirits on offer including a citrus gin, smashed apple aperitivo and banana vodka. A little weird. but hey.

Farewell The Colony, hello Maya Maya

Mandoon Estate's The Colony accommodation - one of the most popular places to stay in the Swan Valley wine region - has been rebadged to acknowledge Traditional Owners.

Mandoon, a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia, says the change reflects its commitment and connection to Country.

The name of  the 32-room retreat has been changed to 'Maya Maya' - which means 'camp' in local language.

The land on which Mandoon Estate now resides was a popular camping location for the Whadjuk Noongar people, due to its rich resources.

The move is described as "mirroring Mandoon's steadfast dedication to fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity."

In 2022, Mandoon Estate commenced a transformative journey by embarking on a 'Reflect' Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The rename was an integral aspect of this journey. It was guided by Nelson Waite, Mandoon Estate's cultural development co-ordinator, in collaboration with local Traditional Custodians.

"Undergoing the change to Maya Maya, we embark on a fresh chapter that not only mirrors our dedication to luxury, but also honours cultural inclusivity, welcoming guests to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Swan Valley,” said Mandoon Estate general manager Travers O'Rafferty.

"Tthe change honours and shows respect for the history of the Whadjuk Noongar people and what existed before us."

Kate Shilling, executive officer of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, said that Mandoon was leading the way when it came to celebrating its Indigenous heritage.

“The Swan Valley region holds a rich history, and Mandoon Estate offers a unique opportunity to listen to the stories of this area and learn about local Indigenous food and culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook,” she said.

Mandoon Estate engaged artist Samaja Miller - a young Aboriginal woman from the Minang and Kaneang people - to create the new logo for the accommodation, which represents the camp, the soil and the Swan River.

Exploring one of Australia's best-kept wine and gourmet secrets

 

Mandoon Estate is a hugely popular destination for Perth gourmets, being just a 20-minute drive from the city and offering wine, food and craft beer experiences.

Because very few of its wines make it east, it still remains something of a secret for visitors.

I'd recommend a night at the boutique on-vineyard accommodation - The Colony at Mandoon Estate - to properly enjoy all there is on offer.

There's a lot of history here, along with wine and food delights.

Mandoon Estate was established by the Erceg family in 2008 after they purchased the historic Roe Family property at Caversham.

The property had been in the hands of the Roe family since settlement in the 1840s by their late forefather, the Swan River Colonies First Surveyor General, John Septimus Roe.

Some of the vines on the property, planted with verdelho, chenin blanc, semillon and frontignac, are over 100 years old. The verdelhos and chenins particularly took my fancy. 

Other grapes from the former Bramley research station in Margaret River. Originally planted in 1976.

The 32 modern rooms on the Swan Valley property are very well equipped and overlook the historic verdelho vines planted in 1895 on the banks of the Swan River.

Rooms have LCD TVs and high-speed internet access along with ironing board and iron and a private safe.

There are mini fridges, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and parking is free.

The staff are extremely friendly and laid back and the rooms extremely comfortable. Prices start at under $200 a night.

The Mandoon Estate winery was established in 2010 in the Swan Valley with wines being produced under the guidance of senior winemaker Ryan Sudano (below); while the Homestead Brewery on site offers a range of craft brews.

You can dine at the brewery or enjoy an a la carte experience at the Wild Swan restaurant, which specialises in modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local produce, or alternatively enjoy a picnic on the lawns.

Mandoon Estate is a member of the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia group www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au and offers a range of interesting on-site experiences, including The Perfect Blend.

Guests blend their own wine with assistance from an expert, exploring the unique characteristics of different wine varieties and how they can work together to create harmony and balance; and make the perfect wine to suit your taste.

It is a lot of fun, and you go home with your own unique bottle, complete with a personalised label. I shared my blend with my tasting group a week later and they were impressed (I think).

Another exciting experience is a Bush Tucker Tasting (subject to the availability of Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook).

Also on site is Linton & Kay Galleries, which specialises in contemporary painting, sculpture and Aboriginal art from emerging and established artists.

The gallery is housed in the original Roe family homestead (circa 1905) overlooking the upper reaches of the Swan River, and exhibits a selection of Australian and international fine art.

See https://mandoonestate.com.au

A West Australian gourmet destination you must not miss

Combine 180 years of history, fine wines and food and beautiful riverside gardens and you have a "must visit" destination in the Swan Valley, just a short drive from downtown Perth.

Sandalford Wines, one of the founding wineries in Western Australia, is now also one of its major gourmet tourism drawcards.

Sandalford’s establishing estate at Caversham, Swan Valley, had its genesis in 1840 and coincided with European settlement in the burgeoning colony of Perth.

Queen Victoria granted John Septimus Roe, Western Australia’s first surveyor general, 4,000 acres of land on the riverbanks at West Swan in honour of his 57 years of service to the Commonwealth.

He named the property Sandalford after a priory in Berkshire, England - his original home.

Sandalford became the Swan Valley’s pioneering agrarian estate with crops, cattle grazing, vegetables and extensive vineyards and fruit orchards.

The Roe family purchased a 300-hectare property at Wilyabrup in Margaret River, planted vines in 1970, and joined a handful of others in pioneering Western Australia’s second classic wine region.

In the 1990s, the business was sold to the Prendiville family, who have continued to build on tradition.

Opened earlier this year, the new Sandalford Bar and Restaurant is open for lunch, Monday to Sunday from 11:30am, and for drinks and dinner on Friday to Sunday evenings until late.

Featuring an open kitchen and a wood-fired Sicilian pizza oven, the facility offers a selection of wine from Sandalford's Swan Valley and Margaret River portfolios.

CEO Grant Brinklow said the total spent on the enhancements, which were completed during the property’s Covid-19 closure, was in excess of $3.5 million.

Executive chef Alan Spagnolo, a vastly experienced pan-handler, heads the kitchen team and was in top form during our recent visit.

The vibe is less formal than it used to be; but the food remains seriously good with dishes incorporating fresh regional produce.

Standout vegetarian dishes include Gin Gin paprika cotolette with coal roasted chilli tomato aioli; or maybe try Dardanup lamb rump, char-grilled medium, with roasted eggplant, carrot, feta and date relish.

All menus feature an abundance of local Western Australian seafood. 

Two standouts for me were Abrolhos Islands char-grilled octopus, orange, basil, purslane and pink peppercorn dressing (above) and the shellfish risotto (below) with lobster, local prawns, scallops, tomato, basil and Aleppo pepper.

There are several activities on offer. First, you can travel to Sandalford Estate by river boat.

Cruise into the upper reaches of the Swan as you sample wines before disembarking at Sandalford Estate’s private jetty for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, video presentation and Flight of Wines wine tasting.

A gourmet two-course lunch is presented on-site before a dessert buffet and afternoon tea is served back on board the vessel.

Alternatively, a one-hour Sandalford Experience tour and tasting is priced at $25 per person and operates daily at noon. Bookings are essential.

Or, perhaps you'd prefer to create your own wine blend.

First you participate in a winery tour, learning about the winemaking process up to the blending stage. Then, you’ll put your knowledge to the test, creating your own original blend of wine, which can be enjoyed over a meal.

This three-hour experience is priced at $145 per person and operates every Saturday at noon.

During summer, Covid permitting, Sandalford regularly hosts concerts featuring the likes of Neil Diamond and Jimmy Barnes. It is also a popular wedding and conference venue. 

# Sandalford Wines has recently welcomed wine industry veteran Ross Pamment (above) as its senior winemaker while Hope Metcalf is on maternity leave. He will oversee both Swan Valley and Margaret River operations.

For details and experiences visit www.sandalford.com/