Our top spots in the Valley to lay out that picnic rug…
Sometimes in life, there’s nothing better than a picnic! Especially in the sun drenched city of Perth. Some would argue that our squally winds can put a damper on outdoor festivities however we say bring OUT the hamper when it comes to picnics in the wine regions.
Being a little further from our stunning coastline, the Swan & Bickley Valley are a little more protected at times from those strong and cooler coastal breezes. So we’re safe.
On another note, we’ve also found that due to most of our travel and weekend fun being restricted to local activities, many venues for dining and drinks are always SO busy and booked out well in advance. The great thing about a picnic is that it would be rare to have to ‘book a spot’ – although a curtesy call to the venue would be recommended.
So speaking of venues, we thought we’d give you a list of some of our fav places to have that picnic – whether it’s a BYO food situation or not, you’re sure to find a spot to lay on the grass and sip some wine under the sun with an ant or two (because it wouldn’t be a picnic without ants).
Windy Creek Estate
Although Windy Creek Estate has been around since the 1930’s (WOW) there has been a lot of hype about this darling winery lately. Just recently, they received numerous medals for their wines, including 4 gold medals AND also received ‘Most Successful Producer’. Well Done guys!
The cellar door outlooks onto their exquisite estate with vines for days for the viewing, pristine grass, rose bushes and all. They are more than happy for you to BYO your picnic food here however only ask that it’s not hot food – think pressed sandwiches, zucchini slice, sliced fruits, dips and all those delicious cold food items! BYO drinks is also a no-no but with that fine list of award-winning wines, why would you even consider it?! Make sure you give Windy Creek a tinkle before you plan to come so they can make sure they have room 😉
Nikola Estate
This beautiful winery was formerly the iconic Houghton Estate. One of the most picturesque wineries in the Swan Valley, the venue boasts an epic picnic area, spacious cellar door, a historic gallery & of course, Nikola‘s delicious wine portfolio.
The picnic area would have to be my personal favourite and can go to great use as they actually offer gourmet picnic hampers to indulge in whilst relaxing with a bottle of wine. After something not quite as casual? They have a mean tapas menu too!! Spending time under their stunning Jacaranda trees with wine & cheese is truly heaven.
There is no BYO food or drinks here but their selection to choose from is incredible! Great news is there is no need to call ahead so if you’re the type to make spontaneous plans then this is the place for you. Pack that rug.. it’s all you’ll need to have a fine time.
Oakover Grounds
Perched right next door to Nikola is Oakover Grounds, who is in fact the bigger & older brother as they’re owned by the same family. The Grounds itself has been on the go under Oakover reign since 1989 and now has a RIDICULOUS amount to offer!
You can certainly spend many hours here tasting wines in their cellar door, perusing the gourmet European Foods Swan Valley Market Place (prepare for some shopping), getting stuck into the free family activities and games and much more!
When it comes to food you can choose to dine in their café but since we’re talking picnics here we MUST tell you how this can be done. Oakover Grounds would have to have one of the best lawn areas in the Swan Valley, and so much space! Just like Nikola, bring along that rug and lay it down overlooking the lake. With a plethora of drinks to choose from (their wine, local beer & cider, spirits) you can choose your poison and head to the ‘Smokehouse’ to order some epic food. They specialise in slow cooked & smoked meats, sliders, gourmet pizzas and more. My mouth is watering.. start the car – there’s no need to call ahead!
Lancaster Wines
The always cool and casual Lancaster Cellar Door has been named a place to visit that gives the ‘wine without the wank’. Their ‘tin shed’ is plonked in the middle of their vineyard and pumps out that glorious drink of the gods as well as good tunes to groove along to.
They have been given numerous titles including ‘Top 10 hottest cellar doors in Australia’ by Wine Business Magazine as well as ‘Top 15 most beautiful wineries in Australia’ by Vogue living. Umm so if that’s not something to write home about I don’t know WHAT is.
The Lancaster property has a beautiful grass area that’s surrounded by their vines. There’s a handful of picnic tables to sit at OR you can bring that blankie to laze on the lawn if you please. Lancaster have a well-stocked gourmet produce fridge for you to grab all your goodies. I’m talking epic cheeses, quality charcuterie, pâtés and rillettes, olives, fresh baguettes on the weekends and much more! Oh and of course.. all your wine needs including some beer on hand for those that prefer the frothy brew.
For a more playful picnic vibe head to Lancaster! No need to call ahead but be prepared for it to be busy if you plan on going there on the weekend, particularly Saturdays.
Myattsfield Vineyard
Myattsfield, as pretty as a picture, is nestled in the Perth Hills Wine Region known as Bickley Valley. The Bickley Valley Wine Region is nothing short of stunning – with rolling hills adorned with pretty little vineyards and fruit orchards, boutique wineries that have TO DIE FOR wines, and friendly cellar door staff to go along with it, you’re bound to fall in love with so many aspects of this region.
Myattsfield Vineyard is one of the top producers in the region and they also have an impressive amount of varietals on their portfolio. A wine tasting experience there is a must! There cellar door looks out onto one of their vineyards as well as some luscious grass area. They are more than happy for you to rest your bones upon this luscious grass whilst sipping away on some of their fine handcrafted wines.
BYO Food is the way to go here too! So pack your favourites in the hamper but you must leave behind the cheese – Myattsfield have a gourmet cheese fridge for you to shop from. They are all outstanding cheeses which are usually rare to come across in your local supermarkets.
If you’re looking for that picnic place with complete serenity, then this little vineyard is the one for you. Just remember to call ahead in case they have a function booked on that day.
So there you have it! Our little list of Go-To spots for that beautiful picnic in our lovely Perth Wine Regions. Don’t forget! You can always include one of these venues as your lunch stop on a privately organised tour with d’Vine! To find out more, head to our Private Tours Page or Contact Us!
