d’Vine picks for some epic fireplaces for getting cosy next to.. (with red wine in hand I must add)
Well… Winter 2021 is truly upon us folks. We’re in the season of frosty mornings, ice-block fingers, Rudolph noses, layer upon layer and all that is soul-warming. I’m a sun-worshiper through and through, but having to deal with a second solid Winter in Oz due to lack of travel has me appreciating the cooler months more and more. Usually I’d gallivant to the other side of the globe to soak up the sun in some Mediterranean wine region or sip spritz’s in some riviera somewhere. But Alas! This cannot be the case.. and I’ve found myself slowing (maybe quickly) having more of an even Summer/Winter wardrobe along with figuring out the best places to hang and keep warm and satiated in a Perth Winter.
Now, I could be bias however I do believe I have a good argument here – That Perth’s two closest wine regions, our historic Swan Valley and our picturesque Bickley Valley, have to be two of the BEST places to be hanging out in through Winter and the cooler months. The fact that you can get to these regions in under 30 minutes from the Perth CBD is pretty special – You almost get that ‘holiday’ vibe like you would get if you were to travel a few hours South to hit the wine regions down there. SO GOOD! Sip away on heart warming red wines, feast on delicious local produce and find some pretty awesome log fires to hang by (love heart eyes!).
For those seeking out the crackle and face warmth that those beautiful fires exude, here’s a few of my top choices:
- Sandalford Estate – Ahh yes, the iconic Sandalford Winery, established in 1840 you’d hope they would have a beauty of a fireplace, wouldn’t you? Well indeed they do! They have two in fact! You can perch yourself over near the fire whilst sipping away on premium wines in their cellar door. Did you know their licensing has changed in the cellar door and you can now purchase wine and beer to enjoy, rather than just having wine tastings? SWEET! The second fireplace in located in their stunning, newly renovated restaurant. Try to request a table near the fireplace, stay for hours and devour their entire Winter Menu which has just been released! You’ll have a gorgeous view of their old vineyard and gorgeous service to match.
- Lancaster Wines – For those that are a bit more laidback and love the crisp Winter air and the smell of a smokey wood fire, this ones for you. Lancaster’s Tin Shed is the perfect setting for a casual ‘outback’ winery experience – surrounded by their vines with good tunes playing, sit back and relax with a glass of one of their juicy reds by the open fire pit. If you’re feeling a little peckish, you can opt to grab a cheese & antipasto board too, which I highly recommend. Just be aware – You may leave smelling a little smokey (but it’ll be the good type of smoke) ;P
- Duckstein Brewery – If you’ve had enough of the wines or if you’re more of a beer aficionado, a gutsy German beer is what you need in the Winter months. Duckstein is one of the OG breweries in the Swan Valley and are still producing the absolute goods when it comes to the frothy drink. Epic beers and a relaxed vibe, we love heading here for a German feast to warm the cockles of thy heart. The great news is they have a gorgeous little pot belly fire indoors to huddle around! Score a table for two to four inside, order some traditional German cuisine and ‘Prost’ to the Wintery weather outside.
- Plume Estate – Let’s travel out to the Bickley Valley Wine Region shall we?! Plume Estate’s cellar door and restaurant has to have one of the prettiest views in the entire Bickley Valley Region – rolling hills adorned with vines and fruit orchards, you could literally spend hours here gazing out at the surrounds whilst drinking fine hand-crafted wines and grazing away at the Spanish inspired tapas menu. What we love even more about Plume in Winter, is the fact there is also an old little pot belly fire to stand around, when the days are on the icier side. Pour yourself a big glass of the rarer wine you’ll see, a big and bold Durif, and settle in for afternoon. The owners dog ‘Willow’ will keep you company too 😉
