Travers O’ Rafferty, general manager at boutique winery Mandoon Estate in Western Australia, shares his top picks for fine drops around the region
1. Talijancich Wines
Steeped in history, Talijancich Wines produces some of the best fortified wines in the country. This must-visit in the Swan Valley has been tended to by three generations of the Talijancich family. Chances are you will be greeted by James or Hilda Talijancich at the door, as they welcome you into their comfortable and homely cellar door to try exceptional wines. Try the 30-year-old Rare Tawny or the internationally acclaimed Julian James Rare Pedro 1974 Solero.
2. Mandoon Estate
I can’t leave Mandoon Estate out from the list. The family-owned winery in the heart of the Swan Valley boasts some of the oldest verdelho vines in the state, planted in 1895. Mandoon has a spacious and modern cellar door with a great gift shop overlooking the vines, where you can taste award-winning wines like the Old Vine Shiraz and Old Vine Grenache. Other attractions include a working brewery, two restaurants and a family-friendly beer garden. Spend the night at their brand-new hotel – The Colony at Mandoon Estate (above). Every room here offers picturesque views over the Swan River.
3. Olive Farm Wines
Established in 1829, Olive Farm Wines is the second oldest winery in Western Australia. Four generations of the Yurisich family have been caretakers of this historic winery. The property is home to a modern cellar door that lends a great view of the winery. There is a huge variety of wines to taste here, but the standouts for me are the Durif and Rosé; pair them with a large selection of cheeses at the onsite café.
4. John Kosovich Wines
Another winery with a mountain of history – 96 years in fact. I like this place because you can taste the history in its drops and more often than not will bump into a Kosovich who will run you through the wines. The underground cellar here is truly unique. You can’t beat a Kosovich Chenin Blanc or the fortified Rare Muscat.
5. Faber Vineyard
Established in 1997 by John Griffiths and his wife Jane Micallef, this is another winery that exemplifies the character of the Swan Valley. Expect a fantastic cellar door with a great wraparound balcony surrounded by the Australian bush and vineyards. Griffiths is almost always on hand to taste wines with you and share his passion for Swan Valley wines. Try their Petit Verdot and Riche Shiraz, and enjoy one of Micallef’s fantastic platters.
– TEXT BY TRAVERS O’RAFFERTY
PHOTOS: FABER VINEYARD, JOHN KOSOVICH WINES, OLIVE FARM WINES, MANDOON ESTATE, TALIJANCICH WINES
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
