The Swan River Colony was established in 1829, laying the foundations for what would eventually become the city of Perth – but that’s not all.

Early European settlers recognised that the region’s warm climate, dry summers and rich soil were a grape-growing trifecta, and planted vines that would become the foundation of Western Australia’s now legendary wine industry.

Many of these wineries are still family-owned, and today, the descendants of those regional pioneers are exploring new styles and varieties of wine while upholding grand traditions such as crafting fruity verdelho, rich shiraz and complex fortifieds. Here’s where to find a taste of the past.

The Pioneers

The story of wine in the Swan Valley begins at Olive Farm Wines. Established by English botanist Thomas Waters the same year the colony was founded, the state’s oldest winery was purchased by the Yurisich family in 1933. Today, Anthony Yurisich continues the family traditions established over four generations of winemaking.

Founded in 1840 on the banks of the Swan River, Sandalford Wines is a regional showpiece. One of the state’s largest wineries, the property was originally gifted to Surveyor-General John Septimus Roe by Queen Victoria, and has been involved in a diverse range of agricultural enterprises including growing the first of the region’s table grapes. Now owned by the Prendiville family, Sandalford’s extensive wine range can be sampled at both its bustling cellar door and innovative modern-Australian restaurant.

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A new wave of settlers

The following century saw plenty of European migration to the Swan Valley. Among these new arrivals were many Croatian and Italian migrants who brought a wealth of winemaking knowledge and ideas with them. Jack Kosovich was one of these settlers. Not only did Jack establish the winery now known as John Kosovich Wines, he and his brothers hand-dug the winery’s underground cellar, where visitors today can taste wines among the ageing barrels. Jack’s grandson Arch continues to uphold family traditions, maintaining a reputation for producing outstanding chardonnay, chenin blanc, verdelho, and the frequently awarded Rare Muscat.

The histories of other multi-generational family wineries follow similar paths. At Talijancich Wines, third-generation winemaker James Talijancich is continuing a story his grandfather Jim started in 1932; Duje Garbin, the namesake of Garbin Estate, arrived in Australia from Croatia in 1937 and worked in a market garden to raise funds to establish the winery, now run by his son Pete; and the central Italian heritage of Pinelli Estate (est. 1955) is reflected in both the estate’s wine and its modern-Italian restaurant, run by second-generation winemakers Robert and Daniel.

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Food for thought

Good eating and good drinking go hand-in-hand, so it’s little surprise that Guildford, the gateway to the Swan Valley, is home to many long-standing dining establishments. The Rose & Crown Hotel is the state’s oldest operating hotel and was built in 1841. The historic pub is an ideal base for exploring the Swan Valley, offering accommodation and an eatery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Not just a Swan Valley landmark, but a WA landmark, late-night burger stop Alfred’s Kitchen traces its origins to a tiny caravan that began serving hamburgers and soup in 1946. There’s also contemporary-Australian restaurant Padbury’s, named after Walter Padbury, the first mayor of Guildford, and housed in the heritage-listed stores and residence Padbury established in 1869.

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Looking for more inspiration? 

Find more wineries to visit in the Swan Valley wine region, discover WA's heritage buildings, or explore museums.