About this place
What to expect
Australia's second-oldest wine region, the Swan Valley is home to some of the oldest grapevines in Australia – and the world. When grapevines were introduced to the Swan Valley in 1829, many of the varieties planted were likely intended for fortified wine production. Until the mid-1960s, dessert and fortified styles were the most popular wines in Australia, accounting for 85 per cent of all wine produced. The Swan Valley's winemaking heritage and its Mediterranean climate allow for the production of rich, luscious liqueurs made from Muscat and Pedro Ximénez, as well as Shiraz, Verdelho, and aged tawny fortified wines. With warm, dry summers, winemakers have the luxury of allowing the fruit to slightly dry on the vine before harvesting, which increases sugar and intensifies and concentrates flavours. During fermentation, winemakers add brandy spirit at a specific point to halt the process, leaving behind a natural residual sweetness. The grape varieties used to make fortified wines in the Swan Valley include Shiraz, Verdelho, Pedro Ximénez, Grenache, Muscat, and Touriga Nacional. The main styles of fortified wine are Vintage Fortified, Tawny, Liqueur, and Apera. Most Swan Valley wineries produce fortified wines, with some passing down barrel-aged wine, winemaking traditions, and techniques through generations, all contributing to a legacy of fortified wines ranked among the world's finest.