Seeing firsthand how grapes are processed, how wine is fermented, and how each decision made in the wineries changes the profile of wine is eye-opening. That’s why I recommend visiting wine estates and taking tours as often as you can. Especially if you crave to learn more about wine, if you want to understand the work behind every bottle and why wine tastes as it does.
Today I’m sharing with you about the wine tour I took with Best of Perth Tours yesterday and was not disappointed. Tim Stone, our tour guide and founder of the Tour Company, with over ten years of experience both locally and internationally. Tim also has RSA certified (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and a Level 2 certification in wine with the WSET, makes tours well rounded and perfect for seasoned wine lovers and amateurs alike.
Tim is very enthusiastic and charismatic and showcases the best of Perth. All group tours are tailored to a small group (Ten or of under ten people) and to ensure everyone gets the most from their travel experience.
Wineries visited may vary, but we were lucky to pay a visit to several estates whose wines I hold dearly.
The day started walking the vines and a behind the scenes winery tour at Olive Farm Wines; a fourth-generation operation run by the Yurisich family. They’re the first licensed artisan cheese factory in Perth, so there’s always something tasty to pair with their splendid wines.
Their white wines are not the common type; expect wines made with Verdelho, Traminer, Viognier, and Pinot Gris. Their reds are equally varied, their Shiraz is great, but their Tempranillo, Touriga, and Malbec are something else.
Our second stop was for a hearty lunch with wine tastings at Carilley Estate restaurant, a perfect setting for our lunch.
Also family-owned, and with over fifty years running, Garbin Estate Wines was definitively a highlight of the tour. The Chardonnay, Cabernet, Shiraz, and Chenin are fabulous, but so are their diverse sparkling wines. Garbin’s tasting room is spacious and has both indoor and outdoor sitting.
Visited John Kosovich Wines. It’s always exciting to visit this winery with their underground cellar door, walking through the barrel room to get to the tasting area makes it an awesome experience.
A third-generation winemaker himself, Arch Kosovich talks us through his wines with such clarity, and you really get the whys and hows of each.
We ended the tour with a special surprise, a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory shop in the Swan Valley. You’ll see that chocolate making is more complicated than you might think, and the artisan method used has some similarities to making wine, it takes skill, patience and lots of love.
A day of wine tasting out at the vineyards is always such a treat! Don’t wait, take a tour and connect with your favourite wines.
When last have you been on a small-group wine tour? I would love to hear about your experience, click here to drop me a note in the comments.
