Swan Valley (Western Australia)
Swan Valley is a wine -growing area on both sides of the Swan River River northeast of the Western Australian state capital of Perth.
Location
The wine region extends from Guildford (about 20 km north-east of Perth ) a further 20 km upstream to the south of the picnic area Bells Rapid; in the east it limits the range of hills Darling Scarp and from the west lead the two streams Ellen Brook and Jane Brook in the Swan River. The wine-growing area covers about 300 hectares on the territory of the districts Caversham, West Swan, Middle Swan, of Herne Hill, Henley Brook, Millendon, Baskerville, Belhus, Upper Swan, Brigadoon and Whiteman, together the Local Government Area of the City of Swan are located.
The vineyards are not enough to the small tour boats still navigable river approach, which is lined by dense Acacia and Banksia bushland, but extend away from the watercourse in an undulating landscape.
History
The land was discovered on the Swan River in 1827 by Captain James Stirling, who two years later the Swan River Colony and founded in their three settlements ( Fremantle, Perth and Guildford ) established. The river itself, with its eponymous black swans was indeed already traveled for the first time by the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh 1697; However, this came at the height of the present city center of Perth only to Heirisson Iceland. A French expedition under Nicholas Baudin sailed upriver in 1801, but the country has not taken possession.
Wine has never existed on the lower reaches of the Swan River to the south of Guildford.
No later than 1836 - presumably in 1830 - the first vines on the upper reaches of the river were ( in the so-called Swan Location II) planted under Stirling's expedition leader Revett Henry Blend, the later the first Governor of Western Australia had given the country in recognition of his achievements. The core area around the site of the Houghton- estate was the nucleus of this well known and popular among Australian wine connoisseurs of the 21st century are grown. Nearly 150 years, the Swan Valley was the only wine region in Western Australia; other regions in the extreme south of this federal state (eg at the Margaret River) were planted only in the second half of the 20th century with vines, but do in the 21st century due to the ease of growing conditions in the cooler climate the larger share of Western Australias wine production.
Viniculture
In the Swan Valley there is an average temperature of 24 ° C and low humidity of 45 %. These are good conditions for the growth of the predominantly white varieties; However, irrigation is necessary during the hot, dry summer months. Chenin Blanc is most widely grown, followed by Verdelho and Chardonnay. Shiraz and Merlot dominate the red grape varieties. Experiments are also being lesser known grape, such as Dolcetto, Pedro Ximénez and Navera.
The largest wine producers in the Swan Valley Sandalford and Houghton are active worldwide in the export business. In addition, there are about 80 smaller wineries in the family, often in addition to point of sale restaurant entertain and / or provide a place to stay.
Tourism
Explore Most overseas tourists in the Swan Valley in organized boat trips on the Swan River ( so-called Wine Cruises) that can be booked from Perth or Fremantle daily; provided buses are the major wine production facilities on Guided group tours.
From individual travelers the smaller wineries are preferred; many of them can be visited on request.
In addition to the wineries, there are about 20 breweries in the Swan Valley, which are visited by tourists. Numerous artists have set up galleries. Visitors who stay several days, can observe koalas in the Swan Valley Wildlife Park, find opportunities for horse riding and golf.
Webpage
Swan Valley Tourist Information
Map
Swan Valley. Guide and Maps, ed. from the Swan Valley and Eastern Region Visitor Centre, March 2005
- Wine region
- Geography (Western Australia)
- Viticulture in Australia