Enjoy Some Of The World's Best Wineries In The Western Australian State Of Perth

Perth is the place to come if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life - after all this is one of the planet's most isolated cities. Having a car here is necessary, though you may prefer to fly rather than take on the 4,000 kilometre journey from the nearest city - Sydney. If you do so you can pick up a vehicle at Perth international airport and head for Swan Valley. Perth airport is served mainly by Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar airlines and is accessible from all over the world and other parts of Australia. The road system in Perth is great and there are no tolls to worry about as in other parts of Australia such as Sydney. The easiest way to get to Swan Valley from the city is to drive along Lord Street then Guildford Road towards to Guildford. The journey only takes half an hour and is marked by plenty of signs.
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<br>Swan River is the epicentre for the wineries in Perth and grapes are encouraged to grow by the helpful Mediterranean climate. Most of the year is pleasant (with low humidity) and does not exceed about 20 degrees Celsius. As a visitor, times not to go to Perth are during the Australian summer when it can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in January and February. However, this could be tempered by a cooling breeze which is known as the 'Fremantle Doctor' and blows in from the surrounding South Pacific Ocean to significantly lower temperatures. When you factor in the rich alluvial soil and the Swan River, these weather conditions make Perth an excellent place for growing wine with many new world wine makers relying on the excellent conditions and producing ever popular wines for export.
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<br>Wine has been made in Perth since 1833 when settlers put down the first vines. Today, some of the main family wine producing names are Mann, Cabanovic, Pinelli and Kosovich. Jack Mann set up perhaps the most famous winery in Perth, Houghtons. Although a number of reds and whites are produced here, the white Burgundy is the most memorable. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Verdelho are the other good varieties produced here. Once you have taken in the Houghton's wines you may wish to have a picnic in the surrounding area which provides an ideal setting. Families who come here of an evening are often treated to a concert.
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<br>If you want to try sweeter wines such as Muscat head to the Talijancich winery. You should also visit the large family-owned Sandalford winery which is run by the Prendivilles. As well as enjoying marvellous black tie concerts and symphony orchestras there are demonstrations of how the wine is made from grape to bottle.
<br>Swan River has many galleries, great restaurants and top class accommodation. Lamont's winery in particular has an excellent art gallery and restaurant. Other must-do events are the Margaret's River Chocolate factory, though this is better on your palate after the wine tasting rather than before.
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<br>About the Author: Julie Mercer was invited to take a tour of Swan Valley courtesy of www.anyairportcarhire.com. The low cost <a href="http://www.anyairportcarhire.com/Airports/Australia-Car-Hire/Perth-Airport-Car-Hire.aspx" rel="nofollow"> car hire Australia </a>. and car hire Perth provider wanted clients to know about the wealth of great wines there are available in Perth and to share this knowledge with its customers.
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