LOCATIONIn the Swan Valley, just 20 minutes’ drive from the Perth CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe Swan Valley is one of Perth’s most prized tourist destinations that boasts myriad attractions from cultural art centres to rolling vineyards. Just 25 minutes east of Perth, a day trip to the Swan Valley is an absolute must to discover one of Western Australia’s oldest wineries, Sandalford Estate. Established in 1840, Sandalford is also one of WA’s largest privately owned wineries complete with an award-winning restaurant. The restaurant offers rustic ambience with an interior of limestone and timber, and a beautiful open fire place. Guests enjoy alfresco dining under the 118-year-old vines with views across the vineyard. Although it sounds a little upper crust, it’s a superb venue for relaxed dining where food is treated with the utmost respect and ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Executive chef Phil Thomas uses only the freshest regional produce in his kitchen to create world-class fare that is among some of the best cuisine the state has to offer.
Take time to really savour Sandalford’s decadent three course meal. Light starters to graze on include the warm Turkish bread, grilled chorizo, or marinated olives. For something a little more substantial, the homemade gnocchi with Chapman Valley milk-fed goat, roasted shallots, winter mushrooms and Manjimup truffle is rich with earthy flavours. Some dishes on the mains menu offer subtle hints of a Mediterranean influence, like the molluscs in chilli, garlic and parsley, served with lemon and broad bean risotto. The Plantagenet pork belly with seared WA scallops is a show case of fantastic local produce. For dessert the steamed chocolate pudding with chocolate cream is decadent and delicious. Alternatively, complete the meal with a cheese platter matched with Sandalford Estate wine.
Karen Bilsby