For those who live in Perth, the Swan Valley has always been synonymous with top-grade vineyards and breweries. However, a little known fact is that it also boasts some seriously good distilleries showcasing local gins, whiskeys, brandy, limoncello and many more. With this emerging new market comes a bunch of really passionate distillers who are ready to welcome you into their tasting rooms with open arms. The best bit is that your purchases support these new kids on the block and help them create even more creative blends and styles. Use this guide below to plan your next trip to explore all the latest Swan Valley distilleries.
Old Young’s Distillery
Address: 10581 W Swan Rd, Henley Brook WA 6055
First off the bat is the two-time Australian Distiller award winners – Old Youngs. These guys know a thing or two about quality vodka and gin and started their journey in a tiny shed before opening an industrial-style tasting room. Experimenting with some unique flavours such as native Australian botanicals, you really can’t go past the 6 Seasons Gin which pays homage to the local indigenous culture and their 6 season calendar. Their tasting room is perfect for a small group and the bar staff are super knowledgeable who can help you secure the best drop for your individual palette.
Swan Valley Gin Company
Address: 1050 Great Northern Hwy, Baskerville WA 6056
These guys have branched out into the world of gin recently and producing some seriously solid drops of greatness. Basing their blend on the local grapes grown on the Pandemonium Estate Winery, the gin here is a true ‘grape-to-glass’ experience. The owners are more than happy to show you around and give you a first-hand insight into how they produce their gin. In terms of what to try, you can’t really go past their small-batch range, specifically the Mediterranean dry gin which brings together olive leaf, rosemary, fennel and fresh lemons all mixed up in one bottle. This is also a great venue to fuel up if you are hungry with cheese boards being a staple side dish to the many tastings.
Sin Gin Distillery
Address: 124 Lennard St, Herne Hill WA 6056
Ok, so these guys might be the smallest distillery on the list, but they certainly pack a punch with one of our favourite ranges of gin. The Seven Deadly Sins Range encompasses the best of envy, greed, lust etc, in seven different bottles. The best part is you can purchase small bottles of each and work your way through the set with friends. Passionate about gin, the owner Mark Harris also can arrange for visits to larger parties and create custom tasting events for you and your guests.
Great Northern Distillery
496 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan WA 6056
Well versed in all things rum, Great Northern Distillery welcome guests into a comfortable tasking room where some top internationally acclaimed rums are up for grabs. One of their most popular blends – the Canefire brings together balanced flavours and started its life as sugarcane growing in the Ord River Valley in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This venue is perfect for an entire afternoon, thanks to their bar staff, who are always up for a chat and their down-to-earth outside courtyard.
Harris Organic Wine and Spirits
496 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan WA 6056
For those that thought Swan Valley was all about wine, think again! The guys at Harris Organic Wine and Spirits produce some beautifully balanced brandy and moonshine (a distilled grape spirit that is not aged in oak). Duncan, the owner, is all about the guided tours and can offer customised walks through the vineyards, underground cellar and distilling rooms. Don’t worry, all tours also include tastings! Bookings for this are essential as they tend to be very popular in the peak season!
So, all up, 5 distilleries in the Swan Valley Region we hope you didn’t know existed but now want to try! It really is the perfect day out visiting them all and as we want to make sure your safety is a top priority, we can be your designated driver. The team at Horizon West specialise in customising routes and bus trips to suit any party size. Chat to our team or send them an email with some details and we can take care of the rest!