Fresh local produce and gourmet food from the Swan Valley has earned the region its reputation as Perth’s Valley of Taste. The fertile plains and Mediterranean climate provide the perfect conditions for agriculture and viticulture – creating a world of surprises just minutes away from the city.
Road Side Stalls
You can make up your own picnic hamper with fresh local produce from many of the roadside food stalls throughout the Swan Valley. Buying direct from the grower means you know where the fruit has come from and that you’re eating it fresh from the orchard or vines. Depending on the season, you can purchase freshly picked asparagus, plump strawberries, juicy watermelons and rock melons, vine-ripened tomatoes and a wide range of other locally grown foods.
Olives, Pickles and Preserves
Extra virgin olive oils, marinated olives, tapenades, dried fruits, pickles and preserves made from the Swan Valley’s fresh local produce provide the perfect accompaniment to any food. Be sure to take advantage of free tastings and buy your favourites to take home.
Sweet Treats
A visit to this picturesque valley wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delectable sweet treats the region has to offer. At the local chocolate factory you can enjoy free chocolate tasting, and can purchase a mouthwatering range of chocolate bars, chocolate coated delights, handmade truffles, novelty chocolates and ice cream. For food lovers with a craving for ice cream, head for Oggies and choose from old favourites and fruit flavors made from Swan Valley fresh produce. And for something a little different, try an assortment of locally produced soft and crunchy nougat flavours at Mondo Nougat.
Cheese
Cheese goes hand-in-hand with wine, so be sure to pick up some Western Australian cheeses as you travel around the Valley. Award-winning varieties such as mozzarella, bocconcini, ricotta, fetta, several mouth-watering romanos, and crescenza can be tasted and purchased here.
Table Grapes
If you’re exploring the Valley in summer, take the opportunity to sample some of the region’s crisp and juicy table grapes. Table grapes are a major food industry and have been grown as fresh local produce in the Swan Valley since 1829. Today there are up to 150 table grape producers growing more than 20 varieties.
Watch out for the following specialty grape varieties that you will only find in the region.
- Flame seedless – crisp, red, ripens late December to late January.
- Dawn seedless – crisp, cream-to-golden variety with muscat flavour, ripens early February to mid-March.
- Crimson seedless – crisp seedless red berries with a sweet flavour and outstanding eating qualities, ripens late February to early April.
- Red globe – large, crisp-seeded, good flavour, ripens mid-February to mid-March.
- Sultana – popular medium sweet, white seedless variety, ripens mid-February to the end of March.
- Perlette – white seedless with mild Muscat flavour, ripens early to late January.
- Italia – white-seeded with muscat flavour, ripens mid-February to early April.
- Ribier – large, black-seeded variety, ripens early to late February.
Take a taste of the Valley home with you by purchasing produce from the visitor centre. Here you’ll find a great selection of tasty treats and gift ideas. For more information about the region’s fresh local produce and food specialties, contact the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.
