Published on 17 May 2023
Want to know where the locals go to eat in the Swan Valley? Three resident business owners share some of their favourites.
MARIJA KELLER
Co-owner of Keller’s Farm, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, preserves and specialising in woodfired and Swiss breads.
I don’t particularly like to buy wine at one place, rather, I love to change things up all the time. I love a lighter red wine and I’m really enjoying Faber’s Grenache and Malbec at the moment.
Garbin Estate’s sparkling feels decadent when I’m with the girls. On the odd occasion we (with husband Phillip) enjoy spoiling ourselves with great local food such as authentic Italian pizza at Basilico Pizzeria in Midland and traditional Italian at Locale Mio in Guildford.
Swan Valley Brewery is comfortable with delicious simple food. As I’m so busy on our farm and don’t get out nearly as much as I’d like, just driving through the Valley gives me pleasure as it holds a lifetime of memories growing up as a first-born Australian to Croatian migrant parents. To this day I have an appreciation for family, community, good food and warm hospitality
JUSTIN “‘JUZZY” ROGAN
Co-owner of family favourite The Henley Brook and function centre The Mallard Duck on West Swan Rd, Henley Brook.
I moved to the Valley around five years ago and am super proud to call this amazing place home. Here are a few of my “Valley faves” in no particular order.
John Kosovich Wines — a truly authentic Swan Valley experience. Multi-generational winery with the best cellar in WA. Specialising in local varietals and fortified wines.
Swan Valley Sisters — speaking of authenticity, it doesn’t get more Swan Valley than the Swan Valley Sisters, Tara, Ann-Marie and honorary sister Tim. Fresh produce direct from their orchard or sourced from local farmers, homemade baked goods, pickles, great coffee, awesome toasties (try the “Pip” named after my wife). Oh! And they also have self-contained accommodation chalets onsite.
Old Young’s Distillery — located on West Swan Rd, Old Young’s is my go-to when entertaining visitors from outside the Valley. Apart from their internationally-awarded vodka and gin, their tastings are legendary! Most hilarious 30 minutes you can spend for $5 in the Valley. Their eatery next door (Old Young’s Kitchen) isn’t too shabby, either!
Yahava KoffeeeWorks —These guys will bamboozle you with their Koffee kreativity. With outlets in Swan Valley, Margaret River and Singapore, Yahava is a coffee university with the personality as big as their onsite coffee roasters. Oh! Their tea is pretty good as well.
Honourable mentions: Lancaster Wines for the chilled wine and cheese tasting (and free) and Funk 2.0 for being soo Funky!
LAURA PEARSE
Co-owner of Upper Reach Winery in Memorial Ave, Baskerville (home to Upper Reach Restaurant and Treehouse Pizza Bar).
Swan Valley Gin Company for a world beating G&T mixed by Lorraine or Nicola.
After work on a Friday there’s nothing better than heading over to Txoko Brewing for a burger or the best (grilled) fish and chips. Sitting outside watching the sunset, overlooking the Darling Scarp; it’s a local secret.
Faber for a casual platter and glass of vino amongst the vines.
I’ll often pop into John Kosovich Wines to pick up a bottle of their aged Chenin.
Check out more of the latest news and recommendations on the best things to eat, drink, see and do in the Swan Valley in issue three of the Swan Valley Magazine.