Swan District, Western Australia

The first vines at Olive Farm were planted in 1829 by Thomas Waters, and the following year he dug out the wine cellar that is incorporated in the present day winery of the same name. Thus, the Swan District predates both Victoria and South Australia in viticultural terms. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine-producing region in Western Australia and is today also home to the state's largest winery, Houghton. It is an actively multicultural area with the descendants of early Yugoslav, Italian and English migrants continuing the region's winemaking traditions.

By whatever yardstick is used, the Swan District proper has a hot Mediterranean climate. It has an extremely high mean January temperature of 24.15°C (75.5°F). In addition, it has an extremely low growing season rainfall, 167 mm (6.5 inches), a low relative humidity of 44 percent, and a high 1791 total sunshine hours during the growing season. Its heat summation of heat degree days almost comes as an anticlimax at 1832. However, the district is relieved from the heat by the famous Fremantle 'Doctor' - the south-westerly sea breeze! The Gingin/Moondah Brook area is somewhat cooler, and although still at the very warm end of the climatic spectrum, it has consistently demonstrated a surprising capacity to produce full flavoured, full bodied white whites, particularly with Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Chardonnay.

The region is a flat alluvial plain flanked by the Darling Range and watered by the Swan River and its tributaries. The Gingin and Moondah Brook areas are set on gentle slopes in the north of the region.

The soils of the Swan District region are typically young alluvial soils; very deep, with excellent moisture retention capacity. They range from reddish sandy loams through to brown and yellow-brown loamy sands. The other soil type on the lower slopes of the Darling Range is the highly suited gravelly sand to gravelly sandy loam overlying brown clay.

Wineries Ambrook Wines, Banara Wines, Baskerville Wines, Baxter Stokes Wines, Bella Ridge Estate, Carabooda Estate Wines, Cowalla Estate Winery, Faber Vineyard, Faranda Wines, Garbin Estate Wines, Gilead Estate Henley Park Wines, Highway Wines, Holly Folly, Houghton Wine Co, Jane Brook Estate, Lamont Winery, Lilac Hill Estate, Little River Wines, Mann Winery, The Natural Wine Company, Neroni Wines, Oakover Estate, Olive Farm Wines, Paul Conti Wines, Pinelli Wines, Platypus Lane Wines, RiverBank Estate, Sandalford Wines, Sittella, Susannah Brook Wines, Swan Valley Wines, Swanbrook Estate Wines, Swan Valley Wines, Talijancich Wines, Twin Hill Wines, Upper Reach, Valley Wines, Vino Italia, Westfield Wines and Windy Creek Estate.

Wine Notes

Chenin Blanc

This variety dominates plantings in the Swan District. Arguably, the region is the only one in Australia where this grape and its resultant wine rises above mediocrity. In this climate the wine produced has a certain luscious richness, which responds well to bottle age, producing a full-flavoured white of almost voluptuous dimensions. It also does particularly well in the Moondah Brook/Gingin subregions, producing wines with an abundance of the fruit salad flavours which are the varietal signature of the grape.

Chardonnay

The plantings are increasing and one or two producers have produced some very good, buttery, peachy wines from this grape--sometimes with an almost Burgundian tang, which comes from a measure of barrel ferment.

Verdelho

This traditional variety was appreciated well before it became vogue in the eastern states during the 1980’s. Many wineries produce a varietal wine from Verdelho and are usually content to allow the rich honeyed, honeysuckle flavours free reign without introducing new oak.

Shiraz

The Swan District region is sharing in the planting surge of Shiraz, which has shown its ability to produce quality wine in virtually all climatic conditions.

Blended White Wines

One of Australia's largest selling and eternally popular white wines is from this area: Houghton White Burgundy. Sold under other names in the export market, it is the result of the coalescence of three principal white varieties. Despite its modest price and very large volume, this blend has the capacity to age magnificently for five to ten years. At its peak it is able to win gold medals and trophies against the cream of the crop of Chardonnays, Semillons and blends from the eastern states.

Vital Statistics Guildford 1877-1954 Map Coordinates 31° 50'S 116°E Altitude 15 m (49 feet) Heat degree days 1832 (cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise not adjusted) Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr 1791 Annual rainfall 864 mm (34 inches) Growing season rainfall 167 mm (6.5 inches) Mean January temperature 24.15°C (75.75°F) Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm Average 44% Harvest End Jan - End Mar