In this Guide to Swan Valley Tours. wee caught up with Breana, Director of the D’Vine Tours who gave us an insiders guide to Swan Valley tours and the amazing Western Australia wine region. Here’s what she had to say…
Please tell us a little about d’Vine Tours?
My partner and I started d’Vine Tours in August 2013 out of our love for wine and showing people a good time! We focus on providing quality and professional ‘pay by the seat’ tours which run on a daily basis, as well as corporate and private packages for a unique group experience.
The tours visit the Swan Valley and Bickley Valley; both equally unique and offering something for everyone! From award winning boutique wineries, craft breweries and cider houses, gourmet chocolatiers and patisseries and so much more.
Who is the typical type of person who can be found on a tour?
I can honestly say that we see people from all different walks of life! From wine lovers to people just wanting to experience the greater Perth. Our tours cater for just about anyone – Although we get through a bit of wine tasting – those that don’t enjoy wine as much still have a great time.
The demographic is very broad also as our tours appeal to any age group.
Would a solo traveller be welcome on the tours?
Oh most certainly! We have solo travellers come with us all the time for tours! It’s not only a great way to spend the day (wining and dining), but you get to learn something awesome about Perth, plus meet so many different people. Often guests on our tours will end up going out for a drink together in the city when the tour is finished – our tours are a really great environment for socializing with someone new.
If booking as a group, is there a better time to book?
When booking a group onto one of our daily tours, the sooner the better. For weekends especially anyway! We tend to book up more quickly on the weekends. For week days a bigger group can get lucky if they leave it to short notice.
We do specialize in customizing private tours for groups so if this is what the guests are after then we recommend some notice. Firstly so they get their desired date, and secondly so we have sufficient time to organise their ideal day.
For someone with no experience with choosing wines do you have any tips on the best wines to take away from the tours? Is there a particular wine that the Swan Valley is famous for?
I always tell my guests to buy what they love and not wait until the next winery. Because what they love may be at the first venue! I’ll give some wine tasting tips to the guests as well. If they are tasting the wines properly then they will be more likely to know whether a particular wine is right for them or not.
The Swan Valley is renowned for Verdelho (a lovely Portuguese white variety) and also the fortified wines are out of this world!! I could keep going however these two would have to be the signatures for the Swan Valley.
Food and wine tours have been growing in popularity over recent years, do you have any advice to help people choose the right tour?
I definitely recommend calling the tour company and asking questions! We offer a variety of tours and we are the experts so we really appreciate it when people give us the opportunity to break down the tours to them. This way we can cover all aspects of the tour they may not get from the booking sight.
If someone or a group want to stay for a few days, can you recommend a budget, mid range and luxury accommodation options in the area?
I have stayed at a variety of places in the Swan Valley and it’s always a pleasure. These recommendations are based on my experience.
Guide to Swan Valley Tours: Luxury – The Colony at Mandoon Estate. Rooms starting from ~$200 per night. www.mandoonestate.com.au/the-colony
Mid-Range – The Vines Resort. Rooms starting from ~$180 per night*. www.vines.com.au/Accommodation/The-Rooms
Budget – Discovery Parks Swan Valley. Camping available from $30 per night however cabins start around $100 per night.
www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/wa/swan_valley/swan_valley
*There’s not much of a difference in price however The Colony is brand new with amazing views of their vineyards and the Swan River!!
What’s the highlight destination /sight (non related to wine) people should look forward to in the region?
Well this would depend on the individual – The region has a very rich history for WA, with Guildford being amongst the oldest towns in West Oz. Heritage Walks through the quaint town of Guildford are available and are a must!
Those with an interest in our native flora and fauna should visit Caversham Wildlife Park and Whiteman Park.
There is plenty of non-wine related attractions of the Swan Valley – If you’re joining us on a tour it may just be the famous Margaret River Chocolate Co.. YUM!
Do you know why the Swan Valley is called the Swan Valley?
The lovely Swan River runs right through the middle of the Swan Valley wine region ☺
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’ve spoken a lot about the Swan Valley however for those that may have been already or are most interested in smaller boutique regions then I highly recommend the Bickley Valley Wine Region! We run tours to this region on the weekends. It’s just beautiful!
Also we do encourage people to contact for any queries what so ever – info@dvinetours.com.au or call (08) 9244 5323.
You can also find us on instagram and Facebook.
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For more information or to book tours visit dvinetours.com.au
Find out more about d’Vine Tours
Related Article: Discover Margaret River
