Perth Hills – click to enlarge

Perth Hills – click to enlarge

The Perth Hills Wine Region is approximately 22 km east of Perth, Western Australia, and forms part of the Greater Perth zone, shared with Peel and Swan District. It spans the Darling Range and includes several towns, such as Mundaring and Bindoon, providing a picturesque setting for vineyards nestled in the hills.

For over a century, Viticulture has been practised on a small scale, sporadically in the region. The first known winery was built in the 1880s and produced wine until it burned down in 1945. Hainault is the oldest modern winery in the region and has been in operation since only 1980. The wineries operated on a very small scale until Millbrook and Western Range wineries arrived.

Rivulets and dry creek beds, undulating hills, and valleys crisscross the region, providing an almost unlimited choice of aspects and slopes for the vineyards. Areas cut off from the sea breeze are much warmer than those closer to the coast. Perth Hills has a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average winter temperatures are between 8°C and 17°C, with significant rainfall.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Perth’s CBD, the Perth Hills is a perfect escape to enjoy spectacular scenery whilst treating yourself to locally produced boutique wines. There are a number of cellar doors owned and operated by winemakers passionate to share their stories alongside their award-winning wines.

Shiraz is the dominant red varietal in the region. It is rich and full-bodied, with dark fruit flavours of blackberry and plum, often with spicy and peppery notes. Chardonnay is the dominant white, and can be found at most cellar doors. They range from crisp and citrusy to rich and buttery, often with notes of stone fruits and melon. Both unoaked and oaked versions are popular, showcasing the grape’s versatility.

Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this warm climate and showcases full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavours, firm tannins, and ageing potential. Merlot is popular in the region and is frequently blended, often with the local Cabernet Sauvignon, but sometimes released as straight varietal wines. The wines are full-flavoured, with chocolate, earthy, and berry flavours.

Pinot Noir is often associated with a cooler climate, but Perth Hills produces some splendid examples. It is generally medium-bodied, with red fruit flavours of cherry and raspberry with silky tannins. It is typically lighter and more delicate than other reds from the region.

Source:  www.wineaustralia.com,