Perth Hills wine region guide

With boutique wineries and beautiful scenery, the Perth Hills wine region may be home to some of Perth’s best-kept secrets. Artisan produce and award-winning wines come together to tantalise your tastebuds. In this guide to the Perth Hills, you’ll find where exactly the region is, some of the wineries to put on your wishlist, and useful information for planning your visit.

Where is the Perth Hills wine region?

The Perth Hills wine region in Western Australia is located to the east of Perth, covering the Darling Ranges and hinterland. It spans over 150km from Chittering in the north to Serpentine in the south. Some wineries are within just half an hour’s drive of the city centre, while the region’s more far-flung reaches could take up to an hour to get to from the CBD.

This proximity to the city makes the Perth Hills wine region an excellent option for a self-driving day trip (with a designated driver who won’t be indulging in all the wine, of course). Some parts of the region could also be reached by the Transperth public transport network or on an organised tour.

It’s a little further afield than the popular Swan Valley wine region and has a lower concentration of wineries, but the Perth Hills are home to some absolute gems that make it well worth a visit.

History of the Perth Hills wine region

Vineyards were first planted in the Perth Hills in the 1880s, but it took until 1999 for the area to become an officially designated wine region.

Today, the region has around 119 hectares of vineyards and over 20 cellar doors. Producers are relatively small but they’ve had no shortage of success in national and international awards.

Areas of the Perth Hills wine region

The Perth Hills wine region has four parts.

• Chittering Valley, about an hour north of the city centre, is a charming country escape with a handful of wineries. Explore towns like Bindoon (with its famous Bindoon Bakehouse and the Northern Valleys Locavore Store) and the range of gourmet food producers in the area to gather the makings of a delicious picnic, and stop for a hike at a scenic spot like Djidi-Djidi Ridge to make a great day out.
• In the Heart of the Hills, located to the east of Perth, you’ll find a few wineries nestled among forest and heritage attractions, including the Mundaring Weir.
• Bickley Valley, just half an hour south-east of the city, is home to the largest cluster of wineries, whose drops feature some lesser-used grapes. It’s also a great area to get fresh fruits straight from local orchards (many even offer pick-your-own experiences in season), enjoy lunch at a pub or cidery, or stay overnight and visit the Perth Observatory.
• In Serpentine, an hour south of the city, Millbrook Winery is a destination in itself. You’ll also find plenty of scenic hiking options and historic attractions nearby.

With about 1.5 hours’ drive between the northern and southernmost ends of the region, it’s best to plan a trip around just one part of the Hills.

The Perth Hills Wine Region website is a great source of info on the wineries in each sub-region.

What kinds of wine is the Perth Hills wine region known for?

The location in a low-lying mountain range, where altitude varies from 10 to 573 metres above sea level, creates a range of microclimates suitable for many kinds of grapes.

The main grape varieties grown in the Perth Hills wine region are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and chardonnay. But there are also producers growing varieties that are less common in Australia, like durif and even saperavi – an ancient Georgian grape.

Wineries to visit in the Perth Hills

This region is home to boutique producers, so you may not find that any of the winery names ring a bell – but after a visit, you’ll probably find some new favourites. Perth Hills wineries are often family-owned and run, offering an intimate experience and a real passion for their product. Here are a few to check out:

Bickley Valley

• Fairbrossen is a first-generation family business producing a range of delicious wines with a focus on sustainability and traditional technique. They offer a selection of cheese and charcuterie platters (designed to match the wines and take you on a journey across Europe) to enjoy along with wine tasting at their rustic cellar door perched above a vineyard.
• La Fattoria is a relatively new kid on the block, with orchards only having made way for vineyards in 2012. The owners’ Sicilian heritage is showcased through the Italian varieties on the wine list and their seasonal “Nonna’s family table” set menu.
• Tonon Vineyard & Winery specialises in alternative varieties, such as vermentino and fiano for whites and malbec, tempranillo and sangiovese for reds. They’re also the only producer of prosecco in the Hills.
• MyattsField took inspiration from the local climate’s similarity to Spain and Portugal when planting grapes, explaining the presence of grapes like verdelho, mourvèdre and touriga on their wine lineup. At their cellar door you’ll likely get a chance to chat to one of the winemakers in person, and you can buy cheese and wines by the glass to enjoy with great views from the verandah.

Serpentine

• Millbrook Winery is known for its picturesque building overlooking a lake, and its acclaimed restaurant serving produce grown on its own farm. Their focus on sustainability shines with their “No Waste Monday” menu, which serves up dishes made with what’s left over from the weekend.

Chittering Valley

• Stringybark offers a cosy rustic atmosphere in its cellar door and restaurant. There’s a mouthwatering menu of hearty food to enjoy by the fire in winter or alfresco in summer, and a small (but good) selection of wines.

When to visit the Perth Hills

The wineries in the Perth Hills aren’t typically open all week long, so you’ll want to plan your visit around a weekend (Friday-Sunday, or possibly Thursday or Monday) to maximise your tasting options.

In spring, the Bickley Valley is bursting with fruits and flowers. Look out for special events like the annual Blossom Festival at S&R Orchard.

Many wineries have outdoor areas perfect for enjoying the stunning views during the warmer months of summer. As it cools off in autumn and winter, the Perth Hills are still a great destination to enjoy a cosy meal and wine.

How long to stay in the Perth Hills

Thanks to the region’s location just a short drive from the Perth city centre, you can easily visit the Perth Hills and get a taste of what the area has to offer with as little as a half day. However, a whole day will allow you to sample a few of the region’s wineries – and if you can stay a night (or more), you’ll really have the chance to unwind, indulge, and make the most of this peaceful escape from the city.

Where to stay in the Perth Hills

The Perth Hills wine region has a range of boutique accommodation options to suit couples, groups and families, from country-style cottages and B&Bs to luxury spa retreats, and even quirky options like converted train carriages!

With the region spanning such a large distance from north to south, the best area to stay in will really depend on which sub-region your visit will focus on.

For proximity to shops and amenities, you could choose to stay in a town centre such as Mundaring or Kalamunda. Or for privacy and seclusion, look for a chalet or tiny home in the bush.

Other things to do in the Perth Hills

With its rolling green hills and beautiful bushland, the Perth Hills offer many picturesque areas for hiking and picnicking. There is a range of trails suitable for various fitness levels and adventure tolerances.

The region is also a great foodie destination: pick up local cheese and honey, go fruit picking, or just book a table at one of the outstanding restaurants for lunch.

At night, the Perth Observatory offers the opportunity to tour the night sky thanks to the low light pollution in the hills.

Plan your Perth Hills wine trip!

Looking for more areas to explore? We’ve got you covered. Explore WA wine regions.