Perth Hills
The Darling Scarp rising east of Perth: the Perth Hills grows Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet at 200 to 400 metres above sea level, just far enough above the coastal plain to catch cooler air and produce wines with more structure than the Swan Valley below.
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We are continually curating new experiences. Check back shortly as we expand our presence in this region.
The Dossier
The Perth Hills wine region runs along the Darling Range from Kalamunda south through Pickering Brook and Serpentine, 30 to 50km east of the Perth CBD: 30 to 50 minutes depending on the destination. The proximity to Perth makes it a genuine half-day trip from the city; the Bickley and Carmel valleys in particular have developed a food and wine scene anchored by a small number of committed producers. It pairs naturally with the Swan Valley for a full day out of Perth.
Harvest runs March through April: the elevation and the scarp's cooler air produce a longer growing season than the Swan Valley. Spring (September to October) is when the hills are green and the orchards around Pickering Brook are in blossom; the most attractive time to visit. Summer is warm but moderated by the altitude; the evenings in the Hills are noticeably cooler than the city below. Autumn is harvest season and the quietest visitor window.
Shiraz is the regional standout: the elevation and diurnal temperature range produce a more structured, savoury style than the Swan Valley's fruit-forward warmth. Chardonnay and Cabernet from the better sites have their advocates among Perth's more serious wine drinkers. Hainault and Carmel Valley Estate are the names most likely to be found on Perth restaurant lists. The Hills food culture beyond the wine, including cideries, farmgate produce, and the Saturday markets at Pickering Brook, gives the region a complete food and wine day-out character.