10^th September: Perth (Swan Valley)

What a great day! Despite the grey skies and chilly wind!

I had booked us all on a Swan Valley Wine Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises! I managed to get a more than 10% discount ( down to $140 each) and we all thought it was well worth the money. We had coffee and muffins as soon as we arrived on the boat which was good as a couple of our group were, as always, hanging out for coffee.

The river was calm and we had a bit of a commentry as we glided upstream, harrassing the kayakers and ducks! Our first tasting began after 10.00 am and wehad 4 wines to taste, after a lesson on tasting and the distribution of cheese platters. The wines were okay but nothing to write home about! But it was fun and Glen kept texting poor Cherie after every taste. (She gave up answering, in disgust, after the photos at lunch! Poor girl! She was supposed to be working!)

We arrived at Sandalwood which we had visited a couple of times in the past. This was the site of our first attempt at tasting ever, the day we put the children into child care and went on a cruise. We had a tour and talks about the process. Sandalford are now owned by a youngish couple who also own vineyards at Margaret River but they still have a number of very old vines out the front – planted in 1890 – large, gnarled stems tthey are too! They have a natural amphitheatre out beyond the winery and beside the merlot vines where they hold concerts by famous performers eg Sting, Kenny Rogers, etc with Neil Finn coming next January.

Then we had our tasting in the dining room. We were taught how to be a wine judge with a “flight” of 6 wines. I really liked a couple and we were told to select one for lunch. As I was having barramundi, I asked for the Chardonnay which was lovely especially when cold. It was a lovely meal and heaps of fun! Afterwards we went into a lovely gift shop where we could order wine. We didn't but others did. Gail had a case sent home. But we did taste the dessert wines which were very nice but a bit expensive.

 

We were very mellow on the cruise home as the bar was open on the boat and free. By that time, I had had enough wine! The walk to the train and the train and bus ride home was very crowded as it was knock-off time but we didn't seem to care!