Perth, Western Australia, boasts multiple wine regions with unique climates and varietals. The Swan Valley, located just north of Perth, features a warm Mediterranean climate ideal for growing Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Chardonnay grapes. This region is renowned for its full-flavored white wines, with Chenin Blanc benefiting from bottle aging. Swan Valley also produces notable fortified wines such as Pedro Ximenes and Liqueur Shiraz.
Perth Hills, an official wine-growing region since 1999, has a varied climate due to its altitude, resulting in cooler temperatures and delayed ripening compared to Swan Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are popular grape varieties in this region, yielding rich wines with chocolate, earthy, and berry notes. Chardonnay is another prominent grape, producing generous white wines with ripe melon and peach flavors.
The Western Australia wine region, encompassing subregions like Margaret River and Great Southern, showcases a more temperate climate due to climate change. Varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Riesling thrive in this diverse region, each subregion offering unique wines influenced by varying terroir and microclimates. Iconic wineries in Western Australia include Amelia Park Winery, Windows Estate, Gilbert Wines, Leeuwin Estate, and Vasse Felix, known for crafting acclaimed wines.