I'm definitely a Swan Valley girl at heart. I grew up in Henley Brook, before this rural village-style living was barely a whisper. Blessed with a childhood of vegetable patches and scarecrows, weekends fearlessly riding ponies through the bush. Our family home is still just that, the scarecrow might be gone but that dry, hot scent of summers gone remains unchanged.
I love taking that long, winding drive down West Swan Rd and seeing how the view has shaped over the years. Pointing out familiar houses that have stood the test of time, whilst pleasantly surprised to see some have moved aside for new developments. The Swan Valley is just brimming with fresh new life, that Australian spirit of let's give it a red hot go lingers here.
Mandoon Estate is one of those new additions and is home to a fine dining restaurant, winery with a classy cellar door and the Homestead Brewery. When you enter the gates and take it all in, you can't help but think … why didn't anyone do this before? The green grass sprawls with families enjoying hot lamb rolls and deli meats in the sunshine and not worrying that the kids are running riot on the playground. The restaurant is a relaxing reprieve to the chaos outside whilst the brewery is lively, full of cheer and welcomed cold beer.
I'm yet to enjoy one of those hot lamb rolls, but have now spent two separate Sundays enjoying the laid back vibe at Homestead. You've gotta love a good dose of pub food after a day of sampling far too many wines. Mandoon Estate really captures the essence of the Swan Valley, a haven for families to retreat, where kids can be kids and where honest, wholesome local produce grows strong.
