Swan Valley rides tourism wave
Swan Valley wineries have had some of the biggest visitor numbers on record, sparking renewed optimism in the industry about the valley's tourism future.
As the region celebrates 180 years as a winemaking area, Swan Valley and Regional Winemakers Association vice-president and Faber Vineyard owner John Griffiths said many of the 43 licensed wineries had reported a big rise in cellar-door visitors and sales in the past year.
"Every winery will have a different story to tell, but I think overall there has been an improvement in demand," Mr Griffiths said. "We've (Faber Vineyard) seen a 30 per cent increase in sales in the past year and the same the year before."
Mr Griffiths said he believed a visit to the Swan Valley, once forgotten by some international visitors, had now become as much of a "must do" as a visit to Kings Park or Hillarys Boat Harbour.
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Wineries that before only had a cellar door for visitors were now offering cooking classes, wedding venues and restaurants.
"What's really taken off is the boutique wineries and they are doing very well," Mr Griffiths said.
Mandoon Estate general manager Travers O'Rafferty said the five-year-old winery opened a restaurant five weeks ago to try to target the "foodie" market.
"It's definitely increased sales for us," he said.
"In general terms, we've seen people are a lot more food- oriented now and people don't just come out here to drink."
The association will wrap up its anniversary celebrations with special events at venues in the next few months.
For information, visit swanvalleywinemakers.com.au.
