We spent a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Bickley Harvest Festival today – filled with lots of family fun. Finally after our warm weather spell it felt like autumn was upon us, as the valley was full of orange and red leaves. 
We drove through the winding valley roads, past rows of vines and orchards. We could have easily been in Margaret River, not just 25kms east from the Perth CBD. I’m a born and bred hillbilly and I love this area dearly – I wish I didn’t live so far away now!
There are a lot of venues in the valley joining in with the festivities; wineries, the CORE cider house, art galleries etc. Many of them are putting on special luncheons, live music, art and crafts and activities for the kids. There is also a free hop on – hop off bus, departing from Kalamunda.
There is a lot happening at the Myattsfield Vineyard (Carmel). As well as tasting their wine (inc varieties Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon and Tempranillo). The stunning weather was great for picnicking, dancing to the live band, trying some locally made food and strolling around the craft, woodwork and vintage stalls & art exhibits. Chef tucked into some excellent wood fired pizza from Smokey Jack’s.
We were also there for the charity Scarecrow Competition, a favourite of Little Chef’s from last year. A gold coin donation to Muscular Dystrophy WA gave you the chance to vote for your favourite scarecrow creation. Needless to say, like last year, we had lots of votes!! Our favourite was the very clever “French Kiss” and Little Chef found some minion scarecrows.
We also stopped at Fairbrossen winery & café. This is a lovely family run winery with varieties Chardonnay, Cab Sav, Rose and Tempranillo) .
The café has views over their vineyards. It was busy in the café, but I thought it would be a great place to return and enjoy a food platter. There was live music. Little Chef enjoyed a tractor ride and was super excited to get his face painted too.
Brookside Winery, home of the popular Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant, was full of people dining in the lush gardens and picnicking on the grass.
At the Ashley Estate they have a good drop of Pinot Noir. There I spotted a cheeky horse enjoying a rose bush, whist the electric fence was switched off!!
Maybe he got a thorn?! Or just horsing around?! Hehe
The eight boutique wineries, on the Bickley valley wine trail, are all within a few kilometres of each other. Most of them have cafes and restaurants; great for a lazy Sunday lunch or an afternoon tea. Being just 30mins from the city, these vineyards are well worth a visit. I look forward to exploring the Bickley Valley even more very soon. So does Little Chef – once he’s recovered from all the excitement! He was a very tired Ninja Turtle! The Bickley Valley Harvest Festival was, again, a great day out for all the family.