The Swan Valley is not only brimming with wineries and lush vineyards, it’s also an amazing fresh food region right on our doorstep. I’ve driven past the roadside fruit and veg stalls loads of times, but not really stopping, as I always seem to be on my way to a winery, café or restaurant. So I was so excited to try the Swan Valley Fresh Seasonal Produce Trail.
Recently, the City of Swan has launched a new trail to follow in the Swan Valley. There are many self-guided trails on offer, maps can be found online and at the Swan Valley information centre in Guildford. As well as the very tasty ‘Sweet Temptations’ trail, you can now hop on the “Fresh Seasonal Produce’ trail. What a brilliant idea.
As produce is obviously seasonal, depending on what time of year you visit the Swan Valley, you can have a different experience each time. When this trail really comes alive is in table grape season (Jan-Mar).
Autumn – Mangoes, pomegranates, pumpkins
Winter – Citrus, garlic, strawberries
Spring – Asparagus, broad beans, peas
Summer – grapes, avocadoes, figs, macadamias, melons
During late March, I visited just a handful of the 30+ Swan Valley farm gates, produce outlets and roadside stalls. I was so impressed with their offerings and beautifully presented set-ups. Some offer coffee n cake, whilst others also had homemade ice creams and preserves for sale. The fresh bakes at Swan Valley Sisters looked delicious!
Nuos Grapes
Grapes have been grown by the Nuich family for generations. They grow a variety of table grapes (we LOVE the Autumn Crisp), which are available for purchase at their shed for a few months of the year. Here you’ll also find dried grapes, and other goodies.
Little chef wants to go back for another delicious grape, lime and rose petal icy pole! We’ll absolutely be back next year to get our grapes from Peter and his friendly family.
OPEN Jan to Late March/Early April (Fri, Sat, Sun). Check their Facebook page for details.Find Nuo’s Grapes at 4752 West Swan Road, West Swan.
Swan Valley Sisters
This roadside spot is a fruit and veg collective run by sisters Tara and Anne-Marie. They grow their own produce on site, used in their tasty fresh bakes, as well as stocking organic and bio-dynamic produce from other small growers in the valley. I love that a lot of the produce comes with the name and photo of the person who grew it – its a beautiful, personal touch!
You can pick your own produce (by appointment) and Swan Valley Sisters even offer modern self-contained accommodation too!
OPEN July – Late March/April (Sat, Sun). Find Swan Valley Sisters at 1715 Gnangara Road, Henley Brook.
Kato’s at 3000
This hugely popular spot is owned and run by another prominent Swan Valley family. Kato’s is a great place to grab some freshly picked grapes and pomegranates.
Be sure to try Marlene’s freshly made fruit gelato too! It’s absolutely scrumptious and contains no nasties.
OPEN January – April (Fri, Sat, Sun). Find Kato’s at 3000 at 3000 West Swan Road, Caversham.
Next time you head to the Swan Valley, be sure to pop an esky in the boot of your car and bring home some fresh, locally grown produce. It’s so important to support these families so they can continue to grow this delicious produce for many more generations of West Aussies to enjoy. The Swan Valley Fresh Seasonal Produce Trail is a must do!
Find out more about the Swan Valley Fresh Seasonal Produce Trail on the Swan Valley’s Website.