While frenetic activity has raised the profile of southern areas of WA in recent decades, the heart and soul of the West Australian industry remains in the Swan Valley. This is where the first serious industry began just a few years after founding settlers stepped ashore at Rous Head in Fremantle.
The first vines at Olive Farm were planted in 1829 by Thomas Waters, and the following year he dug out the wine cellar that is incorporated in the present day winery of the same name. Thus, the Swan District predates both Victoria and South Australia in viticultural terms.

Jack Mann is recognised in the history of Western Australia as a winemaker who made the greatest contribution to the State's wine industry. His passion and creative genius has left a powerful legacy as he endeavoured at all times to produce wines of the highest standard that were often way ahead of their time.

Jack Mann was born in Perth in 1906 and at age 15 became his father's apprentice at Houghton Winery in the Swan Valley. Jack worked continuously for 51 vintages at Houghton, retiring in 1972.
The Jack Mann Memorial Medal for the individual who has contributed the most to the WA Wine Industry is WA's wine industries most prestigous wine award.

Chenin Blanc: This variety dominates plantings in the Swan District. Arguably, the region is the only one in Australia where this grape and its resultant wine rises above mediocrity. In this climate the wine produced has a certain luscious richness, which responds well to bottle age, producing a full-flavoured white of almost voluptuous dimensions. It also does particularly well in the Moondah Brook/Gingin subregions, producing wines with an abundance of the fruit salad flavours which are the varietal signature of the grape.

Chardonnay: The plantings are increasing and one or two producers have produced some very good, buttery, peachy wines from this grape--sometimes with an almost Burgundian tang, which comes from a measure of barrel ferment.

Verdelho: This traditional variety was appreciated well before it became vogue in the eastern states during the 1980's. Many wineries produce a varietal wine from Verdelho and are usually content to allow the rich honeyed, honeysuckle flavours free reign without introducing new oak.

Shiraz: The Swan District region is sharing in the planting surge of Shiraz, which has shown its ability to produce quality wine in virtually all climatic conditions.

Blended White Wines: One of Australia's largest selling and eternally popular white wines is from this area: Houghton White Burgundy. Sold under other names in the export market, it is the result of the coalescence of three principal white varieties. Despite its modest price and very large volume, this blend has the capacity to age magnificently for five to ten years. At its peak it is able to win gold medals and trophies against the cream of the crop of Chardonnays, Semillons and blends from the eastern states.

Houghton Winery is synonymous with Western Australia. And Houghton wines, long renowned for their high quality, consistency and flavour, have been such prolific trophy and medal winners that they have earned Houghton the well deserved title of Western Australia's most awarded winery.

From its magnificent homestead north of Perth, Houghton embraces all the premium winegrowing areas of Western Australia, including the emerging Great Southern and South West regions. Houghton has vineyards in areas including Margaret River, Pemberton, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Gingin and Swan Valley.

The passion for making wines of great flavour and character is the legacy of one Houghton winemaker in particular. The late, great Jack Mann.

Jane Brook Established in 1972, Jane Brook is a family owned and managed operation. David and Bev Atkinson have never looked back since they purchased a small operation called Vignacourt. At Jane Brook the fruit is harvested entirely by hand during the coolest time of the day and then cooled in our refrigerated winery. This ensures that the fruit is in undamaged, excellent condition before crushing.
Visit Jane Brook

Ray Jordan Guide to Wine 2007/08
Published by St George Books, a division of The West Australian Newspapers Ltd, rrp $29.95

Ray Jordan's Guide to Wine 2007/08 is the sixth edition of the annual guide by the renowned wine writer.
Buy Now

Swan Valley Tours Our Swan Valley wine tour guides are friendly, courteous and knowledgeable - they ensure that you have much more than just the run-of-the-mill wine tour. We keep our daily indulgence tour groups small, so you get to know other interesting and fun-loving people whilst sharing the many varied tastes on offer.
Swan Valley Tours

The Trail
A gourmet meander through the wine regions of WA
The Trail