Refined winery dining, right on the city’s doorstep.
Sandalford Wines, a stalwart of the Swan Valley destination dining scene, certainly doesn’t rest on its reputation. Every season, executive chef Alan Spagnolo refreshes his menu to showcase local produce (but as much as things change, thankfully the Dardanup lamb rump is a staple.)
There’s an element of choose-your-own-adventure to the winery, with multigenerational family groups sitting among the vines sharing the likes of pizza topped with spring asparagus or hand-rolled pasta, perhaps buttery tagliarini with prawns, scallops and saffron. Those settling into the dining room for a more intimate lunch or dinner will find impeccable attention to detail in plates like an exquisitely sliced and presented mosaic of Abrolhos octopus carpaccio, kept light and bright with blackened chilli tomato and muscatel vinegar dressing. Goldband snapper, meanwhile, is crisp of skin and flaky of flesh.
Just leave room for dessert, a deconstructed lemon cheesecake with almond frangipane crumble that deftly balances textures and sweet, sharp flavours.
Service is brisk, friendly and informative, even when at capacity, and estate wines make things simple. Just leave room for dessert, a deconstructed lemon cheesecake with almond frangipane crumble that deftly balances textures and sweet, sharp flavours. Just one more reason to book in a day trip.
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