Home

A feast of fresh Valley delights

Will YeomanThe West Australian
Rupert Phillips and Mika Hawkins from The House of Honey.
Camera IconRupert Phillips and Mika Hawkins from The House of Honey. Credit: Bruce Hunt/Supplied

Ever wondered what it’s like to pick grapes and asparagus and harvest honey? Or make nougat, nutty confectionery, tomato chutney and pasta? And enjoy the fruits of your labours afterwards in fine company?

Harvest: Celebrating the Swan Valley (February 27-28) gives you the opportunity as late-February’s bounty makes possible a range of rich culinary experiences that are as practical as they are delicious.

Feel free to explore the full program, and more, at swanvalley.com.au/harvest. In the meantime, here’s a tasting plate of what’s on offer. As well as some options for picnicking, family fun and overnight stays.

SATURDAY

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Sticky situations don’t come sweeter than Harvest at the House of Honey. Much of the two-hour sessions require you to wear a beekeeping suit, as you’ll be exploring the hives and witnessing honey extracting and pouring processes. The pay-off is a honey tasting followed by Devonshire tea with head beekeeper Rupert Phillips. 867 Great Northern Hwy, Herne Hill. Check-in 8.45am, Safari: 9-11.30am. Price $85.

From House of Honey managing director Kim Phillips: “Most people appreciate the House of Honey for all the honey we have on offer and they love to taste the new honeys in season. Our honey shop is all about an experience, so sitting in the alfresco area and enjoying the fresh air, the birds and the blue sky with ibises flying overhead is a real treat. Naturally all our staff are well versed in bees and honey so love to answer all the many questions people come to ask.”

Talijancich Wines is offering an irresistible double bill — Talijancich Tractor Trail with Mondo Nougat Sticky Delights. Jump on a 1950s vintage tractor and on a tour of some of the Swan Valley’s oldest vines with plenty of “pit stop tastings” on the way. Then a master nougat maker from Mondo Nougat will help you create your own nougat with Talijancich fruit. 26 Hyem Rd, Herne Hill. 9.30-11.30am. Price $85.

These are our kind of spears — soft, juicy and safe. Join Alfred Edgecombe of Edgecombe Brothers for an Asparagus Masterclass in which you get to pick a few bunches of asparagus before preparing a meal — involving asparagus, of course! — accompanied by a glass of Edgecombe wine. 1733 Gnangara Rd, Henley Brook. 4.30-6.30pm. Price $70.

More...

Morish Nuts Masterclass, Sunset at Belvoir’s Rustic Barn.

Pasta in the Valley.
Camera IconPasta in the Valley. Credit: Supplied

SUNDAY

This is a great one for the whole family, with kids’ activities included. In Pasta in the Valley, Bellissimo takes you through the pasta and sauce-making process before you sit down to a big pasta lunch. What’s not to like? 2931 West Swan Rd, Caversham. 11am-2pm. Price $35 adults/$15 kids.

From May Dunlop, operations manager, Pasta in the Valley: “Kids love pasta! Children want to be hands-on. Younger children love the sensory experience of touch and taste. The kids also get to take the pasta home to cook later, we also offer ready-made sauces in our takeaway cafe to go with the pastas — dinner sorted!”

Mira Tolich at Baba and Dida’s.
Camera IconMira Tolich at Baba and Dida’s. Credit: Keven Osborne/Supplied

For something a little different, Baba and Dida’s are offering an Authentic Croatian Experience on the Tolich family farm, cooking up a rustic spit-roast storm. 2540 West Swan Rd, Caversham. 11am-2pm. Free but food available for purchase.

In Harvest Old and New, Swan Valley Brewery celebrates the harvest season in style, setting up tempting fresh produce stalls in their beer garden. This is a chance to sample a range of Swan Valley produce while enjoying a custom watermelon beer or fruit slushy. Vintage memorabilia and artworks will also be on display. 518 Great Northern Hwy, Middle Swan. 11am-5pm. Free, but food available for purchase.

More...

Upper Reach Vintage Tour; Mr. Shuttle Swan Valley Fresh Produce Tour.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails