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Porongurup Food and Wine Trail

About the Trail – Flavours of the Porongurup Range

Trail length:  23 km from start to finish.

Located in the south-west of Western Australia, nestled by the mountains of the Porongurup Range, is this neat little village community.  Whilst taking in the some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable in Porongurup and with views to the Stirling Ranges in the distance, come and enjoy many delights along the Porongurup Food and Wine Trail.

Find yourself in Porongurup with wine tasting, a relaxing lunch or coffee at one of the cafés or tearooms or perhaps a craft beer and a bite to eat at the local bar and begin to understand what makes Porongurup a wonderful place to visit.

Come and meet the locals who will take the time to share with you their quality wines, beautiful produce and friendly hospitality.

The Porongurup’s reputation as a producer of distinctive cool climate wines, especially Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, continues to grow and many boutique producers source fruit from here.  www.greatsouthernwine.asn.au.

The trail can be experienced in either direction, either starting at Zarephath Wines and finishing at Dukes Vineyard, or in reverse.  You might like to select just a few, or complete them all, it’s entirely up to you.

If you’d prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving, then why not contact Busy Blue Bus on 08 9842 2133 www.busybluebus.com.au and arrange a charter.

Get your copy of the Trail Map

Get the Trails WA App:     download here

Download a copy:             https://trailswa.com.au/trails/flavours-of-the-porongurup-range-trail/about

Hard copy:                         pick up at many of the local visitor centres or local businesses in the area.

Trail maps produced with the support of Porongurup Promotions Association Inc, Tourism WA, Trails WA and The Amazing South Coast.

Trail treasures – our top tips!

We will dig a little deeper into what you will find, feel and experience at these wonderful stops along the Trail.  We will share with you our tips to enhance your visit.  Most importantly, we will reveal a little about the wonderful people behind these businesses and the community that makes Porongurup such a special place.

Note: opening times and information are current at time of writing this Blog, however please visit individual websites to check details, to avoid disappointment.

1. Zarephath Wines

Boutique winery with a contemporary twist

424 Moorialup Rd

Café open Sat & Sun only – bookings required

Cellar Door open daily – just call ahead

08 9853 1152

www.zarephath.com

TOP TIPS:

  • Delicious food using amazing local produce

  • Book a table for lunch (Saturday or Sunday)

  • Go for a vineyard walk

On week days, just call ahead to ensure they are available, to call into their cellar door for tastings and sales.

Now in my opinion, you may like to make this your last stop of the day, because once you get here you may just not want to leave!

Rosie and Ian own and run this small winery, which includes a stunning cellar door and café.  They will welcome you and make you instantly feel right at home.  The views, ambience, music, wood fire in the winter, wine and scrumptious food will just make you feel relaxed right away.  Rosie’s country kitchen will surely delight your taste buds with her homegrown and local produce, cooked with passion and beautifully presented.  You absolutely must try Rosie’s famous pâté and the vineyard platters are a feast for the eyes.

Whilst your meal is lovingly prepared, sample some of their wines and choose one to enjoy with your lunch.  Try their award-winning Pinot Noir and Riesling, or perhaps the Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot or Rose.  Single Vineyard fruit is handpicked and made by local Winemaker Rob Diletti.  Zarephath was recently awarded a 5 Star Winery rating by James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion.

On one visit I was lucky enough to take a walk with Ian up into the vineyard block behind the café.  Having visited Zarephath many times before, I had seen the views towards Many Peaks from the café, but was surprised to discover here some absolutely stunning views across the vineyards towards the Stirling Ranges.  I learnt all about “hairy legs” (you will have to ask Ian yourself about this one!), observed some pruning of the pinot noir canes and chatted about the bud bursting times of the different varieties.  The clouds were a little low for me to really appreciate the view at is best on this particular day, but if you get the chance to go for a stroll up into the vineyard, it is definitely a special experience.  This is not a formal tour; you just need a friendly smile and ask their permission to take a vineyard walk.  Tell them that “The Sleeping Lady” recommended it!!  If they have the time, you may be able to tag along with them and really find out about their grass roots approach.

2. Castle Rock Estate

Steeped in family wine-making history

2660 Porongurup Road

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday

08 9853 1035

www.castlerockestate.com.au

TOP TIPS:

  • Rob Diletti - 2015 Australian Wine Maker of the year

  • Award winning wines

  • Showcasing the Porongurup sub-region’s cool-climate wines perfectly

  • Panoramic views

  • Order a local cheese platter to enjoy with your wine tasting

Now I have to admit, due to Castle Rock Estate being our neighbours, I am just a little bit fond of this place and the family!

Castle Rock Estate has been in the Diletti family for over 30 year.  Angelo and Wendy purchased the property in 1981.

Named after the imposing ‘Castle Rock’ that sits within the National Park, the vineyard was one of the earliest planted in the region.

With the winery built in 2001, their son and Winemaker, Rob Diletti, now makes their premium quality, award-winning wines including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The site’s altitude and easterly aspect, which exposes the vines to cooling south-east breezes along with the direction of the sun, enables the fruit to develop to a high quality.

The combination of quality fruit, complemented by Rob Diletti’s belief in the site and the work that he puts into the vineyard to get the best results, is what Rob believes makes the wines so distinctive and extraordinary.   His appreciation of the quality of the fruit continues right through the process, from growing the grapes, making the wine and bottling on site to ensure that the quality and freshness is maintained from start to finish.

Rob Diletti has 20 years experience of managing both the vineyard and making wine and combined with his passion for the site, is what makes him such an outstanding Winemaker .  Rob’s expertise and observations of previous seasons has enabled him to build up an important bank of knowledge.  He confessed to making the wine he likes to drink!

Ask for a taste of their Porongurup Riesling and Pinot Noir.  Find your favourite and armed with a bottle and a few glasses, take outside to enjoy at your leisure with your own picnic lunch.  Or why not order a local Cheese Platter, prepared using locally made cheeses and olives, and delivered to the cellar door by The Sleeping Lady (call Nichola on 0418 555 072, or enquire at the cellar door).

As Porongurup’s only winery (as opposed to vineyard) what also makes it so special, is that you will find yourself talking with the winemaker, owners and people working the vineyard.  A small family winery shaping the reputation of the Porongurup wine sub-region.

“Rob Diletti’s excellent palate and sensitive winemaking mark Castle Rock as one of the superstars of WA” James Halliday, Wine Companion.

Rob Diletti was Winner of 2015 Australian Winemaker of the Year Award, and finalist in the 2019 Winemaker of the Year Awards.  Here’s a nice write up by Gourmet Traveller Wine about Rob Diletti – http://gourmettravellerwine.com/winemaker-of-the-year-2019/rob-diletti-finalist-2019-winemaker-of-the-year.html

The panoramic view across the vineyards to the Stirling Ranges is truly spectacular.  Quite possibly the best view you will find.

The Cellar door is open every day (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), so you can just turn up.  Ring the doorbell at the cellar door if it is locked.  They may just be working in the winery or out in the vineyard.

3. Ironwood Estate Wines & View Café

Fine wine every time!

2191 Porongurup Road

Open Wed-Mon

11am-5pm

08 9853 1126

www.ironwoodestatewines.com.au

TOP TIPS:

  • Alfresco dining with stunning views

  • The view from the entrance to the nearby Twin Peaks is worth stopping to admire.

  • 23rd vintage released

Mary and Gene will welcome you to their cellar door and promise you “Fine wine everytime…”

This is a beautiful location for an alfresco lunch accompanied by a lovely glass of their Reserve Chardonnay.   The views across the lake, vineyards and to the distant Stirling Ranges is spectacular.

The selection available at their cellar door is currently Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet/Merlot, Chardonnay (Reserve and unoaked), Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Late Harvest, and Rocky Rose.

Ironwood Estate Wines have received many awards for their wines, since their first vintage in 1996.  23 vintages later they have received over 100 awards for their wine.  Read the Ironwood Awards! Blog post for their latest.

Their pure unprocessed honey is also a lovely treat to take home with you.

4. Karribank and The Karri On Bar

Relax and Karri on in style

1983 Porongurup Road

Open Thur, 4-8pm

Fri-Sun, 11am-late)

(kitchen closes at 8pm)

08 9853 1022

www.karribank.com.au

TOP TIPS:

  • Great atmosphere

  • Local wines, including a few from from Vineyards that don’t have a cellar door

  • Local craft beer on tap

The Blythe family run this charming historic retreat.

Karribank was built in the early 1900’s and just after the First World War the homestead was expanded and started to receive guests.  It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated country retreat in Western Australia.

Offering chilled craft beer on tap and local wines, wood-fired pizzas and other meals in a relaxing atmosphere, its guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

It’s the perfect place to sit in front of the fire in winter, or outside verandah on a warm summer’s afternoon.  The Karri On Bar is open on Thursday through to Sunday (times below).

The Karri On Bar opened in September 2018 and has since become a vibrant and central place for village locals to catch up, as well as visitors to the region enjoying casual afternoons or evening drinks and a bite to eat.  So, whether you want a quiet table for two, or mingle with the locals, it will appeal to everyone.

Karribank have a great selection of local wines available, including a few from vineyards that don’t have a cellar door, so it’s a great way of sampling those.  Grab a pint of locally crafted Wilson’s Beer, Tingletop Ginger Beer, Runamuk Cider or other non-alcoholic drink and soak up the atmosphere.  There’s some comfy lounges and chairs by the fire, as well as plenty of both small and large tables for groups, along with a few bar stools and wine barrels to sit at.

What makes it Special?  It is tranquil, and invites you in to stay awhile and enjoy.

5. Porongurup Shop, Tearooms & Village Inn

Old world charm

1972 Porongurup Road

Open daily, 8am-5pm

08 9853 1110

www.porongurupinn.com.au

TOP TIPS:

  • The hub of the Porongurup Village!

  • Homely atmosphere

  • Devonshire Teas

Scott & Di, the owners, run this quaint store and tearooms.  If you want to know anything, then this is the place to ask!  Locals know that it’s the informal information hub of the village.

Established in 1937, the old general store and tearooms is guaranteed to win your heart.

They have a range of groceries, home-style cooked meals and an eclectic mix of art, collectables, local handcrafted products, gifts, books, fuel and much more.

There’s a lovely spot to sit out the front, with locals and visitors popping in, giving it a good atmosphere.  Or find a shady spot around the back in the lovely gardens.

Try their Devonshire teas, with freshly made scones served with a generous serving of jam and cream.

Check out the Porongurup markets, held on long-weekends and Easter in the Porongurup Shop gardens and regular art displays throughout the year.

This small family run business truly is a great community treasure.

1972 Porongurup Road

Open daily, 8am-5pm

08 9853 1110

www.porongurupinn.com.au

6. Maleeya’s Thai Café

Authentic Thai cuisine

1416 Porongurup Road

Open Fri-Sun

Lunch 12pm-2pm

Dinner 6pm-9pm  (8.30pm Sunday)

Open for lunch on public holidays that fall on a Monday

08 9853 1123

www.maleeya.com.au

TOP TIPS:

  • Try Maleeya’s signature dish - Panang Prawn curry

  • Freshly picked Asian herbs

  • BYO wine to enjoy with your meal

  • Take a wander through the bamboo garden

People come from far and wide for Maleeya’s authentic Thai cuisine.

Stop to say hello to the Highland Cattle on your way in.  With a backdrop to the Porongurup Range it makes for an interesting and unique arrival.

Maleeya’s Thai café has featured 6 years in a row in the Australian Gourmet Traveller Guide.

Maleeya cooks traditional Bengarong style Thai, which is an old style of traditional cooking that uses more ingredients than many modern, simplified Thai styles.  She was taught this by her Grandmother from the age of 7 years old.

Many of the ingredients are grown in Peter and Maleeya’s organic garden, including turmeric, galangal and ginger, essential in Thai cuisine.  Other seasonal vegetables and herbs including birds eye chilli, curry leaf, kaffir lime and lemongrass are grown and freshly harvested for Maleeya’s dishes.

The bamboo garden and nursery are situated next to the café, which you can take a wander around yourself.  The nursery is open every day, but it is best to call ahead to check.   The bamboo garden is a little hidden gem.  A lovely walk, weaving its way through many species of bamboo, that is quite enchanting.

I was lucky enough to have Peter show me around, learning about how quickly the bamboo shoots grow, how they are harvested and prepared ready for eating.  You simply can’t get fresher than that!

The seasons guide what ingredients are used in the kitchen, and Peter is always happy to recommend a dish to diners on the day.   Maleeya prepares her own curry pastes and you must try her signature dish, Panang Prawn or Chicken curry.  Each dish is cooked fresh to order.

The relaxed feel at Maleeya’s Thai Café, along with colourful and fresh Thai food, is perfect for lunch or dinner.  There are a few tables on the verandah where you can appreciate the quiet off the road setting with views to the gardens, or head inside the café for a casual dining experience.  Booking recommended.

The property has an amazing number of rare trees, fruiting trees, vegie gardens and chickens.  Too many to list.  It’s a garden lovers paradise.  Peter’s passion for trees certainly shines through.  Peter will be delighted to show you around if convenient.

Being a small family run café, Maleeya will almost always head out of the kitchen and into the café during service, which is such a delight and a lovely personal touch.

Conveniently situated next to Duke’s Vineyard, so why not pop in and ask Duke for his recommendation to compliment your meal on the way.

7. Duke’s Vineyard

Where fine wine meets art

1328 Porongurup Road

Open daily, 10am-4:40pm

Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday

www.dukesvineyard.com

TOP TIPS:

  • The place to go for good wine and conversation!

  • Home of Halliday’s Wine of the Year 2019

You will be assured of a friendly welcome from Duke and staff at the cellar door, with stories to share about their vineyard and wines.

Drop in any day between 10am-4:30pm, (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday) to taste their renowned Rieslings, Cabernet Sauvignons and Shiraz.  Their wines are made by local Winemaker Robert Diletti (except for their ‘invitation’ wines).

“It was a surprise to many when a Riesling received a 99-point score from James, as he had never awarded a white wine so highly before.  The 2017 Duke’s Vineyard Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling is the reigning Wine of the Year and a stellar example of what the Great Southern can do with this variety”.  (www.winecompanion.com.au)

On this visit, Hilde was just packing up her artwork in the gallery, where she had been quietly sitting completing one of her projects.  Duke handed me a glass of 2018 Whole Bunch Shiraz to enjoy as we chatted about the new wine releases.  It’s definitely a place to experience an outstanding range of wines along with some great conversation.

The cellar door is a gorgeous spot to sit, with the front being a complete wall of glass to take in those magnificent mountain views and a distinctive curved roof.  Browse Hilde’s art gallery, with some amazing detailed work on display.    You may also find Cindy the dog, enjoying the sunshine on the vineyard verandah.

Share your journey

Tag our local businesses to help other people enjoy the Flavours of the Porongurup Range trail.

Instagram:  #thesleepingladyprivateretreat #porongurup #zarephath_wines @castlerockestate #karribank #poronguruptearooms #maleeyasthaicafe #dukesvinyard  #findyourselfintheporongurups #TrailsWA #theamazingsouthcoast

Facebook:  @thesleepingladyprivateretreat @zarephathwine @castlerockestate @ironwoodestatewines @Karribank-and-the-Karri-On-Bar @porongurupinn @Maleeyas-Thai-Cafe @dukesvineyard  @PorongurupWesternAustralia @TrailsWA  @theamazingsouthcoast @TourismWesternAustralia

Find out more …

Hopefully this information has been helpful in giving you an idea of what to expect on your journey along the trail.

More information about this amazing region can be found at www.porongurup.com and www.theamazingsouthcoast.com

Feel free to contact us at The Sleeping Lady.  We are always happy to have a chat and help to make your visit memorable.

Book your stay

Consider staying a night or two and enjoy the experience even more!

The Sleeping Lady Private Retreat is a great place to base yourself and relax after spending a day out on the trail.

Feel free to email us or give us a call on 0418 555 072 if you have any questions about our accommodation or the region.  We’d love to hear from you!

BOOK NOW

Find yourself in the Porongurups

If you love food, wine and views, then you will definitely want to come and experience the
Flavours of the Porongurup Range Trail