Because I spent so much time by the river and other parts of Swan Valley, we only had time to stop by one vineyard. We turned into the closest one called Lancaster Wines. It was spring going on to summer, so the vines were boasting luscious green foliage.

We walked down a few lanes in the vineyard, each row marked with its grape variety on a wooden post at the start of its planting strip. Peeking under its leafy hoods revealed little bunches of grapes. cute.

After the short stroll, we headed towards a quirky and rustic little tin shack to enjoy free tastings of Lancaster’s premium wines and gourmet cheeses. Apparently this vineyard boasts some of the oldest vines in Swan Valley, producing “outstanding Chenin Blancs, Verdhelho, Chardonnay, Rose and Old Vines Shiraz.”

I may not have a trained palate, but I guess choice of wine is subjective. I really didn’t think much of their whites.

Definitely a worthwhile stopover if you’re doing a tasting with friends, atmosphere is more casual and relaxed compared to the other bigger established vineyards in the area.

Lancaster Winery & Vineyard
Website: www.lancasterwines.com.au
Tel: +61 (08) 9250 6461
Address: 5228 West Swan Road, West Swan, 6055
Email: wines@lancasterwines.com.au

Lately my new food haunts are around the Robertson Walk area near Mohammed Sultan Road. A few months back, we walked passed a lively wine bar/cafe just down from DoubleO called The Wine Connection. Patrons chatted away over rich wines and aromatic cheese platters. It sounded like a perfect way to round off dinner.

So we sat ourselves down for a bottle of red and two cheeses.

The only disappointing things were the 2 unnecessary surcharges imposed at the end of the night.

For a bottle of wine (which was from the wine list by the way) we were charged a $10 corkage fee. To my knowledge, corkage fees should be charged if you bring your OWN wine, not ones that we order from the menu.

Then there was an extra $5 slapped on for a weekend surcharge.

What we ordered:
Richland Shiraz – $30.80
Candied Nuts – $2.20
Bread Basket – $3.30
Dry Fruits – $2.20
Roquefort – $10.89
Brie de Meaux – $7.26

So at the end of the night, the bill came up to $71.65. A bit pricey in my opinion. If they’d knock of the silly surcharges, I might consider going back.

Wine Connection
Address: 11 Unity Street #01-06
Robertson Walk
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6238 6878
Website: www.wineconnection.com.sg