The temperature is dropping, the air is cooling, and summer, well, it’s long gone. With Perth’s record-setting autumn rains upon us, it is the perfect time to get out of the city. And so, come along with Lee and Sandro, as they head for the hills and the vines of Swan Valley for a day of wine and food and then set out on an evening quest for the finest wine and cheese in the heart of Perth.

For this month’s culinary adventure, we tarted ourselves up in anticipation a day in the Swan. The often overlooked kid sister to Margaret River, Swan Valley has increasingly been coming into its own. Closer to home than good ole’ Margs, the Swan is the perfect escape for a day of wine, food, wine, cheese and (did we mention?) wine. Now being the responsible boys that we are and realizing no one was going to volunteer to be our designated driver, we decided the best way to tackle this adventure was on one of the valley’s many tours.

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After searching the web for what seemed like hours we came across a tour by the name of Fat Decanter (www.fatdecanter.com.au, ph. 0429 430 434). The tour does it all, complete door-to-door service that leaves you, the win-o, free to taste and sip (and perhaps later in the day, gulp) without a care in the world.

On the day of our door, our guide Fat (as in Decanter, not obese) Matt collected us from home, took us to the valley, told us the history of the area, fed us, drove us round to five different wineries and then dropped us back at home. Matt was charming, fun and easy on the eyes – everything a tour guide should be!

Now, the valley at this time of year is quite simply beautiful. The weather is great (if occasionally chilly); the wine is flowing; and the people who work in the valley are, on a whole, extremely knowledgeable about both the area and the fair they produce.

While from start to finish, our Day in the Swan was picture perfect, there were some real stand outs. The Talijancich Winery (ph. 9296 4289) was a pour above the rest with its well-balanced and oh-so-delicious wines. The Sandalford Estate (www.sandalford.com, ph. 9374 9374) tasting room took top prize for the most stylish facilities. And lastly, our delectable lunch at Riverbank Estate (www.riverbankestate.com.au, 9377 1805) satisfied us, the most finicky of foodies. We finished our day in the Swan with more wine and cheeses, and as the sun began to set, we couldn’t help but think we had been very spoilt by what the valley had to offer.

In fact, we were so spoilt, that after a very long day out, we still weren’t quite done being wined and dined. And so, we thought we’d go in search of some high quality wine and food in the city.

After a bit of a stagger around Northbridge, we found ourselves at Must Winebar, 519 Beaufort St (www.must.com.au, ph. 9328 8255).

As Lee ordered wine, Sandro’s interest and nose turned to the cheese list and a perfect night cap. At the mention of cheese, the barman summoned the waiter to bring the very French, very provincial cheese basket, and as the white linen was unfolded from the top, we were met with a selection that typified what you would expect from one of Perth’s most highly praised wine bars. The knowledgeable waiter confidently recited the selection and after making our picks, we waited for our cheeses to arrive.

Good cheese should always be tempered to room temperature and our selection of two choices from Blue Cow Cheese Company ($15.50) were perfect – the Cashel Irish Blue made under the Rock of Cashel overlooking the Tipperary plains, is firm yet moist when young with just a hint of tarragon and white wine. It is with age that its true character emerges, mellowing to a rounder, more spicy style as the interior softens, the Touree de l’Aubier, commonly known as woodcutter’s cheese, is a surface-ripened, washed-rind cheese that has its outer rim carefully surrounded by a layer of spruce bark. Regularly washed in a brine solution, the cheese has a flavour with a slight spiciness that is still delicate and satisfying, especially when served with Sherry Soaked Flame Grapes, Pistachio Crackers & Sourdough Baguette.

After a glorious day out in the Swan and a flawless nightcap at Must, our minds started thinking about what was in store for next month. With the change of season well and truly upon us, restaurants are closing up the al fresco areas and heading in. So, next month we’ll take you to the best places to cozy up for winter meals with someone special (or even someone not so special).

For more information on the Swan Valley. Contact the Swan Valley Visitors Centre (www.swanvalley.com.au, ph. 9379 9400)

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Lee and Sandro