Simply the best
Sandalford winery is the type of place you take friends and relatives from other cities to show off Perth. Nestled in the heart of the popular Swan Valley Wine Region, Sandalford's is arguably one of the most prestige wineries in Western Australia.
Established in 1840, Sandalford's is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Swan Valley. It has won numerous awards for its wines and adjoining restaurant over the years, and it is not difficult to see why.
Sandalford's food and beverage manager Trish Harding says the restaurant staff pride themselves on an eclectic menu and personable service. We were very lucky, and were treated to a special lunch on Melbourne Cup day. Surrounded by fellow patrons adorned in wonderful hats and fascinators, we were given a sneak preview at some of the new dishes that were yet to be released for Sandalford's summer menu.
It was a relatively hot day, and as my associate and I sat under the overhanging vines in Sandalford's alfresco area, the chef bought us meals that were perfect for a warm summer day.
Our entrée was a glazed goat cheese, served with portabella mushrooms, mixed leaves and walnut dressing. Perfect as a starter, this meal was light and refreshing and is a nice change from the usual breads, dips or salads that are often offered as an entree.
Next was the two main course meals.
A beef fillet, cooked to tenderness perfection, with fresh crayfish, served with truffle mash and buttered spinach. Unlike many red meat dishes which tend to be heavy and 'overloaded' (otherwise known as a vegetarians horror!), this was beautifully simple and delicately created. It was served with Sandalford's 2003 Shiraz, which has a very mature taste, bringing out the flavour of the meat superbly.
If you would prefer something even less 'meaty', the salmon on saffron and broad bean risotto with asparagus and salsa verde is for you. Similarly to the beef fillet, the salmon is the main aspect in this meal, with the risotto and asparagus complimenting it's subtle taste. Again, if you are looking for a refreshing, light meal on a hot summer's day, this will hit the target. The salmon was served with Sandalford's 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, which is the owner's favourite wine. As Trish said, it is "a party in your mouth" and my associate described it as one of those wines that "just forces you to relax," especially when served with such a meal.
Now, if you have read any of my other reviews, you will see I have a rather sweet tooth, and get quite excited when talking about desserts.
Allow me to introduce you to the chocolate triangle. This is a tall, hollow, pyramid shaped piece of chocolate, filled inside with baileys mousse and surrounded by candied orange. Need I say any more? Not only was it just heavenly, but it was not overly rich, thus I was able to devour the entire dish with a great smile on my face.
I was also told about a new dessert that will be on the summer menu, which I'm itching to try as soon as it is released.
If you have not been to Sandalford's or indeed the Swan Valley wine region, it's about time you grab some friends and head out there for the day, and treat yourself to lunch at this beautiful winery. Not only is the food, wine, and service of five star class, but the natural surroundings are very peaceful.
Home to some of Perth's most popular music festivals such as A Day on the Green, Sandalford's is also the perfect place for functions, whether they are for business or pleasure.
So go and show Perth off to someone with a nice meal and award winning local wine at Sandalford's winery - it's simply the best.
For more information on Sandalford's winery, go to www.sandalford.com or call them on (08) 9374 9374.
