Fresh Features of the Valley

The Naked Fox

A collective of craft beverages, a cutting-edge West Aussie inspired menu, a new centre point for wines of the state, and a revamp for a staple institution – there’s much to uncover in the Valley according to Monique Ceccato.

Chapel Farm Estate

Though long-time owners David and Bev Atkinson have ended their journey with Jane Brook Wines, their much-loved Valley vineyard isn’t going anywhere. Purchased in 2021 by Darren Walker – the owner of neighbouring Chapel Farm – the Jane Brook Wines legacy lives on, just in a way you may not have seen before.

“Our single aim is creating WA’s very best cellar door experience; we’re no longer merely a home for Jane Brook Wines, but now a true fermentorium,” says Adrian Kenny, Chapel Farm Estate’s commercial manager.

“We want to provide a range of diverse, carefully crafted experiences that allow our customers to choose their own engagement.

“Not content with crafting just wines, we are busy in the production of beers, seasonal speciality spirits, cider, kombuchas and fruit water kefirs, and fermented foods; all made here on site.”

The new, multi-faceted cellar door is a true collaborative effort, with many of Adrian and Darren’s friends chipping in to share the skills necessary to bring these offerings to the table.

“The best part is that we are bringing what generally happens behind the scenes, into the consumer space to share the privilege of the crafting process,” says Adrian.

This means that customers can not only enjoy a rich, barrel fermented and aged beer in the new beer garden, but they can watch the estate’s Master Cooper, Gordon Moore, assemble and toast the barrels, too. chapelfarm.com.au

Old Young’s Kitchen

Old Young’s has been part of the fabric of the Swan Valley since 2016, but late 2021 saw the much-loved gin distillery grow its presence. Founder, James Young, expanded the distillery’s operations into the former Rustique property next door, giving the humble Old Young’s tasting space a new neighbour, a welcoming community kitchen and bar.

Taking cues from the landscapes of the Valley, the resulting Old Young’s Kitchen space invites you in with open arms and a touch of rustic charm.

“Since day one, I’ve always incorporated our surroundings into the products - local grapes into our vodka distillate and lots of native botanicals in the gins,” says James.

“So it just made sense that Old Young’s Kitchen be very much informed by our home in the Swan Valley, which really has been criminally underrated until recently. Whether you’re inside or outdoors, we want you to really soak up the location, and all the rugged West Aussie charm that comes along with it.”

In the kitchen is alumni of both Fervor and Fleur at the Royal Hotel, Rohan Park, whose acute knowledge and appreciation for native flavours are woven into the menu. There are more obviously Australian dishes like the crocodile chorizo and emu tartare, and more subtle ones too, like a scallop crudo with native lemongrass.

NEW DISCOVERIES

Visit the freshest spots in the Valley including Old Young’s Kitchen and Chapel Farm Estate.

LOCAL DROPS

Taste from a wealth of WA wines at new wine bar The Naked Fox.

“Travelling back through remote WA has been a pretty wild experience - seeing it with fresh eyes as an adult has really made me appreciate what we have in this state and respect the ingredients I get to work with,” says Rohan.

“It’s easy to throw everything including the kitchen sink at a dish, but learning restraint was my next level - no food should be on the plate without a reason.” oldyoungskitchen.com.au

The Naked Fox

The Swan Valley is bursting at the seams with world-class wineries, but wine bars are few and far between. Formerly known as Little Albion, The Naked Fox is the region’s very first, and only, wine bar and cafe.

“Our wine list comprises of over 250 bottles, uniquely curated by us, from independently-owned Western Australian vineyards,” says owner, Rachel Jones.

“We can take you on a wine voyage from Denmark to Dunsborough, Porongurup to Pemberton, or a wine journey through the

Swan Valley, while nibbling on seasonal paired cuisine, all without having to leave the comfort of your Chesterfield chair.”

Known for its Shakespeare-themed gourmet toasties, the wine lounge has broadened its menu to include a range of sharing plates, charcuterie, cheeses, and local seafood. The Naked Fox also services the breakfast and brunch crowds from an integrated cafe (it even has drive-through coffee), seven days a week.

You’ll find barista-made coffee, savoury bites, cakes, and other goodies; all made from ingredients sourced from its own garden or local farms where possible. thenakedfox.com.au

Upper Reach Restaurant

New chef, new menu, and new vibe; it’s a whole new era for the Upper Reach Restaurant.

Owners Laura and Derek Pearse, with chef Ryan Fels, have completely revamped the beloved dining room overlooking the vines to evoke a more relaxed bistro atmosphere and showcase the delicious Mediterranean flavours.

“I would describe the sort of food we are offering as a Mediterranean-styled menu, where we don’t overcomplicate flavours and let the quality of the produce speak for itself,” says Ryan.

“I’ve always been really big on locally sourced ingredients and, as Western Australia has some of the best in the world, why would you really need to look outside of your own backyard?

“It’s pretty amazing just how far the local food scene has come in the past ten years.”

Taking inspiration from southern Europe and the abundance of fresh produce available in the Valley, chef Fels has compiled a menu that lends itself to longlunching in the sunshine.

Dishes like porcini mushroom and mascarpone risotto and twice-cooked duck leg with radicchio, endive, orange, and smoked almonds, dominate the ‘big dish’ menu, while beetroot and vodkacured ocean trout (see the recipe feature in this edition), and halloumi with radicchio and honey, set the scene for the small, shareable dishes.

Keep an eye out for the official opening of the new deck for even more to enjoy as part of the Upper Reach experience. upperreach.com.au

New chef, new menu, new vibe ...