Another inspirational WA migrant success story, Windy Creek Estate has a history of hard work, dedication and family tradition. First established in 1937 by Anthony Cobanov, this ambitious youngster left Croatia as a mere teenager for the southwest of Australia in 1924. Upon his arrival, he spent a staggering 13 years cutting railway sleepers, saving for the deposit on his coveted Swan Valley property.
Boasting a magnificent 55 acres of vines, the fertile soils of this Swan Valley Estate were first used by Mr. Cobanov to grow grapes for dried fruit production. Additionally, he produced a small amount of wine on the side to distribute to the closely connected Perth migrant community. Although the family has been producing wines for over 70 years, it wasn’t until 1980 that the third generation family members started to commercially produce wines under the name of Windy Creek (formerly Cobanov Wines).
Today, winemaker Tony Cobanov and his wife Ruth use a sophisticated mix of modern and traditional production techniques to harvest and create a vast range of wines – all from fruit grown exclusively at Windy Creek. The family pride themselves in producing premium quality wines at affordable prices.
Capitalising on the estate’s fertile soils and the excellent fruits produced at Windy Creek, the family has also been growing and selling their fruit to other premium wineries for the past 25 years.
Situated in Herne Hill, in the shadows of the scenic and fertile Darling Range, Windy Creek Estate is a delightful stop on the Top Gun Wine Tour of the Swan Valley. Pretty as a picture, the vines are a vision to behold while the entire property has a wonderfully relaxing, homely feel, with no shortage of rustic charm.
While visiting the grounds, you’ll be taken to the warm and friendly cellar door, situated in the cottage-style gardens of the family home. Here, you can taste some of the wonderful wines on offer. You can look forward to a wide variety of wines to choose from: Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot, Grenache and Port. And, of course, all wines are available for purchase.
There’s an impressive wine list to behold, with many award-winning wines on offer. In 2014 alone, 11 medals were awarded at the 2014 Singapore Airlines Swan Valley Wine Show. The Premium Classic Dry White won a silver medal; while the 2014 Chenin Blanc, 2014 Autumn Harvest, 2014 Autumn Gold and 2014 Verdelho all took home a bronze medal.
Lovers of cheese will be happy to know that cheese tasting is included in the visit to Windy Creek Estate. The Borrello cheese, made locally from Oakford, is guaranteed to impress: choose from exquisite cheese with chilli, chives and garlic, or cracked black pepper. And while you’re in the mood for tasty treats, you can taste the Wicked Stepmother range of homemade relishes, pickles, marmalades and jams available to purchase exclusively from Windy Creek.
If you’re keen to experience our fantastic Swan Valley Wine Tour incorporating Windy Creek Estate, fill in the enquiry form to the right, or call (08) 9453 2961 to find out more.
"Many thanks for being a perfect host to us on Saturday, we had so much fun! We all enjoyed the venues, food, wine and sweet treats at the end. I would (and I will) recommend your business to my friends and colleagues, you have a great energy and a good sense of humour."
"Matt is a true gentleman. He works hard to make his tours the best. You're looked after 100% and feel very relaxed from start to finish! If you love boutique beers and a great friendly hospitality Top Gun Tours won't disappoint :-) thank you"
"I just wanted to say thanks for doing everything possible to give us a great experience during our beer tour on 30th Dec. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would like to commend you on your service and professionalism. You made the brewery tour one to remember, we won't hesitate in recommending you to our friends and we'll definitely book another tour with you sometime in the future."
"Thanks for the awesome brewery tour Matt! Everything went so well and it was great to just relax and know that the day was in good hands. Thanks so much, everyone had a ball!!"
"Awesome tour once again (my 3rd time now, it's that good). Matt is a legend, can't speak highly enough of him (even though he wore his Hawthorn jersey all day after the grand final). If you're looking for a fun day out, get onto the liquid gold brewery tour. Looking forward to the next trip with Top Gun in the future!"
"This tour really was 'Top Gun'. Premier venues, tastings, lunch and coach travel with added fizz from Matt. We have been on wine trips around the world - California, France and Spain in particular - and this trip was up there with the very best. Close to Perth, short distance between wineries so more tastings and less travel time. Would recommend a visit to the Swan Valley. Many thanks again Matt for a fantastic day."
