Sandalford Estate, Caversham

One of the Swan Valley’s biggest wineries, Sandalford Estate, has recently enjoyed a revamp. The restaurant has enjoyed a contemporary makeover and has a more welcoming feel, particularly for families. Inside, the chic dining room is light and bright. The vibe isn’t too loud, despite an open kitchen. Outside, kids will be delighted to find a brand new wine barrel themed playground.

Little Chef and I popped along for lunch. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, then the Sandalford restaurant is a great option to dine. The mod-Aus menu is matched by the elegant dining room. And of course, Sandalford wines are on the drinks menu. I loved the crisp reserve Chardonnay.

Sandalford Estate – The Food

On the menu there’s share plates, as well as mains (priced $29 to $44 ) and wood fired pizzas. To begin, I shared a few dishes with my parents. My favourite had to be the creamy la delizia burrata. Serviced on the side are spiced pickled cherries and candied pistachio nuts. Nuts and fruit is always a great accompaniment to cheese, but the delish spiced pickled cherries are NEXT LEVEL. A must try dish.

For main, I loved the chargrilled lamb rump, served with roasted eggplant, carrot, feta and a date relish (gf). The sweet elements of the tender lamb, carrot and dates married beautifully.

Another popular dish on our table was the Boyup Brook pork belly, served with watermelon, radish and caramelised sherry vinegar. The crackle was wonderfully crisp.

Most main dishes are on the light side, so you may want to consider a side if you have a big appetite. The fried royal blue potato scallops, drizzled with truffle oil, porcini salt, parmesan and chives were very more-ish.

Little ones are well catered for with a kids menu. There’s pizza, chicken breast, fish and chips – as well as an healthy GF grilled fish and salad option. Little Chef loved the mac and cheese, which he said was rich and creamy.

After our mains, Little Chef explored the wine barrel themed playground. The playground is set a little way from the outside dining area of the restaurant. Near enough to keep an eye out, but not super close for younger children who would need closer supervision.

The sand-fall play area is dominated by a giant wine barrel, take a peek inside and the space provides a shady area for sand-play, as well as a ladder that leads to the upper platform. Kids can zoom down the slide, be a fireman on the pole, climb the wonky logs and balance on the obstacle course. Mature trees provide some shade, and the lawns are a lovely place to throw down a rug.

After a play, we headed back indoors. A kid’s dessert (ice cream sundae) is available, but I very begrudgingly shared mine with the adventurous Little Chef. We fought over the scrumptious raspberry and passionfruit meringue, with mango foam, passionfruit, plum and dehydrated berries (gf). Next time I’ll keep it to myself!

I very much enjoyed revisiting this Swan Valley favourite. Now with a family friendly twist, the restaurant is a superb spot when celebrating with kids in tow, or just if you’re feeling like something a little bit fancy!