Feast of wine at Swan Valley festivals Vineyards in the picturesque Swan Valley. Large crowds were common at Spring in the Valley but Valley & Vines will provide a more relaxed environment. SWAN Valley winemakers are looking forward to another great vintage in 2013 and wine lovers can get a first taste at the region's newest wine event. Spring and early summer rains have meant the current vintage in the region did not suffer the fate of vines in the eastern states, which have suffered from the heat. Swan Valley and Regional Winemakers Association president John Griffiths, who also owns Faber Vineyards, said demand for high quality fruit was the greatest in several years - both from local winemakers and those further afield. "Whilst it is too early to call, all the signs point to an excellent vintage - both in quantity and quality," he said. Swan Valley wineries will again welcome people to their wineries to experience the crafting of Swan Valley wine from vineyard to bottle but, if you can't wait until then, there's the region's only wine festival over the long weekend in March, Valley & Vines. It's been more than two years since wine lovers toasted goodbye to the popular Spring in the Valley but the new and improved show in town promises a little more sophistication and education than its predecessor, while still giving wine lovers a taste of the region's best in a fun-filled environment. The concept is pretty simple: wine lovers attend three of six nominated venues throughout the day - setting their own itinerary and choosing whether to drive, bus or go with the event's organised transport to travel between each venue. It all happens on Sunday March 3 from 10am, with wineries and breweries participating including Chesters, Carilley Estate and Duckstein Brewery. Tickets are only $30 and include entry into three "sessions," a branded wine glass and lanyard complete with the day's schedule, a glass of wine and entertainment at their three selected venues. Valley & Vines organisers say the festival is what Perth wine lovers want. "We are very excited to provide an offering for those interested in wine and fresh local produce and having a civilised day experiencing everything the Swan Valley has to offer," director Carly Odgers said. If you can't make that festival, A Vintage Weekend in the Swan Valley will be held from March 15-17 and is a great opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made. Visit www.swanvalleywinemakers.com.au for full details on that event or www.valleyandvines.com.au or www.facebook.com/valleyandvinesfestival for the newest wine festival, Valley & Vines