Twenty-five years: the age at which whisky reaches the upper echelons of status and the point in life for some that marks the entry into adulthood.
The quarter-century milestone is one that undoubtedly signifies accomplishment, which this weekend’s Bickley Harvest Festival will play on to full effect.
The 25th anniversary marks the region’s emergence into a new era, with a mix of innovative young producers employing new techniques alongside inherited time-honoured traditions on some of WA’s most fertile land.
This year’s event will for the first time expand to three days across 20 venues in the Bickley Valley region, an easy 35 minutes from Perth.
Located on the Darling Scarp, the locale’s microclimate lends itself well to its menagerie of wine, cider, spirit and food producers, from the unusual Spanish and Portuguese grape varieties grown at Myattsfield to the locally sourced aromatics thrown into the gin at HHH distillery.
And then there are, of course, the endless rows of apples, including those that grow in the 16ha of orchards that Core Cider House is home to.
Core will play host to the 25th anniversary opening night event, where ticketholders can raise a glass alongside local producers, community leaders and fellow foodies with two hours of drinks and canapes, plus live music from Charlie & Goldie.
“Hosting the 25th anniversary VIP opening night for our region’s premier event is an honour and a testament to our multi-generational business and the rich heritage of Core Cider,” Core Cider House general manager Meghan Freind said.
“Major preparations are under way and we will be ready to welcome industry and community leaders on Friday night, offering them a glimpse of the finest our region has to offer.
“Throughout the weekend, visitors to Core can enjoy a true celebration and festival atmosphere, with tractor rides through our orchard, cider making tours in our historic Old Apple Shed, some fantastic live music and painting workshops for the kids.”
The cidery is also one of the best family friendly options this weekend, with walk-ins welcome in the bistro or picnicking area.
Food lovers will want to pop in at La Fattoria for one of its ticketed 90-minute guided lunches, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will do well to visit Myattsfield’s fair with kids activities, food trucks, live music and plenty of tastings from producers, including Carmel Distillery, The Carmel Coffee Company and Jarrah Park Honey & Bees.
For the best views in the region, stop in at Plume Estate’s restaurant for an Alsatian flammkuchen (don’t Google it, it’s worth the surprise!) but don’t leave without heading downstairs for the L’atelier Gourmet Food pop-up.
For the first time, the Bickley Harvest Festival has also introduced a complimentary shuttle bus service running on Saturday and Sunday from 10am, making it even easier to maximise those weekend plans.
The bus route runs from William Street in the Kalamunda town centre and stops at Chalet Rigi, The Packing Shed Distilling Co, Plume Estate Vineyard, MyattsField Vineyards, Fairbrossen, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Masonmill and Core Cider.
The festival runs from May 3 to 5; tickets and info at bickleyharvestfestival.com.