Our family moved to the Swan Valley in 1996 and since then have thoroughly enjoyed the peace and space of a rural lifestyle. After selling our grapes to local wineries over the years, in 2007 we decided it was time to produce our own wine and label. And so Ugly Duckling Wines was formed.
When we first moved to the Swan Valley, we lived in the rustic cottage at the front of our property for seven years. In 2010 the back of the cottage was demolished and in early 2011 our cellar door began. Our first vintage produced approximately 3500 bottles of shiraz and 4000 bottles of chardonnay. Since then we have been expanding our premium range.
2012 was a year of expansion and growth for Ugly Duckling Wines. Our gourmet pies had wonderful reviews and in October we started our cheese and meat platters. Our new undercover area was a welcome addition for our tour groups.
2013 saw the Ugly Duckling begin to really flourish. Our tour lunches proved so popular Andrew had to make the 20 seater table! Towards the end of the year we started live music on Sunday afternoons, providing a great vibe and atmosphere.
2014 and 2015 were filled with memorable events. Our first wedding, our first Naming Day, special birthdays - the list goes on. We also ventured into live music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons and became a dog friendly venue.
We expanded our outdoor seating in 2016 as our tour groups and bookings grew. In early December we held our first Market Day which was a huge success.
With our tour groups constantly growing in 2017 and 2018, little did we know how our old orange Fiat Tractor would prove to be such an "instagrammable" icon for groups young and old alike. We also started participating in the Entwined in the Valley weekend with our popular and very busy markets.
2019 saw a large growth in tour groups booking into our venue and even more during COVID in 2020 when travel was restricted. We added another undercover area and expanded our licensed area. Beer was added to the menu.
When we first moved to the Swan Valley, we lived in the rustic cottage at the front of our property for seven years. In 2010 the back of the cottage was demolished and in early 2011 our cellar door began. Our first vintage produced approximately 3500 bottles of shiraz and 4000 bottles of chardonnay. Since then we have been expanding our premium range.
2012 was a year of expansion and growth for Ugly Duckling Wines. Our gourmet pies had wonderful reviews and in October we started our cheese and meat platters. Our new undercover area was a welcome addition for our tour groups.
2013 saw the Ugly Duckling begin to really flourish. Our tour lunches proved so popular Andrew had to make the 20 seater table! Towards the end of the year we started live music on Sunday afternoons, providing a great vibe and atmosphere.
2014 and 2015 were filled with memorable events. Our first wedding, our first Naming Day, special birthdays - the list goes on. We also ventured into live music on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons and became a dog friendly venue.
We expanded our outdoor seating in 2016 as our tour groups and bookings grew. In early December we held our first Market Day which was a huge success.
With our tour groups constantly growing in 2017 and 2018, little did we know how our old orange Fiat Tractor would prove to be such an "instagrammable" icon for groups young and old alike. We also started participating in the Entwined in the Valley weekend with our popular and very busy markets.
2019 saw a large growth in tour groups booking into our venue and even more during COVID in 2020 when travel was restricted. We added another undercover area and expanded our licensed area. Beer was added to the menu.
