The Vines Resort is commonly known for its championship golf course and country club, as a quality place to stay in the Swan Valley wine region, and as a major conference and meetings venue.
So it was a happy surprise to learn the Resort has added High Tea to its hospitality offering.
With Perth’s expanding northern residential corridor and a healthy tourism and corporate trade, it’s no surprise the Vines’ High Tea service has been growing steadily since it commenced six months ago.
Served on weekends from 2 to 5pm in Muscat’s Restaurant, and overlooking the swimming pool and the back 18 holes, The Vines High Tea offers a generous selection of sweet treats and sandwiches and a Twinings tea selection. Groups are easily catered for with pre-booking and the venue can sit up to 130.
With the winter sun streaming through the large windows, this was a really comfy place to while away a few hours. Background music played and there is a pleasant view across the resort, swimming pool and golf course.
Renovations are planned to update the alfresco area, which would be a pleasant place to sit when the weather is warmer.
Service on the afternoon we visited was friendly, enthusiastic and helpful.
The 3-tiered afternoon tea selection was really generous. In fact, it beat us despite our efforts, and the doggie bag taken home to dad was extremely well received! The bottom tier of the High Tea comprised open crostini sandwiches with a variety of toppings – smoked salmon with brie, smoked chicken and mushroom with aoli, and prosciutto with melon. The lightly toasted bases gave a good contrast to the tasty fillings. The middle tier offered a serving of light and fluffy scones and home made biscuits, and the top tier was a pretty selection of dainty treats and traditional mini éclairs, fruit flan, lemon cheesecake and macaroons. These were presented beautifully and offered a great variety of sweet tastes.
I have to make a special mention of the delicious vanilla cream provided with the scones. We had twice as much as we normally would simply because it tasted so good! The food selection does change from week to week, but the quantities remain the same.
The tea menu was an offering of four floral blooming teas, which are very pretty to watch through the clear teapots as they steep and open. There is also a selection of loose tea options and plunger coffee is also available. My only criticism would be the lack of spice tea options.
There is also an upgrade offer, which includes a glass of sparkling wine.
The teaware is standard white hotel issue. The tables were dressed with white linen and butchers paper tops were lifted with a small vase of fresh roses.
I’d suggest heading through the Swan Valley to the Vines with the boys and leaving them to play a round of golf while the girls enjoy a glass of bubbles, a lovely selection of afternoon tea and a good chat in the comfortable surrounds. Special offers are regularly available for overnight stays if you wanted to make a weekend of it. Check the website for details.
