Perth offers plenty of wine tours — many are efficient, well-run, and enjoyable. Sideways Tours was designed for a different kind of guest: people who want a more personal, more immersive, more refined experience in the Swan Valley.
1. A Private Host, Not Just a Driver
Most wine tours in Perth follow a predictable structure: a larger group, a fixed itinerary, a timetable to respect, and a driver coordinating logistics. It works — but it rarely feels personal.
With Sideways Tours, you are hosted by Thierry Rodari, founder and guide, not assigned to an anonymous rotation of drivers. The difference is subtle — but profound. The day is shaped around conversation, curiosity, and connection rather than volume and speed.
Groups are intentionally limited to 6–8 guests maximum. This ensures:
- Real dialogue during tastings
- Time to pause, reflect, and compare wines
- A relaxed rhythm without the pressure of moving a busload of people
The experience feels closer to being invited by a well-connected local friend than joining a commercial tour. For travellers who value quality over quantity, this distinction matters.
2. The Sensory Dimension: More Than a Tasting
Many tours offer wine tastings. Few offer wine understanding.
Sideways Tours integrates a structured yet relaxed sensory workshop — often held in a natural setting before the first winery visit. Guests explore aroma recognition, memory association, and the foundations of tasting. This is not a classroom. It is not technical jargon. It is an awakening of perception.
Participants discover:
- How to identify key aromas
- How memory influences flavour perception
- Why structure (acidity, tannin, texture) matters
- How to describe wine with confidence
By the time you step into the first cellar door, your palate is sharper. You don’t just drink the wine — you interpret it. This sensory layer transforms the day from passive consumption into active discovery.
3. Curated Wineries, Not Commission Circuits
In many regions, itineraries can be influenced by convenience, availability, or commission agreements. The result can feel repetitive.
Sideways Tours is built around curation. Wineries are selected for:
- Quality and consistency of wines
- Beauty of the setting and atmosphere
- Authenticity of the cellar door experience
- Food pairing excellence when lunch is included
Rather than racing between five quick stops, the focus is depth. Typically, three carefully chosen wineries allow time for real engagement.
Guests also retain flexibility. If there is a winery you particularly wish to visit, the itinerary can often be adjusted. This adaptability is rare in standard group tours.
4. A Refined, Boutique Positioning in Perth
Perth has many wine tours. Few position themselves deliberately at the intersection of hospitality, education, and discretion.
Sideways Tours is designed for:
- Curious travellers
- Corporate groups seeking meaningful experiences
- Couples celebrating milestones
- International visitors wanting something personal
Transport is discreet and comfortable. The tone is elegant without being formal. The approach avoids negative comparisons and focuses instead on what the experience becomes: immersive, calm, intelligent, and memorable.
It is not about being the biggest operator in the Swan Valley. It is about being the most intentional.
Conclusion
When comparing wine tours in Perth, the real difference is not the number of wineries visited — it’s the depth of experience.
Sideways Tours stands apart through:
- Personal hosting
- Sensory education
- Curated winery selection
- Boutique small-group design
For guests who want more than a tasting — for those who want to understand, feel, and remember — Sideways Tours offers a distinct alternative in Western Australia’s wine landscape.