The Lure of Lavender…

The Cape Lavender Swan Valley shop in Western Australia abounds in all things lavender, discovers Raul Dias


There is only word that comes to my mind when I recollect that super-hot February afternoon. Serendipity—a chance discovery that truly ‘perfumed’ my swelteringly sweaty day. The overwhelmingly sweet aroma of lavender was just too much for me to resist, and so, without any plan or agenda I strolled into the store that resembled a mauve cottage from a fairytale. Before I entered the fragrant environs of the Cape Lavender shop in Western Australia’s Swan Valley region, all I knew about lavender was that its oil once rubbed onto one’s temples was a sure-shot insomnia remedy. Little was I to know that a mere half hour later, I would be educated in a lot more about lavender than just its sleep-inducing properties.

The brainchild of owner Bev Ainsworth and opened less than a year ago in July 2009, the Cape Lavender Swan Valley shop is brimming with lavender-themed gifts and products that are all made on site. Their extensive list of the all natural cosmetics and toiletries includes hand and body lotions, bath and shower products, massage oils, balms, all with that distinct powdery lavender fragrance. They even have a dedicated men’s range of grooming products called Aaron that is replete with aftershave balms and moisturizers that have a little less fragrance than their women’s counterpart.

As I made my way sifting through product after product, I chanced upon a unique libation of lavender wine that was being served at a tasting. The taste was fruity and fragrant at the same time with a delicate herbal aftertaste of what else but lavender. The winemaker who happened to be at the shop enlightened me on the process of making the wine that apparently is the world’s first range of lavender wine. For each vintage of lavender wine, the lavender flowers need to be harvested when they are at their peak They are then dried, stripped, sieved and amalgamated with the wine grapes that ultimately result tin the straw coloured wine that is best enjoyed with a crisp summer salad.

But for those who want a taste of lavender minus the wine, don’t fret. At the shop you can also sample their very own jams, chutneys, honey and preserves. I particularly loved the unique taste of the lavender-infused honey that was thick and cloudy and worked perfectly with a piece of bread that the attentive store manager quickly plied me with. But what I couldn’t resist was a spot of evening high tea served on the shop’s verandah overlooking a field of the lavender blossoms in full bloom. The tea was a blend of long leaf and lavender served with fresh warm scones made with lavender and accompanied with strawberry preserve and clotted cream. But the crowning glory was undoubtedly the lavender ice cream that glided down the throat with the smoothness of silk, every bite bursting with flavour, never once letting me forget that yes, the lure of lavender is magical and one that must be savoured, no matter what…

cape Lavender Swan Valley, 6 Cranleigh Street (off West Swan Road), West Swan, Swan Valley, Western Australia 6055, Australia.
Tel: +61 8 9250 7711
Email: swanvalley@ capelavender.com.au
Website: www.capelavender.com.au

(First published in DNA Me)