It’s a true pleasure to meet people in this life who are so passionate (and supremely knowledgeable) about their craft. Let me introduce Claire Tonon, Head Sommelier at Voyager Estate. Our wine journey began in 2017 when I sought her guidance on popping open a special vintage of Cabernet. Her response? "Please don’t drink that wine with pizza, Tess!" setting the tone for our enduring wine friendship and camaraderie.
Voyager Estate is more than just a winery; it’s a beacon of world-class wines, unforgettable experiences, and the shop front for Claire with her down-to-earth and approachable nature. You know that warm, "old school" hospitality that’s all about ensuring you have a fantastic time? Claire embodies that ethos, making every encounter a delightful journey through the world of wine and hospitality.
A truly authentic ambassador for the South West.
Where were you born?
Born & bred in Perth. I grew up mostly in the Perth Hills and spent quite a few years living in Italy in my earlier adulthood, mainly in the Veneto region, where my father’s originated.
Where do you live?
Margaret River, Western Australia
What inspires you here?
The collaborative nature of all who work within the wine region, the awesome Mediterranean maritime climate, the stunning diversity of nature, from forest to beach to cliff faces to agriculture and the vibrant arts scene. And all within a thriving community, that still maintains a small-town feel.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Hardworking, highly-strung, wine-nerd
Describe Southwest of Western Australia in 3 words:
Pristine, diverse & community-minded
Tell us about what you do?
My job title is Sommelier at Voyager Estate. My actual job is probably a little broader than what you’d expect, though. Sure, I work with our chefs to develop and execute wine-focused menus at the Estate’s restaurant, but I also create and host wine experiences and events for our visitors and members, train staff in all things wine, and I’m involved in various projects that help Voyager Estate edge toward a more sustainable future.
What does a normal day look like for you?
On any given day, I might be found in the vineyard pruning a section of the vines dedicated to staff learning, in the winery infusing estate-foraged botanicals into a small-batch fortified, in the gardens picking olives destined for pressing into EVOO for the kitchen, at the cellar door, hosting an introduction to wine tasting or food pairing, or in the barrel hall, tasting through a vertical of Chardonnays! Each day presents new challenges, opportunities, and initiatives, and I get to speak with people from all walks of life on a daily basis, which keeps things interesting.
What does a perfect day in Western Australia look like for you?
Smashed avo and smoked salmon on sourdough overlooking the Indian Ocean on a warm, clear morning, wine-tasting prior to a long lunch in good company, afternoon Sunday-session at a beer garden with live jazz, finishing with family fish’n’chips on the banks of the Swan River.
Secret spot to explore in Western Australia?:
The Porongurups in the Great Southern – wine, nature, quiet, the evocative effect of the clouds coming over the hills.
Favourite places in Western Australia and further afar for:
Coffee: Locally, the Spot Italiano, a newish venue in the heart of Margaret River. Giovanni and Micaela make the best coffee and traditional Italian biscotti in town! Be sure to stay on for a quick home-made pasta or arancino for lunch.
Further afar, The Florian, Piazza San Marco, Venezia... although, I can only afford it once in a very long while!
A long lunch with friends: locally, Voyager Estate Restaurant, of course! The comfy armchairs in the dining room assure each table its own space and privacy, the food is inspired by and created for the Estate’s wines; and, completely objectively, the service staff are a pretty awesome bunch!
Slightly further afar, Glenarty Road in Karridale comes a close second, especially on a lovely warm autumn day when you can sit outside, under the shade of the mature Eucalyptus trees, soaking up the country scenery and clean air.
Dinner: Locally, Miki’s Open Kitchen is hands down my favourite dinner experience in the Margaret River region. Miki is such a lovely fellow, and his team creates a complete experience that you can make as traditionally Japanese or as Margaret River relevant as you please, all through your pairing options.
Dancing: Years of sitting at the piano rather than strutting on the dance floor have ensured that I cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be considered a dancer! I’m unsure whether to be proud or ashamed to share that the last time I was seen dancing was at the Laguna Veneto Club, with “Mr Accordion Man” playing the Tarantella!
A sunset drink: Locally, a glass of Tonon Seven Sticks on my parents’ veranda in the Perth Hills, overlooking the Perth escarpment and Indian Ocean. I know it sounds like a bit of a plug for my brother’s burgeoning boutique winery, but it truly is my most “feels like home” experience.
Further afar, the Osteria Senza Oste, atop the Cartizze Hill in Valdobbiadene, is a perfect spot to help yourself to a bottle of Prosecco (from a Prosecco vending machine, no less) and watch the sunset over the UNESCO protected Prosecco Hills with a selection of local fresh Salame and cheese.
Farmers market: Locally, Margaret River Farmer’s Markets early on a Saturday morning, and yes, I mean 7.30am early! Further afar, the Conegliano Markets on a Friday morning… and yes, I mean ALL morning. You’ll need every minute if you’re to scour the historic streets of the town, located at the foot of the Alps, for clothing, homewares, fresh produce, specialty foods, and why not? - a random wine or olive press!
Art: Locally, Margaret River Region Open Studios, one of the most interesting and diverse displays of contemporary art I’ve seen outside a museum.
Further afar: I was recently blown away by the Vatican Museums, and even more surprised by the fact that my teenage nieces were too!
Culture & Music: Locally, you can’t go past the HEART Margaret River – a great place for bringing our community together. Renovated just a few years ago, it’s a venue where local community groups are as important as national and international acts. I’ve seen awesome local artists like Songbirds of the Southwest, as well as Kate Miller-Heidke and the WA Opera all playing here over the years.
Further afar, Sydney Opera House has a special appeal for me. Every show I’ve seen there has been magical, be it for the quality of performance, the incredibly talented musicians, dancers, and singers, the unique location, or the importance of the occasion, or a combination of all these factors.
Nature: Locally, Boranup Forest, the serene Karri Forest just south of Margaret River.
Further Afar, Lago di Braies, in a stunning natural lake in the Dolomites in South Tyrol.
What are your 3 favourite restaurants in the world?
Da Gigetto, Miane, Treviso in Italy – an historic restaurant in the heart of the Prosecco Hills with a focus on bringing the best of the classic regional cuisine to the level of “alta cucina”, a series of different size dining rooms to suit all group sizes, a tonne of copper pots hanging from the ceiling and an amazing hidden underground cellar. This is where I learned the skill of wine and food pairing many years ago.
Laura at Point Leo Estate in the Mornington Peninsula – a stunning location and one of the most aspiring degustation menus and wine lists I know of in Australia.
Voyager Estate Restaurant, a predictable answer, I know, but, after many years of blood, sweat and tears, today it represents what I love most about a great dining experience - locally-sourced produce, prepared without trickery, plated beautifully, painstakingly paired to the great food wines from the very same place, all served in a relaxing environment by a group of genuinely nice people who are knowledgeable and passionate without being pompous.
Where are you travelling to next?
Next, no idea yet! On the bucket list: Greece, South Africa, Bordeaux, southern Spain, Portugal, Corsica and Sardegna… you see a bit of a trend forming here? All areas with renowned and/or interesting wine regions I NEED to visit!
On a non-wine related front: Scandinavia to see the aurora borealis, northern Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago and Scotland & Ireland to experience where the other side of my family originated.
Who/what is inspiring you right now?
I’m currently really enjoying delving into all things Greek at the moment. I recently hosted an educational tasting of Greek wines and was astounded by the diversity of its wines, grape varieties, and wine regions, the natural result of an incredible array of climatic, geological and cultural influences. From there, my interest was spun out to the country’s vast history, landscapes, architectural and archaeological heritage, and wonderful cuisine… I can see an imminent trip - I might need Travel with Tess to help me plan!
Other local brands do you love and why?
Zalto stemware are some of the most beautiful glasses and decanters on the market in my opinion.
Favourite tunes?
Anything really, from classical to acid jazz, from film music through to solo piano. Just don’t give me heavy metal! A selection from my eclectic Spotify hitlist – Zaz, Yiruma, Hans Zimmer, Max Richter, Kate Miller-Heidke, St Germain, Giovanni Allevi, Missy Higgins, Ludovico Einaudi, Elena Kats-Chernin
Top tip for travellers to the South West of Western Australia?
Take your time – it can’t be done in a day! Book ahead, especially for the top winery restaurants, to avoid disappointment.
An interesting fact about Claire Tonon…
My name, albeit spelt differently, harks back to my parents’ honeymoon in beautiful South Australian wine region of Clare Valley.
Your motto to live by…
Live in hope, die in despair
Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano - roughly translates into the English saying “slow and steady wins the race”. This is not specifically my motto but one of those sayings my Nonna constantly tried to drum into me and that I often need to keep in mind!
