Copy of Businesses in the Spotlight: Flip the view

Myattsfield Winery & Hawleys Shoes and Menswear

Each week, I’ll be highlighting two businesses that stand out—not just for what they do, but for how they do it. Whether it’s exceptional service, quality products, or just good old-fashioned charm, these are the places that make you glad you stopped by.

This week, I bring you Myattsfield Winery in Carmel and Hawleys Shoes and Menswear in Kalamunda—one fuels your soul with wine, the other keeps your feet looking sharp while you go searching for more wine.

Myattsfield Winery – Because Life’s Too Short for Bad Wine

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel, Myattsfield Winery is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought plonk. Their wines are crafted with the sort of care usually reserved for first-born children. The reds are bold, the whites are crisp, and if you visit, you might just find yourself nodding along as the staff enthusiastically discuss tannins and terroir—nodding, of course, because after a few tastings, everything starts making perfect sense.

The team here genuinely love what they do, and it shows. No pretentious wine snobbery—just a great crew making great wine. It’s rare to find a place with three winemakers on hand, and Myattsfield has just that. They’ve recently had a staff change after many years of service from Alec at the cellar door, and while he’ll be missed, the new chap is super friendly and incredibly helpful.

If you’re lucky, you might even get some insider tips on pairing wine with cheese, chocolate, or (if you're like me) whatever’s left in the fridge at the end of the week.

If you haven’t been, go. And if you have been, go again—you know you want to. The Bickley Valley is stunning, and Myattsfield’s wines are worth the trip. I’m particularly partial to their bubbles and their unique Durif—though let’s be honest, all their wines are top quality.

And if you enjoy wine, food, and a great atmosphere, keep an eye on their events calendar. They host everything from the Vintage Brunch, where you can indulge in fine wine and food pairings, to Case for Our Cause, a fantastic event supporting local charities. If you’ve ever been curious about how sparkling wines are made, their Disgorging Workshop is a must. And that’s just the start—there’s always something happening at Myattsfield.

Hawleys Shoes and Menswear – Where Comfort Meets Style, and Feet Say ‘Thank You’

Hawleys Shoes and Menswear in Kalamunda proves that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. A proper family business, this place has been keeping the good people of the Hills well-heeled for years. Whether you need something practical, something stylish, or just a solid pair of shoes that won’t destroy your feet after two hours, they’ve got you covered.

The team at Hawleys actually know their stuff—which, let’s be honest, is not always the case in shoe shops. They’ll find you the right fit, the right support, and maybe even the right colour to match that ‘business casual’ look you’ve been trying to master. And for those who like a little extra style in their step, their menswear collection ensures you’ll leave looking sharp from head to toe.

I popped in on Saturday with my dear wife Margie, who was on the hunt for new shoes and sandals for an event. She jokingly says she’s just the ‘handbag’ at these things, but let’s be honest—she’s much more than that.

The team at Hawleys were so friendly and helpful, it was remarkable. That level of service is what makes small businesses special, and it’s exactly why I wanted to write this piece.

Also, if you’ve ever been traumatised by those old-school foot-measuring contraptions, fear not. The staff here are patient, friendly, and won’t judge you if you need a moment to accept that your feet are, in fact, bigger than you thought.

A quality local business that takes care of your feet and your wardrobe—because, let’s face it, you deserve better than worn-out shoes and mismatched socks.

Final Thought: The Perfect Pairing?

Why not make a day of it? Pop into Hawleys, grab some new shoes (and maybe a fresh outfit), and then take them for a celebratory spin to Myattsfield Winery.

Great wine, great shoes, great excuse to support two fantastic local businesses.

That’s it for this week’s Businesses in the Spotlight—until next time, support local, shop smart, and remember: good wine and good shoes can solve a lot of problems.