Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. Cabernet Merlot. Chardonnay.

These were some of the different types of wines that I learnt about during a recent trip to Perth in the Western Australian (WA) region.

That's impressive considering that previously, my knowledge of wine was limited to just white and red wine.

The six-day trip, which included eye-opening visits to wineries, not only helped me learn more about wines, but also taught me the best way to taste them - thanks to some tips from Mr Duncan Turner, the cellar door and wine club manager at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley, which is about 25 minutes' drive from Perth city.

First, give the wine in the glass a good swirl, said Mr Turner, as he demonstrated with a glass of Sandalford's Classic White.

Then, close your eyes and dip your nose into the wine glass before taking a good, deep breath of the wine.

As you do so, let your mind be reminded of all the good things associated with the wine.

Lastly, take a mouthful of the wine - not just a tiny sip - and let it fill all of your mouth for a fuller taste.

For someone used to emptying his wine glass in one go, Mr Turner's tips definitely provided a better wine-drinking experience.

Especially when I was downing the 167-year-old winery's multiple award-winning Sandalera dessert wine A$95 ($115), which has a 36-year history.

You'll feel rejuvenated and reinvigorated as the wine's sweet, intense and multi-varied flavours fill your mouth and mind.

Sandalford was the first of five wineries we visited over the next few days, which included Happs, Lamont's and Voyager Estate in the Margaret River wine region.

These were five of the 90-plus wineries in the WA - definitely a wine haven for any wine connoisseur.

But there is more to WA than just wines, as I found out on my first trip to Australia, co-sponsored by Tourism Western Australia and Tiger Airways.

Before it, I'd heard many negative stories of the area, as compared to other more 'happening' and exciting cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

I had believed them, until my first night out in town.

It was 11pm on Friday when we arrived in Perth and the streets in Northbridge area were still teeming with fashionably-dressed clubbers queuing outside clubs and bars.

Our guide, Mr Murray Mason, looked shocked when I asked 'Isn't Perth supposed to be a dead town by now?'

PACKED AT NIGHT

He deadpanned: 'KB, this place is so packed at around 8 to 9pm that there is practically no way to walk through the crowds.'

For those seeking more thrills, there is no lack of options.

You can hop on a helicopter with Heli West, which operates three helipads in Perth, to take in panoramic views of the city and the suburbs.

A 5-minute loop flight costs A$60, but longer 15-minute and 30-minute flights are available at A$150 and A$240 respectively, which provide a birds' eye view of the nearby Rottnest Island and beaches.

Or visit the Brookleigh Equestrian Estate in the Swan Valley, where you can pick up horseriding and take in a relaxing afternoon of riding under the guidance of trained instructors.

After that, you can enjoy a delectable dinner at the estate's Stewarts Restaurant, which is furnished with Italian interiors and which offers scenic views of the Brookleigh vineyards.

As you enjoy the wines, don't forget Mr Turner's tips.