Wine region in focus: Peel
The Peel region is a popular day trip from Perth, being just a 40 minute drive south from the city centre. The Peel region stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Darling Range.
Topics:
- Geography and climate
- Vineyards and wine production
- Awards
- Other features of the region
- More information
- Links
Geography and climate
The Peel region is centred around Mandurah and Rockingham, both rapidly growing regional centres. Other towns in the region include Pinjarra, Waroona, Dwellingup and Wandering.
With its massive expanses of water in Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary, and the Indian Ocean to the west, the region experiences consistent cooling breezes in the summer. The altitude inland along the Darling Range also helps maintain milder temperatures during the ripening period.
The soils vary across the region from 'tuart' sandy soil on the coast to loams and gravelly soils further inland.
Vineyards and wine production
The first vineyards in Peel were established in the 1850s but it was in the 1970s that real growth began, with the establishment of Peel Estate.
Peel is now an emerging wine region with over 200 hectares of wine grapes. In 2009-10, the region produced 3,969 litres of wine, valued at A$45,991. Source: Wine Australia Wine Export Approval Database
Shiraz, chardonnay, chenin blanc and verdelho are the most common varieties produced, but a number of wineries produce other varieties such as zinfandel, tempranillo, sangiovese, mouvrdre, viognier and grenache. It is thought that Western Australia’s only producer of savignin is in the Peel region.
Awards
Western Australian wines regularly win international awards. See here for a list of the 13 WA wines that won Gold at the International Wine Challenge 2011.
Also check these websites for other award-winning wines:
Other features
Mandurah and the Peel region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From exploring the state forests and national parks on foot, bicycle or horseback, to watersports on the river and ocean, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Fishing and camping are popular in the area. Hop on a steam train for a scenic ride through the hills, or see the Thrombolite living fossils at Yalgorup National Park.
The Peel Wine Association is hosting trade and consumer events in April 2012. Click here for more information.
More information
The WAGO office helps to promote Western Australian wine throughout Europe. We assist in organising wine tastings, attend trade shows, give presentations and work towards ensuring our wines obtain the best commercial exposure where possible. As well as continuing to observe exports in traditional markets, the office helps identify new markets for promoting Western Australian wine. For further information, please contact the Trade and Investment Manager on +44 (0) 20 7240 2881 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Links
- The WA Department of State Development’s “Think Big” fact sheet on WA winemaking
