Mediterranean haven
In a state that’s world famous for its natural attractions, Peel stands out for its wealth of unspoilt beauty. It covers a large expanse of diverse terrain, stretching from white-sand beaches in the west to ancient forests and misty valleys inland.
You’ll hit the top of the region within an hour’s drive south of Perth, and most wineries are conveniently close. Visitors sip and snack their way along food and wine trails, sampling award-winning wines and local craft beer in down-to-earth cellar doors and breweries. Local produce can be found in abundance, with pristine seafood a highlight.
The Peel wine region encompasses the thriving coastal centres of Mandurah and Rockingham and a string of smaller towns. Its Mediterranean climate is strongly influenced by the Indian Ocean, and its sun-filled days and cooling sea breezes create excellent growing conditions for a wide range of red and white grape varieties. Peel built its reputation on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, but these days you’ll find producers exploring a growing list of alternative varieties too.
Diversity in a growing region
Peel’s first vines were planted in the 1850s, but the modern commercial industry got started in the 1970s when Will Nairn took a risk and established Peel Estate. Decades later, Peel Estate is the most important winery in this emerging region. It produces a wide range of drops, from sparkling Chenin Blanc, made in the traditional method, to vibrant Verdelho and peppery old-vine Shiraz made with fruit from the vineyard’s original 1973 vines. Sample some of the region’s best in Peel Estate’s wisteria-draped cellar door.
Diversity is the story of the broader region, too. Peel’s coastal limestone soils combined with its Mediterranean climate helps produce wines with intense fruit flavours and regional characteristics, so you’re likely to taste wines here that you won’t experience anywhere else.
Chenin Blanc is a flagship variety and was the first white grape to be planted. It makes fruity, refreshing wines with good depth of flavour and aromas of stone fruit and citrus. Good-quality bottles can be aged for five years or more, and whatever their age, they’re perfect with local crab or a pile of fish and chips. Beyond classic varieties, vineyards throughout the region are growing lesser-known varieties with great success. Look out for wines such as Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Viognier.
With its excellent grape-growing conditions, dramatic natural beauty and idyllic lifestyle, Peel is a region on the rise and a gourmet destination well worth discovering.
