The European settlement of Peel dates back to 1829 when a visionary named Thomas Peel brought three ships of migrants from England for the Peel Settlement Scheme. Peel lies between the Swan District and Perth Hills to the north and Geographe to the south. The first vines were planted in the region in 1857.
However it was not until the 1970s that more significant developments have taken place in what has been a rapidly expanding area for numerous lifestyle activities.
The first commercial vineyard was established with a planting of Shiraz by Will Nairn at the Peel Estate in 1974. While most other varieties have also now been established, Shiraz remains the flagship variety for the region. The Peel region has also recently become home to some of Western Australia’s premium local produce providers, a great combination with the great diversity of wines and a spectacular natural backdrop.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in many parts and producing a medium-bodied wine, Cabernet is slightly firmer when grown inland at higher elevations.
Chardonnay
Planted in most of the localities throughout the region, this wine attests to the versatility of the variety. Character notes range from melon and stone fruit to rich and buttery.
Chenin Blanc
This was the first white grape to be planted in Peel. The wine is produced with or without oak and gains character and depth with short to medium-term cellaring.
Shiraz
Not only the longest established in the region, the Shiraz is arguably the most successful variety, particularly around the Peel Estate. Overall, the style is medium-bodied with sweet, fine, ripe tannins.
- This coastal region has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and hot dry summers.
- Sections of the region located inland and those at higher altitudes have stronger land breezes, higher rainfall and slightly lower temperatures.
- The region’s lakes and dams, as well as the Indian Ocean to the west, ensure a consistent supply of cooling summer sea breezes to maintain cool temperatures for optimum grape ripening.
- The eastern extension of the Peel region includes very old granite and gravel soils.
- These soils are totally different to the limestone sands and fluvial sediments of the coastal area, which have significant ground-water reserves three to 15 metres (49 feet) below the surface.