Photo: ClairaultStreicker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Western Australia · Sub-regions
Peel
Peel is one of WA's smallest and least-known regions, situated between Perth and Mandurah. Warm Mediterranean conditions favour robust reds and aromatic whites.
Grape Varieties
Shiraz, Chardonnay
Verdelho, Chenin Blanc
Most Famous Site
Peel (Mandurah)
Vineyard Area
150 ha
Harvest
February – March
TERROIR PROFILE · Western Australia
Peel Coastal sandy region · classic varieties
Peel — smaller coastal region south of Perth, nice varietal diversity.
SOILS
Sandaromatic, approachable
Loose sand and wind-blown sand warm up quickly and hold little water — they give aromatic, early-drinking wines with soft tannins; phylloxera-resistant.
Gravel / Sandlight, approachable
Gravel and sand drain heavily — vines struggle for water, wines turn fine, light and elegant.
Loambody-rich, velvety
Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
CLIMATE · Mediterranean
Mediterranean coastal climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The Indian Ocean shapes the region with sea breezes that cool the afternoons. Ripening is early to mid-season.
TOPOGRAPHY · gentle
Flat coastal plain (Swan Coastal Plain) about 80 kilometres south of Perth around Mandurah and Rockingham, with the Peel Inlet. Relief plays practically no role; only the hinterland has gentle rises.
WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS
Typical Flavours of the Region
Syrah
RedChardonnay
WhiteVerdelho
WhiteChenin Blanc
WhiteRegion aroma cloud
Western Australia overview
This sub-region is part of Western Australia. The map shows all 9 sub-regions — Peel is highlighted.
Overview
Typical Varieties
Terroir & Climate
Wine Character
Peel lies on the coast of Western Australia, about an hour's drive south of Perth, centred on the towns of Mandurah and Rockingham. The first vines were planted in 1857, but modern viticulture began in the 1970s when Will Nairn established Peel Estate, still regarded as the region's most important winery. The number of producers is small.
The climate is Mediterranean and shaped by the Indian Ocean, with sunny days and cooling sea breezes. The soils are sands over limestone with Tuart woodland; the limestone is considered an important influence on wine style. The ground drains freely, so vines can suffer water stress in dry spells.
Shiraz and Chardonnay are regarded as the region's signature wines; Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are best suited to it, while Verdelho and Chenin Blanc also do well. Peel Estate planted Shiraz from 1973 and in the 1980s added Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Zinfandel and Portuguese port varieties; its sparkling Chenin Blanc and the Shiraz from the original vines are well known.
Soil Type
Well-drained sandy soils, lateritic gravel
Climate
Warm-Mediterranean; milder than Swan Valley; good cooling from sea breezes
All Wineries
4 resultsEvents in Western Australia
All events in Western Australia →19 Nov – Sun, 22 November 2026
Pair'd Margaret River Region
Wine festival · Margaret River
Sat, 6 March 2027
Pemberton Unearthed
Wine festival · Pemberton
19 Mar – Sun, 28 March 2027
Taste Great Southern
Wine festival · Albany / Mount Barker / Denmark
19 Nov – Sun, 21 November 2027
Margaret River Region Open Studios & Wine Trail – Cabernet Celebration
Tasting · Margaret River
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of viticulture in Peel?
The first vines were planted in Peel in 1857; modern viticulture began in the 1970s when Will Nairn founded Peel Estate. Peel Estate has planted Shiraz since 1973 and in the 1980s added Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Zinfandel and Portuguese port varieties.
Which wines are typical of Peel?
Shiraz and Chardonnay are regarded as typical wines of the region. At Peel Estate the sparkling Chenin Blanc and the old-vine Shiraz are known.
Where is Peel and what is the climate?
Peel lies on the coast of Western Australia, about an hour's drive south of Perth, around Mandurah and Rockingham. The climate is Mediterranean, shaped by the Indian Ocean with cooling sea breezes; harvest takes place in February and March.
Which grape varieties define Peel?
The key grape varieties in Peel are Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Chenin Blanc. The best-known vineyard is Peel (Mandurah).
When is the best time to visit Peel for wine?
The harvest in Peel takes place February – March – when vineyards and cellars are busiest. May to July suits tastings without harvest bustle; many estates open their tasting rooms off-season by appointment.
How many wineries are there in Peel?
Cellarmap lists 4 wineries in Peel across roughly 150 hectares of vines. Every profile shows location, contact, grape varieties and, where available, vineyards, classification and visitor information.
All wineries in Peel, A to Z
📖 Look up in glossary
All terms →Related wine terms — clearly explained in the Cellarmap glossary.