Vineyards were first established here in 1850s but by the end of the nineteenth century the wine industry had disappeared. The modern era began in the middle of the 1970s with the establishment of Peel Estate.

The climate is very warm, some relief being given by sea breezes near the coast, or altitude (up to 300m) inland along the range.

As is the case in most Australian wine regions Shiraz is the variety of choice but a significant number of wineries are thinking outside the square. Will Nairn at Peel Estate has had success with Zinfandel.

The following Peel wineries use alternative varieties

• Amarillo Wines Grenache
• Cape Bouvard Chenin blanc, Grenache, Verdelho
• Concotton Creek Chenin blanc, Zinfandel
• Drakesbrook Wines Petit verdot
• Emmetts Crossing Wines Malbec, Verdelho
• Hotham Ridge Winery Chenin blanc, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel
• Peel Estate Chenin blanc, Souzao, Tinto Cao, Tinta amarella, Verdelho, Zinfandel
• Peel Ridge Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Viognier
• Stakehill Estate Chenin blanc, Grenache, Taminga, Tarrango
• The Ritual Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier
• Tuart Ridge Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Wandering Brook Estate Chenin blanc, Verdelho
• Wandering Lane Zinfandel

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