The History of Duke's Vineyard.

Establishing a vineyard may not seem to be the retirement that promises lots of relaxing hours and peaceful holidays in the caravan or with the grandchildren. The thought of sitting in the lounge chair for a few hours with a good book is out of the question. Instead the day starts at 6.30 and sometimes ends at 8.00 or 9.00 at night. Hilde and Ian (Duke) Ranson made the choice when they sold their clothing manufacturing business in 1998. The property selected was the end of a search for the best site possible to grow riesling, cabernet and shiraz in the Great Southern Wine Region.
Having both been Riesling aficionados for over 20 years they appreciated the quality of the Porongurup wines that had steadily improved over the years to become recognized as among the best in Australia and on a par with the top German labels. 10 hectares of vines are now bearing and the Ransons expect to produce 1300 cases in the 2002 vintage.
Hilde is a successful artist and one of her early projects was to design a tasting area that would be in harmony with the surroundings and make best use of the spectacular views to the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. The resulting building provides for tastings in a glorious location as well as insulated wine storage and a working gallery. The curved mountain blue cladding is now a landmark on the Porongurup tourist route and fits aesthetically into the landscape.
Duke’s Vineyard is the dream that is now reality and Hilde and Ian remain as enthusiastic about their project as they were on the day they first saw the property.