The Story

Duke and Hilde Ranson established this special vineyard as their “retirement” project: the first vine was planted on Duke’s 60th birthday in 1999.

They chose Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon (Duke’s favourite) and Shiraz, varieties that are beautifully suited to the cool-climate Great Southern wine region. The cellar door opened in 2002 to serve the first ever vintage: 2001 Riesling.

The vineyard is situated at the western foot of the heritage-listed, ancient granite Porongurup Ranges and currently consists of 10 hectares of vines. To the north are sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges, best appreciated with a tasting glass in hand.

Duke’s vineyard and cellar door are run by a small passionate crew, including new owners Ben and Sarah, and who all love every corner of the site.

Duke’s Vineyard is the dream that is now reality—started by Duke and Hilde and now embarking on the next chapter with Ben and Sarah. We are excited to share the journey with our loyal customers!

The Winemaking

Since 2012, our wines have been made by Rob Diletti at the contract crush facility at Castle Rock Winery just down the road from us at the eastern end of the Porongurups. Rob was James Halliday’s inaugural “Wine Maker of the Year” in 2015.

Starting in 2022, Rob and Duke’s new owner/winemaker, Ben Cane, are working in partnership to continue making the exemplary premium wines that our customers expect from Duke’s. Ben has over 25 vintages under his belt, having worked with many top labels here in Australia and around the world, and is very excited about Duke’s unique site as well as the potential of the cool climate Great Southern wine region.

Accolades

Duke’s first Vintage (2001 Riesling) won a gold medal at the Rutherglen Wine Show. The second vintage was awarded “Best Wine in the Show” at the Prestigious Sydney Royal Show.

The 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling was “James Halliday’s 2019 Wine of the Year” and the first white wine Halliday has ever awarded 99 points.

The 2016 Magpie Hill Riesling won Halliday’s 2018 Riesling of the Year.

Duke’s Vineyard has been listed in Halliday’s Top 100 Wineries for many years including the current issue. We are currently rated a Top Red 5 Star winery by James Halliday, placing us among “truly the best of the best.”

Other highly regarded accolades have come from Huon Hooke, Ray Jordan and Gourmet Wine Traveller.