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Our Story
Capel Vale prides itself on its pioneering role in the Western Australian wine industry, bearing the distinction of being the first family-owned winery to recognise and cultivate the viticultural potential of the exceptional cool climate regions of Geographe, Mount Barker, and Margaret River in Western Australia.
In 1974 Dr Peter Pratten planted vines in Capel and commenced a journey of matching suitable grape varieties with premium viticultural regions.
Subsequently Capel Vale now owns vineyards in the Wine Regions of Geographe, where our Cellar Door is located in Capel, Wilyabrup, a subregion of Margaret River and Mount Barker, a sub region of the Great Southern. All vinification takes place at the winery in Geographe on the Stirling Estate property in Capel, where Peter's vision had its genesis. Our winemaking philosophy is centered on crafting wines that embody balance, complexity, and refined fruit flavors, reflecting the unique essence of these premier cool climate wine regions.
Capel Vale has remained at the forefront of family-owned wineries with Simon, Dr Peter and Elizabeth Pratten's son, joining them in the early 2000's.
One of Peter's proudest early moments occurred in 1986 when Peter Pratten, as winemaker, produced a Capel Vale Riesling that was awarded the title of Australian National Dry White Champion, marking a historic milestone for both Capel Vale and Western Australian Riesling.
Not one to rest on their laurels, Capel Vale have gone on to fill cabinets’ worth of Wine Show Trophies, Awards and Accolades from around the globe. Grape growing and Wine making is an ever evolving process of balancing art and science. Working with Mother Nature to produce healthy vines, reaching back to old school ways and skillfully integrating modern methods to craft wines of distinction which we love to drink, cellar and share with you.
Why The Duck?
Adjacent to the Capel Vale winery flows the Capel River, a haven for various waterfowl species, including the protected Sheldrake, also known as the native Mountain Duck. When the Pratten family first planted vines in 1974, these Mountain Ducks were a constant presence, serving as a gentle reminder amidst their labour.
The banks of the Capel River were intentionally left undisturbed to preserve the natural habitat of these ducks, and to this day, they can be spotted happily waddling along, symbolizing the essence of Capel Vale.
Ducks are known for their sociability, adopting those around them as part of their flock. By selecting this location to cultivate Capel Vale wines, the Pratten family recognized the significance of these ducks in representing the ethos of Capel Vale. For more than five decades, the echoing quacks of generations of Sheldrakes have served as a poignant reminder to the Prattens and all visitors to Capel Vale that they are part of something truly extraordinary.
The male Sheldrake boasts a vibrant orange band, a striking feature that, dare we say, outshines the female counterpart!
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