About Saracen Estates

Our People

Luke and Maree Saraceni | Owners

Luke and Maree and their three children, Joel, Elyse and Leigh have spent the vast majority of their vacation time and many weekends in Busselton, Dunsborough and the Margaret River Wine Region after being introduced to the wonders of that particular part of the South West by their good friends Colin and Karen Vidler some 25 years ago. Over the years, they have in turn introduced many family members and friends to vineyards, beaches, breweries, galleries, restaurants, caves, to name but a few, while holidaying at their beach house in Old Dunsborough.

The Saraceni family first became involved in the wine industry ten years ago through a small fine wine importing business they owned. In the time since they have diversified and expanded, beginning commercial production in 1998 with the first small vintage produced under the Saracen Estates label. Discussion on a cellar door concept began at that time with a view to creating a facility that would be unique in the region and family friendly. Luke and Maree strongly believe in supporting the talent and ambitions of local artisans and have an extensive personal collection of local artwork they have acquired over the past 25 years. They extend this support through the display and sale of local works, along with artwork and jewellery crafted by family members.  Market Day @ Saracen Estates is another way Luke & Maree support small local businesses in the Region. 

Maree and Luke also have an investment interest in a local olive oil company, and sell their Red Island and Njoi olive oil products through the Cellar Door along their own Saracen Estates Olive Oil label & Dukkah. The spices used in the Saracen Estates Dukkah link back to the Saracen's Regions and era. Another great Italian product supported in the form of imported grappa, and their commitment to wine education can be seen in the ever evolving International Guest List of fine imported wines. Luke and Maree believe in the quality of their wines to such an extent they encourage you to compare a great Margaret River Cabernet to a fine French Bordeaux when you next visit!

Luke and Maree believe they are successful in providing a unique and special experience to visitors to the stunning and exciting new Saracen Estates – Duckstein Brewery Complex. They are dedicated to their vineyard and the wine industry and their aim is to produce premium wines that rank among the country’s best. Luke and Maree are confident they have been able to put together a very talented team to lead Saracen Estates into a successful future, and sampling the quality of their wines will be testament to this fact.

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Dennis Parker | General Manager

Dennis is Maree Saraceni’s brother and has been involved with Saracen Properties since 1995. He and Maree grew up as very close siblings, and Dennis lived with Luke and Maree from the age of seventeen until twenty three when he married Jane (Giovanna). Jane and Dennis spent the first six months of their marriage in Sicily with Jane’s family where Dennis had his first taste of the wine world, assisting in the production of the family’s wine: his main duty being to squash grapes with his feet!

Dennis’ role at Saracen Estates draws on his skills developed in management through his years with Saracen Properties and he is responsible for overseeing production, sales and marketing and has been integral in the establishment of the Saracen Estates – Duckstein Brewery complex in Margaret River. Dennis brings passion and drive to the Saracen Group and is committed and dedicated to the future growth and prosperity of one of the up and coming companies of the Margaret River Wine Region.

When Dennis isn’t at work, he’ll most often be found coaching his son David’s Australian Rules Football team, or spending time with Jane and their two older children, Danielle and Lisa. With the completion of the Saracen Estates complex in Margaret River the family is also looking forward to spending more of the summer months enjoying the spectacular beaches and natural environment of the South-West.

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South Australian born Bob began his career in the Barossa Valley at Kaiser Stuhl in 1963, working initially as a cellar hand then as a laboratory assistant. After two years practical experience he commenced study at Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1967 and winning the R.H. Martin Memorial prize for Sensory Evaluation. In 1973 Bob relocated his young family to Western Australia, taking a position at Valencia Wines and then Houghton as winemaker. In 1978, Bob joined Leeuwin Estate for their first vintage in the then fledgling Margaret River Wine Region.

Bob remained with Leeuwin Estate for twenty eight vintages, during that time crafting what was to become known as one of Australia’s and indeed the world’s finest Chardonnays, the Leeuwin Art Series. When the Saraceni’s approached Bob about making their wines: “The vineyards, the varieties and the enthusiasm were enough for me!” he says. Luke and Maree’s favourite grape variety is Chardonnay, and their commitment and passion for producing world class wines together with Bob’s talent means that our wines are more than well looked after, and this can certainly be seen in the accolades we have received in our short history.

Bob is a great credit to the Saracen team, not only for the obvious skill and talent he brings with his winemaking skills, but also for his willingness to answer questions and pass his knowledge on to the staff. He also possesses a wealth of great fishing tips, and when he’s not got his nose in yet another glass of Chardonnay he’ll be out on the Indian Ocean searching for the perfect catch to accompany his favourite wine!

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