Grampians Wine Region
For over 150 years, the Grampians have produced award-winning wines with an excellent climate that can withstand time. Just a two-hour drive west of Melbourne, this region impresses serious wine lovers with its mix of large wineries and artisanal cellars dotted throughout, from the famous Langi Mountain in the east to the wine-growing village of Great Western.
Take time to discover Grampians style wine
Indulge in a wine lover’s paradise on a Grampians tour that will take you to some of the best wineries in the region.
This region is home to some of Australia’s oldest vineyards and, in turn, some of its most experienced wineries, where you’ll find a passionate enthusiast who will tell you the story behind the bottle with the proud label.
Decades of family knowledge handed down from generation to generation, along with a few wine guns, have resulted in a catalogue of wines that are both familiar and innovative, ensuring that no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to try, from a typically Australian sparkling Shiraz to a vibrant Riesling.
Yes, you can say that Grampians take their wine very seriously. Especially Shiraz.
There are several theories for those wondering what makes this region so magical.
Many say the exceptional climate creates a peppery Shiraz perfect for any outdoor event. Perhaps it’s the rich history of winemaking or the passionate winemaker who dedicates his life to enjoying the moment. Maybe it’s the opportunity to enjoy a mature red wine or a fresh white wine in the foothills of the Grampian National Park. And for some, it is the discovery of a winery located in a picturesque village in a scenic location.
History
Wine and history go hand in hand in the Grampian wine region. From the labyrinth of underground tunnels built in 1865 that lead to the Seppelt Wines winery to the historic nursery at the Concongella estate at Best’s Wines.
The Grampians region was also part of a plantation revival to combat a potentially devastating lull in Australian winemaking around 70 years ago when a few dedicated winemaking families planted vines that are still thriving and producing excellent wines – a real nod to Australian viticulture that is well worth a little exploratory travel.
Climate
With its long, sunny days and cool nights, influenced by the elevation of the Great Dividing Range and its proximity to the Southern Ocean, the Grampian mountain region produces superb wines with a distinctive climate and intense varietal definition. Think spicy, aromatic reds and light, unforgettable whites that are perfect for enjoying in the same place they were made.
Varietals
Whether you’re a wine lover or a serious collector, there’s something for everyone in this region, from Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to Riesling and the region’s signature grape, Shiraz. There are special bottles to take home and save for a special occasion, and quality bottles at reasonable prices are so attractive that you need to open them immediately.
Award-Winning Wineries
It’s hard to ignore a bottle of wine that has received a near-perfect score in a wine competition – and this region is home to many award-winning wines. The area has won countless awards and accolades, from the internationally award-winning Mount Stapylton Wines and Montara to the Halliday Wine Companion’s 99-point Shiraz from Langi Mountain Giran and SubRosa winemaker Adam Luder. Gain insight into the motivations behind the winemakers’ production of high-quality products.
Seppelt Wines - Great Western
Take a fascinating journey through Grampian history at Seppelt Great Western. Deeply rooted in the region’s past, this iconic destination offers a true insight into the essence of rural Victoria.
Open to the public seven days a week, Seppelt is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Step through the doors of the historic winery, and you’ll be treated to a range of experiences.
Taste a diverse selection of wines, enjoy an aromatic coffee, a light lunch or a carefully selected cheese board.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the surface. Go underground and explore the Drives, an extraordinary network of heritage-listed cellars dating back to 1868. These underground passages hold a piece of history, making them the longest in the southern hemisphere.
Seppelt Great Western perfectly blends tradition with modern entertainment, creating an attraction that attracts locals and travellers alike. Visiting here is not just a journey but an encounter with the essence of Grampian history that awaits every curious traveller.
Mount Langi Ghiran
Consistently ranked as one of Australia’s finest vineyards, Mount Langi Ghiran is a highly regarded Shiraz producer that produces one of Australia’s most famous wines, Langi Ghiran, thanks to its excellent climate. The vineyard, with its towering granite cliffs and red loamy soils, has an extraordinary sense of place. Spend the day enjoying great wine, stunning views and local produce in the cellar, café or under the chestnut trees.
The cellar doors are open daily for tastings of the latest releases and exclusive wines produced in small quantities. While Shiraz is their hero, Langi also produces a wide range of modern, sophisticated varietals and blends available at Cellar Door.
To enjoy this beautiful place, relax with a bottle of wine and a carefully selected plate of pâté to complement your wine selection. Practice your Skittles and go for a bike ride through the vineyards. Reservations are recommended.
Pomonal Estate & Mt Cassel Villa
The owners of Pomonal Estate, Adam and Pep Atchison, founded in December 2017, invite you to their winery, microbrewery and cider mill. It is just ten minutes from the town centre of Halls Gap in the Grampian Mountains.
Nestled at the foot of the Grampian Mountains, their winery offers sparkling Riesling, rosé, Shiraz and fortified Shiraz wines. Sample their wines on a wine flight, craft beer and cider, and enjoy our award-winning local produce from the region.
We are proud to be winners of the 2019, 2021 and 2022 Business of the Year, the 2021 Sustainability Award and the Gourmet Wine Traveller – Best Cellar Door with Food 2021 and 2022.
The new Pomonal Estate villa on Mount Cassel is designed for six to eight people. Here, you’ll find the space to recharge your batteries in a self-contained accommodation with a backdrop of mountains and vineyards.
Reconnect with the pleasures of life, exquisite sunrises, magnificent sunsets, rainbows and well-deserved rest.
Escape to nature and tantalise your taste buds.
Best's Wines Great Western
Established in 1866 in Victoria’s Great Western wine region, Best’s Great Western is one of Australia’s oldest wineries and is still family-owned and operated. Best’s is renowned for having some of the oldest vineyards in Australia and producing extraordinary, elegant wines with long cellaring times.
Only two owners have been in the winery’s history: the Best family, who founded the winery, and the Thomson family, headed by fifth-generation Ben Thomson.
The stable door is a great place to taste the wines before a self-guided tour of the original underground cellar.
Best’s Wines is located in Great Western and is a must-see for any wine lover. Few wineries are so steeped in history and atmosphere.
The wines here are superb, with outstanding Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, delicious Dolcetto and fresh Pinot Meunier among the reds, and high-quality Riesling and Chardonnay.
Best’s Wines can accommodate up to 50 people in its cellar, divided into two separate areas. Pre-booking is required for tours and tastings. Reservations via the website are mandatory for tours and tastings, but the winery will do its best to accommodate visitors who arrive without a reservation.
Grampians Estate
James Halliday’s 4.5-star winery, Grampians Estate, has won 78 wine awards.
The Cellar Door restaurant offers wine tastings, coffee and espresso in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The experienced staff will make sure that your visit is rewarding.
Grampians Estate has two vineyards. The Garden Gully vineyard on Great Western was established in the late 1870s, and its Shiraz and Riesling vines are among the oldest in Victoria.
The Mafeking vineyard, south of Moonstone, produces classic cool-climate Shiraz that is tangy and spicy, best exemplified by the award-winning Streeton Reserve Shiraz label.
Ralph Kite-Powell recalls that the Salinger family operated their Hockheim winery on the Great Western for about 75 years before closing it in 1945. The only thing left from those days is an underground brick-lined tank on the winery’s facade. Today, this is the site of the Grampians Estate. This friendly, relaxed winery, located just off the main road, is the perfect place to enjoy some of the Great Western’s finest wines, including the excellent Shiraz, both a table wine and a regional speciality, sparkling wine.
Mountainside Wines
Mountainside Wines is a family-owned vineyard and winery at the foot of Mount Cole in the Southeastern Grampians wine region. The premium wines are produced from hand-picked and tended vineyards.
Here at Mountainside Wines, you can stroll through the vineyard, enjoy a picnic with a plate of local produce, and enjoy the views of the Cole, Buangor, and Langi Giran Mountains. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Grampian Mountains with a glass of wine and local produce.
Mountainside Wines offers three varieties of wine: Shiraz, Viognier and Nebbiolo. All of them are full of Grampian flavours and reflect the region’s terroir.
Mountainside Wines is a Rotundone Road Shiraz Adventure programme member, highlighting the regional aromas and delicate flavours of berries and pepper.
Mount Stapylton Wines
Mount Stapylton Wines is located on the western slopes of the Grampians, at the foot of the Mount Stapylton mountain range. The vineyard was planted on the grounds of the historic Gunwynnough Estate and is grown alongside the family’s sheep and cereal crops.
The terroir is ideal for Shiraz at over 170 metres above sea level. The soils consist of a top layer of loam over orange clay with veins of chalky gravel underneath.
The vineyard enjoys a dry continental climate, with warm days that peak at 4 pm. The north-south rows are irrigated with drip irrigation to help the vines withstand the summer heat. The cool nights and prevailing south-westerly winds allow the vines to cool down at night, contributing to a long growing season that lasts into March and April. These subtle nuances create a full-bodied wine with a generous, ripe nose typical of Grampian elegance.
The Grampians Cellar
There is nothing like a tour of the picturesque cellars of the Grampian region, meeting one or two winemakers and tasting over a gourmet dinner. With the majestic Grampians National Park (Garivère) as a backdrop, surrounded by hectares of vineyards, it’s the perfect place to relax and learn more about your favourite wine or discover something new.
During your stay, you can also taste delicious food, discover cafes and restaurants to visit, take exciting walks, visit the zoo and admire ancient Aboriginal rock art. The Grampian Islands are a true paradise for adventurers.
FAQ
Where is the Grampians wine region located?
The Grampians wine region is about two hours west of Melbourne, stretching from Mount Langi Ghiran in the east to Great Western.
What type of wine is the Grampians best known for?
The region is renowned for its peppery Shiraz, thanks to its cool nights, sunny days, and rich winemaking history.
Which wineries are must-visits in the Grampians?
Popular stops include Seppelt Great Western, Mount Langi Ghiran, Pomonal Estate, Best’s Wines, and Grampians Estate.
What grape varieties are grown in the Grampians?
Besides Shiraz, you’ll find Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, and Nebbiolo among others.
Are there historic attractions tied to winemaking in the region?
Yes, highlights include Seppelt’s heritage-listed underground Drives from 1868 and Best’s Wines’ original cellars from the 19th century.
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