Grampians

Overview

The Grampians wine region sits in the shadow of the majestic Grampians mountain range in western Victoria. It is one of Australia's most historically significant wine areas, with vines first planted in the 1860s by European settlers drawn to the region's granitic soils and cool continental climate. Today, it remains a place where heritage and landscape converge to create wines of unmistakable character.

Best's Wines, founded in 1866 and owned by the Thomson family since 1920, is the beating heart of the region. Its historic Nursery Block contains vines planted in the 1860s that have defied identification, believed to be unique in the world. Nearby, Mount Langi Ghiran has built a towering reputation for cool climate Shiraz made from a pre phylloxera clone planted in 1969, producing wines of extraordinary pepper, spice, and dark fruit intensity. Seppelt Great Western, another pillar of the region, pioneered sparkling wine in Australia and maintains kilometres of underground cellars known as the Drives, where millions of bottles age in constant cool darkness.

Grampians Shiraz is the region's signature. It offers a distinctly different expression from warmer Australian styles: medium to full bodied, laden with white and black pepper, dark berry fruit, and fine, savoury tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache also thrive here, as does sparkling wine in the traditional method. The region is a must visit for lovers of history, dramatic scenery, and elegant, terroir driven reds.

Key Varietals

• ShirazThe Grampians icon. A cool climate masterpiece of white pepper, blackberry, clove, and dark chocolate with fine, grainy tannins and exceptional aging potential.
• Cabernet SauvignonElegant and structured with cassis, dried herb, and mint characters. The long growing season builds complexity while preserving natural acidity.
• GrenacheFrom ancient vines in the Best's Nursery Block and beyond. Perfumed and spicy with red cherry, rose petal, and a supremely silky palate.
• Sparkling WineA historic specialty of Seppelt Great Western. Traditional method wines with biscuity complexity, citrus brightness, and creamy texture, aged deep underground in the famous Drives.