The Grampians is a wine lovers heaven, with its history, scenery and award winning wines. At the bottom of Victoria it’s home to some of Australia’s best wine regions. It’s famous for cool climate wines, sparkling Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you want a bottle to take home or to explore the underground cellars of historic wineries the Grampians Wine Region is a must do.
Take Your Time to Wine
The Grampians wine region is more than just wine. It’s about getting amongst the land, appreciating the history of family owned and operated vineyards and being part of the wine culture. Wine lovers come to the region for the quality wines but also for the experience – the views, the landscapes and the cellar door experiences that make each visit different. Take your time and take a wine tour, taste free wine and enjoy platters of the regions seasonal produce.
Many visitors pair their tasting adventure with a grampians day tour to explore both the natural beauty and the local flavours in one unforgettable experience.
History of Wine
Winemaking in the Grampians Wine Region has been around for over 150 years, making it one of the oldest and most iconic wine regions in Australia. Seppelt, Wines and Best’s Wines, two of the region’s founding fathers, set the benchmark for what is now a successful industry. These wineries put the region on the map for cool climate wines, especially Shiraz and sparkling wines. Their commitment to quality and the region’s climate has made the Grampians a part of Australian wine history.
Winemakers in the Grampians have kept the old ways while embracing the new to improve the quality and individuality of their wines. The region’s vineyards have a special combination of soil, altitude and climate that allows the grapes to ripen and develop flavour and aroma. The western slopes of the Grampians, including Mount Arapiles and Mount Cole, have a microclimate that’s perfect for producing elegant and balanced wines. Today, the region has a mix of family-owned and boutique wineries, many of which have been in the family for generations, like Best’s Wines, which is still family-owned.
Nature and Fine Cool Wines
The Grampians National Park is the backdrop to some of the most gorgeous vineyards in the country. The mountain range including Mount Arapiles and Mount Stapylton creates a cool climate for producing award winning wines. The region is famous for Shiraz especially the iconic Langi Shiraz and sparkling wines. You’ll see stunning scenery, great views and be connected to nature – a must do for wine lovers.
Top Wineries
Seppelt Wines - Great Western
Seppelt Wines has been in the Grampians Wine Region since 1851, and it’s one of the oldest and most famous wineries in Australia. They are famous for their sparkling wines and still reds, especially Shiraz. Seppelt Great Western is a must-see for wine lovers. One of the best bits about visiting Seppelt is to walk “The Drives,” an extensive network of underground tunnels dug by miners in the late 1800s. These tunnels are 3 km long and are at a constant cool temperature, making it the perfect place to age wine. You can take guided tours through these historic tunnels and learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery.
Along with the cellar door, Seppelt Wines are famous for their iconic Seppelt St. Peters Shiraz, a wine that embodies the cool climate style of the Grampians. This flagship wine gets high marks for its balance of rich fruit flavours, spicy notes and velvety tannins and is a true regional reflection. Seppelt also produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which showcase the region. With its history, great wine, and experiences, Seppelt Wines is the benchmark of Australian winemaking.
Mount Langi Ghiran
Located at the foot of the magnificent Mount Langi Ghiran, this vineyard is famous for producing some of the best cool climate Shiraz in Australia. The winery’s Langi Shiraz is the reference point for quality, with depth, bright acidity, and a peppery finish, which are hallmarks of the region. The high elevation, granite soil and cool climate allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop intense flavours while retaining natural acidity. The vineyard also has a constant breeze that protects the vines from disease, resulting in wines of great purity and structure.
While Shiraz is the main act Mount Langi Ghiran are also famous for their Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon both of which showcase the cool climate precision and elegance of the Grampians. The Riesling is a highlight with zesty citrus and floral aromas and the Cabernet Sauvignon has rich dark fruit flavours and fine tannins. You can taste wine in a peaceful setting with great views of the Grampians. Vineyard tours are also available to learn more about the winemaking process and the conditions that produce their wines.
Pomonal Estate Winery
Pomonal Estate Winery is a hidden gem in the Grampians. Near the village of Pomonal this boutique winery is not just about wine but ciders and craft beers so something for everyone. Small batch winemaking means every bottle is a reflection of the winemakers passion and attention to detail. The cool climate and diverse soil allows for a range of wines from crisp whites to robust reds all with that Grampians flavour.
A visit to Pomonal Estate Winery is not just a wine tasting it’s an experience. You can graze on gourmet platters filled with local seasonal produce and matched with our wines. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Grampians makes it the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Whether you’re a wine buff or just looking for a peaceful escape in nature Pomonal Estate will make you feel at home.
Best’s Wines Great Western
One of Australia’s oldest family owned wineries Best’s Wines Great Western was established in 1866 and has been producing premium wines for over 150 years. With that kind of history they are famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Riesling. Best’s Concongella Vineyard was planted in the 1860s and is one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the country and the old vines contribute to the rich intense flavours in their wines.
The winery’s flagship wine, Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz, is bright fruited, spicy and elegant with a tannin structure that reflects the cool climate of the Grampians. Best’s Wines is also famous for its Old Vine Pinot Meunier, a rare varietal in Australia that produces delicate and complex wines. Visit the historic cellar door and take a journey through the winery’s history with tastings that showcase the development of their wines over time. They also do museum tastings so you can see how these special wines age.
Grampians Estate
Grampians Estate is one of the region’s top producers of Shiraz and consistently produces wines that show the Grampians terroir. The winery’s flagship wine the Streeton Reserve Shiraz is an award winning expression of cool climate Shiraz. Dark berry fruit, peppery spice and velvety tannins make it a must try for any Shiraz lover.
Along with their famous Shiraz, Grampians Estate produce Riesling and sparkling wines. The cellar door is a lovely spot to taste these wines with views of the vineyard and mountains. If you want to get more involved in the winemaking process Grampians Estate also do tours and tastings that cover the history of the vineyard, grape growing and winemaking.
Mountainside Wines
At the bottom of Mount Cole you’ll find Mountainside Wines, a small family owned winery that produces premium cool climate wines. Specialising in Riesling, Shiraz and Tempranillo, Mountainside Wines aim to make wines that are elegant and expressive of the region. The cool climate and fertile soils produce wines that are balanced, vibrant and full of character.
Visit Mountainside Wines and relax at the cellar door and taste the small batch wines with the views. The winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture means every wine reflects not only the land but also the winemaker’s passion for minimal intervention wines. If you like boutique wineries that focus on quality and sustainability then Mountainside Wines is a must visit.
Mount Stapylton Wines
Mount Stapylton Wines is a small family winery near Mount Stapylton, making small batches of big, structured wines true to the Grampians. We specialise in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and use traditional methods of winemaking and focus on quality and craftsmanship in every bottle. Each wine is made with love and will develop complexity with age.
The vineyard has amazing views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful and beautiful spot to taste. Whether you’re a wine nerd or just passing through, Mount Stapylton Wines is an intimate and rewarding experience with wines that truly are the Grampians.
Norton Estate Wines
On the western side of the Grampians, Norton Estate Wines is a family owned vineyard making full bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are rich, complex and show the flavour of well looked after vines and a hands on approach to winemaking. Norton Estate’s focus on quality has built a following of people who like robust, structured reds.
The cellar door at Norton Estate is a warm and snug spot to taste the wines with great views of the vineyard. A perfect place to spend an hour or so.
Clayfield Wines
Clayfield Wines is a small winery making small quantities of premium wines. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are made with precision not quantity. Every bottle of Clayfield wine is a reflection of the winemaker’s pursuit of perfection, complex, structured and will age well.
Visitors to Clayfield Wines get a private tasting experience where you can try the limited release wines and learn about the winemaking and the region. If you like hand made wines made with love, Clayfield Wines is a Grampians secret.
Montara Wines
On the slopes of Mount Cole, Montara Wines is renowned for its award winning Shiraz and Pinot Noir. The high altitude and cool climate means slow ripening resulting in wines full of flavour and complexity. Montara’s Shiraz is full of fruit flavour and the Pinot Noir is elegant and silky with bright red fruit and earthy undertones.
The cellar door at Montara Wines is a lovely spot to taste wines with great views of the surrounding countryside. You can try a range of wines including Chardonnay and Riesling, all of which show the cool climate precision of the Grampians. Montara Wines is a great combination of great wines and great views, a must see for any wine lover.
Barangaroo Boutique Wines
Barangaroo Boutique Wines is a Grampians National Park secret, a quiet and private wine tasting. This small winery uses sustainable practices so every bottle is the Grampians.
At Barangaroo you can try Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines while taking in the views. We are sustainability and quality focused so if you like wines made with love and respect for the earth then we are your go to.
Mrs Bakers Still House
For something different to wine Mrs Bakers Still House offers winemaking and distilling. In the heart of the Grampians you can taste premium wines and handcrafted spirits. The still house produces a range of spirits, gin and whisky, all made with the same love and care as the wines.
The views at Mrs Bakers Still House make it a must see for those who want to see more than just wine during their visit to the Grampians. Whether you are a wine lover or a spirit enthusiast Mrs Bakers Still House has something for everyone.
FAQ
When should I visit the Grampians wine region?
Autumn is the best time to visit the Grampians wine region, from March to May, when the weather is mild and the vineyards are looking their best. However, many wineries are open all year round and offer wine tastings regardless of the season.
What makes Grampians wines unique?
Grampians has a cool climate, and Shiraz is sparkling. The region’s natural beauty, traditional methods and focus on sustainability produce award-winning wines that are elegant and complex.
Is there food at the wineries?
Yes, many wineries have food available such as grazing platters, cheese platters and seasonal produce to match their wines. Some even have on site winery cafes so you can have a meal while you taste a glass of wine.
Do I need to book?
It’s best to book tastings in advance, especially during peak season or if you’re visiting a large group. However, many wineries offer cellar door tastings without booking so that you can turn up spontaneously.
What wines are in the Grampians?
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and sparkling wines are the Grampians’ claim to fame. Many wineries also produce Tempranillo and Pinot Noir, so there’s more to taste.
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