For more than 150 years, the Grampians has produced award-winning, distinctive, cool climate wines, made to stand the test of time.
Just a two-hour road trip west of Melbourne, the region impresses serious wine drinkers with its mix of large and boutique wineries dotted about, from the acclaimed Mount Langi Ghiran in the east, to Moyston’s hidden gem, Clayfield Wines.
Yes, it’s fair to say the Grampians is serious about its wine. And notably, its Shiraz. We’ve got special bottles to take home and covet until a momentous occasion and quality drops at reasonable prices, so irresistible that they must be opened right there and then.
But where to start, you ask? We’re here to help.
One of Australia's oldest continually family-owned and operated wineries, Best's has some of the oldest vines in the country and produces extraordinary wines. Located in Great Western, visit the old red gum tasting room in the original stables built in 1866 before marvelling at the fascinating underground cellar. Try Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, and Pinot Meunier among the reds, and outstanding examples of Riesling and Chardonnay for those who prefer a white.
As the region’s original winemaking pioneers, Seppelt Wines is an essential stop on any wine tour through the Grampians. Their iconic cellar door is steeped in history and winemaking legend. Their heritage-listed cellars, The Drives, date back to 1868 and are the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Sample their iconic sparkling Shiraz, Chardonnay, or aromatic Riesling, among other cool-climate wines.
Grampians Estate’s in Great Western was established in the late 1870s and features Shiraz and Riesling vines that are among the oldest in Victoria. Building upon this winemaking heritage is a cellar door experience that offers a relaxed tasting environment and the opportunity to enjoy the region’s iconic wine varietals including sparkling Shiraz. This is also a wonderful spot to stop and grab lunch to fuel up before your next cellar door adventure.
ATR Wines takes a bold winemaking approach to the cool-climate Grampians by breaking the mould with cutting-edge blends from alternate varieties. Winemaker Adam Richardson’s passion is to create wines that surprise the taster while representing the vineyard in which they were grown. Visit ATR’s Wine Lounge to taste Riesling, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, Rosé, and Petite Sirah (Durif).
A visit to this boutique winery and cellar door in Moyston offers personal attention from vigneron Simon Clayfield who generously welcomes visitors and shares his wine knowledge and experiences. Their specialty Shiraz is 100% estate-grown and Simon’s pared back approach to winemaking emphasises the pure elegance and balanced structure of classic Grampians wines.
Situated at the base of Mount Cole at the south-eastern end of the Grampians wine region, this family-run winery produces premium wines from hand-tended vines and hand-picked grapes. Mountainside Wines’ Shiraz, Viognier and Nebbiolo are rich and full-flavoured, a strong representation of this corner of the Grampians. Soak up views of Mt Cole, Mt Buangor and Mt Langi Ghiran while enjoying a platter of local produce alongside your wine of choice.
A visit to Montara Wines offers dramatic mountain vistas and the old-world charm of Ararat’s gold rush days. Owned by the Stapleton family and driven by the belief that wine brings people together, expect a relaxed and convivial experience at Montara Wines. Their estate-grown wines include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Love a spirit? Ask to try their new release of Montara Victorian Style Gin exclusively available at cellar door.
Nestled on a gentle ridge in the foothills of Western Victoria’s Grampians region, Miners Ridge Wines is home to some of the region’s finest wines. The winery combines modern harvesting and winemaking techniques with some traditional methods including hand harvesting and open fermenting. Expect medium-bodied style wines available to taste at the Cellar Door.
Established in 2017, this family-run, boutique winery in Pomonal is owned by Adam and Pep Atchison. The winery, microbrewery and cider house is a 10-minute drive from Halls Gap and offers spectacular views of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Try Grampians Shiraz and Riesling, small-batch beers and cider. Linger longer to enjoy dishes that champion local producers and growers.
