When travelling along the Western Highway between Ararat and Stawell, the picturesque village of Great Western beckons you with its rich history, award-winning wines, and charming atmosphere. This quaint township is steeped in tales of sheep graziers, gold discoveries, and historic vineyards and has become synonymous with the best of Victoria's wine culture. Join us on a journey through Great Western, exploring its iconic wineries, classic pubs, and casual eateries.
Your Great Western adventure begins with a visit to Seppelt Wines, a captivating destination deeply rooted in the region's past. Welcoming visitors seven days a week, Seppelt invites you to explore the historic cellar door and enjoy a tasting of a variety of wines, followed by an aromatic coffee, light lunch, or carefully curated cheese platter. But the experience doesn't end at the surface. Venture below ground and explore The Drives, an extraordinary network of heritage-listed cellars dating back to 1868. These underground passages, the longest of their kind in the southern hemisphere, hold a piece of history, and make for a memorable experience for the curious traveller. Tours of The Drives depart daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Find out more here.
Founded in 1866, Best's Great Western stands as one of Australia's oldest continually family-owned and operated wineries. With some of the oldest vines in the country, Best's produces extraordinary wines with elegance and great longevity. The Stables Cellar Door is a must-visit, where you can enjoy a wine tasting before embarking on a self-guided tour of the original underground cellar. Reservations for larger groups are suggested.
A James Halliday 4.5-star winery, Grampians Estate has amassed 78 trophies for its extraordinary wines. With two vineyards, including the historic Garden Gully Vineyard with some of Victoria's oldest Shiraz and Riesling vines, Grampians Estate showcases the best of cool climate wines. The cellar door offers a warm and friendly environment for wine tastings, serving outstanding Shiraz in both still and sparkling form - a regional specialty. Don’t forget to order the Grampians Estate's famous lamb, shiraz, and rosemary pie. Made with shiraz grapes grown on the vineyard’s farm and two different types of pastry, each pie is individually handcrafted to perfection by the Great Western Granary.
Situated in the heart of town, the Great Western Hotel boasts a history dating back to the 1860s. It offers the largest Grampians regional wine list, available by the glass and the bottle seven days a week. Step into this iconic establishment and soak in the local ambiance while enjoying a selection of wines that represent the region's viticultural excellence.
Salinger’s Cafe blends historic architecture and modern dining. Established in 1861, Salingers offers an all-day breakfast menu - the perfect chance for you to indulge in the locally acclaimed sourdough baked fresh at Great Western Granary. Dine inside the historic building or soak up some sun in the private courtyard, all while witnessing the Salinger Bee Hive at work. With a relaxed vibe and tasty cafe food, Salinger’s Cafe caters to every palate. Fully licensed and available for private functions, this venue adds a flavorful dimension to Great Western's culinary scene.
Consider extending your stay in Great Western at The Seppelt Vine Lodge, a 7-bedroom historic house on the winery grounds, offers a taste of Gold Rush era opulence. Accommodating up to fourteen people, it includes Bests Cottage, the original home of the winery's founder, Joseph Best. This accommodation blends history with comfort for a unique experience in Great Western. Great Western Motel is another practical choice for couples looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. Enjoy a game of billiards, make the most of the free WIFI and prepare yourself for a wonderful getaway in Great Western.
In the heart of the Grampians, Great Western stands as a testament to the history, viticulture, and culinary excellence of the region. Whether you're delving into the underground cellars of Seppelt Wines, exploring the award-winning selections at Grampians Estate, or enjoying the local charm of Great Western Hotel and Salinger's Cafe, each venue offers a unique taste of Great Western.
