Grampians
In the shadow of the Grampians ranges in western Victoria, one of Australia's most dramatic wine landscapes produces Shiraz and Riesling with a wild, spicy character that has earned serious attention from wine lovers who make the trip to find it.
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We are continually curating new experiences. Check back shortly as we expand our presence in this region.
The Dossier
The Grampians wine region is centred on the town of Great Western, 230km west of Melbourne: about 2 hours 30 minutes via the Western Freeway. Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park, is 45 minutes further north and a natural base for those combining wine touring with the park's walking tracks and waterfalls. The Pyrenees region sits directly to the east, making a two-day western Victoria circuit an easy proposition.
Harvest runs late February through April: the altitude and continental climate of the western ranges produce a longer growing season than the latitude would suggest. Spring (September to November) is when the Grampians National Park is at its most spectacular: wildflowers across the ranges and mild temperatures for cellar door touring. Harvest time in March and April, when the pace in Great Western picks up, is the other peak window. Avoid midsummer; the heat can be intense.
Shiraz grown at elevation in the Grampians has a wild, spice-driven intensity: black pepper, dried herbs, and a savouriness that sits distinctly apart from warmer Victorian styles. Riesling has a long history here and the best examples are some of the most underrated in the country. The underground cellars at Seppelt Great Western, carved by miners in the 1860s, are a genuine Australian wine landmark and worth a tour on their own. The food scene around Halls Gap and Stawell services visitors primarily through the park trade; the cellar doors are the food and wine destination here.