In the heart of Victoria, the Grampians wine region stands as one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine landscapes. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and distinct winemaking style, the region’s history stretches back to the 1860s. This region is defined by rugged landscapes ancient soils, high elevations, and a cool climate—all elements that create wines of remarkable depth and intensity. This distinctive terroir produces wines with bold character, complexity, and structure, capturing the essence of the Grampians in every bottle.
A Region Shaped by Terroir
Since the mid-19th century, the Grampians wine region has been home to some of Australia’s most treasured vineyards, where the combination of mineral-rich soils and elevation between 240 and 440 metres allows for vibrant, expressive wines. This terroir is instrumental in producing structured Shiraz and crisp, aromatic Riesling, varieties that have earned acclaim both in Australia and internationally. From its pioneering beginnings, the Grampians has emerged as a symbol of Australian viticulture, known for its elegance, intensity, and age-worthy wines.
Defining Grampians Wine
At the heart of the Grampians region is Seppelt Great Western, a name intertwined with the heritage and identity of the area. Founded in the 1860s by Joseph Best and carried forward by the Seppelt family, the estate has been a central force in Australian winemaking history. Seppelt’s crowning achievement, The Drives, is a testament to its legacy. Carved by local gold miners, The Drives form the largest underground wine cellaring system in the Southern Hemisphere spanning over three kilometres beneath the estate. This unique environment provides ideal, consistent conditions for slow and steady ageing.
The Innovation of Sparkling Shiraz
While Shiraz is the cornerstone of Grampians winemaking, the region is also celebrated as the birthplace of Sparkling Shiraz, an iconic Australian wine style pioneered within the walls of Seppelt Great Western. In the 1890s, French winemaker Charles Pierlot is credited as one of the first in the world to produce Sparkling Shiraz, blending the bold character of Shiraz with the elegance of sparkling wine. This distinctive style, with its rich dark fruit and fine bubbles, has become a hallmark of Seppelt’s innovation and is enjoyed worldwide. Today, Sparkling Shiraz embodies the boldness of Grampians terroir, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast visiting the region.
Experience the Grampians Wine Region at Seppelt
Located in the historic township of Great Western, Seppelt offers an unparalleled gateway to experiencing the Grampians. Explore The Drives, the very tunnels where generations of Seppelt wines have been aged to perfection, and enjoy exclusive access to wines crafted in harmony with the Grampians’ unique landscape and terrior. Each tasting reveals the region’s character, from the depth of our Shiraz to the refined elegance of our more Sparkling offerings.
Our Seppelt Great Western Cellar Door is open seven days a week, making it easy to plan a visit that suits your schedule. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, Seppelt Great Western is the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the history, terroir, and exceptional wines of the Grampians.
