Beneath the historic grounds of Seppelt Great Western lies a network of underground cellars, known as The Drives. Carved out by hand in the 1860s, these tunnels have become synonymous with the Seppelt name, creating the perfect environment for ageing our wines. It is this deep legacy of craftsmanship, patience, and history that inspires The Drives Range—a collection of wines crafted with the same meticulous dedication that has defined us for generations.
Typically reserved for Australia’s most exclusive venues, such as Crown Casino, MCC Members’ areas, and Qantas Clubs, The Drives Range is a venue-specific offering. Now, for a limited time, we are giving visitors a rare opportunity to savour these wines at our Seppelt Great Western Cellar Door, while stock lasts.
Each wine in The Drives Range captures the distinct cool-climate terroir of Victoria and the expert craftsmanship that has been perfected at Seppelt for over 160 years.
The Drives Shiraz
Often regarded as a quiet achiever amongst Seppelt’s more well-known Shiraz offerings, this wine delivers understated excellence. Sourced predominantly from the Heathcote region, this wine balances vibrant raspberry fruit with fine earthy tannins and a subtle touch of pepper. Hints of black olive and cedar oak add layers of complexity, making it a wine that impresses with quiet confidence.
The Drives Chardonnay
This chardonnay showcases the best of cool-climate winemaking, with fruit sourced from the renowned Yarra Valley and Henty regions. Crisp citrus and stone fruit notes are balanced by a refreshing natural acidity, making it a lively yet refined wine. The cool nights and warm days in these regions result in a chardonnay that is both vibrant and elegant.
The Drives Sparkling
As a winery renowned for its sparkling wine production, Seppelt brings that same mastery to The Drives Sparkling. This sparkling wine blends chardonnay and pinot noir with precision, delivering a fine, delicate mousse. Bright fruit characters shine through a clean, lively finish, making it perfect for celebrations or elevating any occasion.
The journey of The Drives Range begins in the depths of the historic Drives—a vast network of underground cellars beneath Seppelt Great Western. These tunnels were first excavated in 1868, when Joseph Best, one of the pioneers of Australian winemaking, envisioned an underground space for optimal wine ageing. He commissioned local gold miners to carve out over three kilometres of tunnels., reating Australia’s largest underground cellaring system.
What makes The Drives unique is not just their engineering but also their crucial role in shaping Seppelt’s winemaking tradition. For more than 160 years, these tunnels have provided perfect conditions for slow, steady wine ageing. This environment ensures that Seppelt wines develop their full depth and complexity. Over the decades, our cellars have become synonymous with Seppelt’s history, maintaining millions of bottles at a constant temperature of 16 degrees.
The Drives Range reflects the legacy of Seppelt Great Western, showcasing a collection of wines crafted with the same care and attention to detail that have defined us for generations. This is a legacy built not only in the vineyards but also in the dark, quiet corridors of our Underground Cellars. Time moves at its own pace here, allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Each bottle tells the story of winemaking innovation and tradition, blending craftsmanship with the timeless spirit of The Drives.
Visitors to Seppelt Great Western today can explore this rich history firsthand, walking through the same tunnels where bottles were once hand-turned and aged to perfection. It is a rare opportunity to step into the past and taste the wines that are a product of the legend that is The Drives.
These venue-exclusive wines are now available for a limited time at our Great Western Cellar Door. Each bottle in The Drives Range embodies the dedication and expertise behind Seppelt’s winemaking, offering a true expression of our heritage. These wines are more than just a tasting experience, they represent a journey through Seppelt’s rich history.
For a limited time, you can purchase The Drives Range at a special price:
Visit us at Seppelt Great Western and discover this range or yourself
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Great Western Enterprises work on the magnificent Gariwerd landscape of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people, the traditional custodians. We respect their land and their cultures and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and all Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
Liquor Licence Number 32800105.
LIQUOR ACT 1982 It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under age of 18 years. Seppelt Wines encourages a responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol.
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