Seppelt Great Western Winery

Deep in the heart of the Grampians wine region, Seppelt Great Western Winery stands as a monument to Victoria's sparkling-wine heritage. Founded in 1865, this historic estate is famed for its underground 'drives' – kilometres of cellars tunnelled into the limestone by hand. Here you can taste award-winning Shiraz, Chardonnay and the legendary Salinger Sparkling, all while soaking up the tales of gold-rush ambition and winemaking grit.

Highlights & What to See

• Underground Cellar Tour: Descend into the atmospheric labyrinth of hand-dug tunnels, where bottles rest in perfect stillness – a true highlight for wine lovers and history buffs alike.
• Wine Tasting in the Old Cellar Door: Sample a curated flight of Seppelt's finest, including the iconic Salinger sparkling, in a rustic space that oozes 19th-century character.
• Heritage Museum: Explore artefacts and photographs that trace the winery's evolution from a gold-rush venture to a modern icon.
• Picnic Among the Vines: Grab a bottle and a cheese platter to enjoy on the manicured lawns overlooking the rolling vineyards – a perfect midday pause.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a cellar-door tasting and a self-guided wander around the grounds. If you book the underground tour (highly recommended), budget 2.5 to 3 hours in total. The winery is best visited as a leisurely morning or afternoon stop, ideally paired with lunch at the on-site restaurant or a picnic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Grampians National Park: Just a 30-minute drive south, offering dramatic sandstone peaks, Aboriginal rock art sites and superb bushwalking.
• Halls Gap: The gateway to the Grampians, where you can find accommodation, cafés and wildlife parks.
• Great Western Village: The tiny township itself, with a historic railway station and a classic country pub.
• Ararat: A 20-minute drive east, home to the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre and the J Ward Museum.
• Pyrenees Wine Region: Extend your wine tour with a loop through the nearby Pyrenees, known for bold reds and boutique cellar doors.

Please check official sources for current details.