Grampians Wine Region

Rugged mountain ranges, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and cool-climate wines define the Grampians Wine Region, a captivating corner of western Victoria that rewards travellers who venture off the Great Ocean Road. Here, vineyards cling to the slopes of the Grampians National Park, producing elegant shiraz, sparkling shiraz, and riesling that have earned international acclaim. The region’s charm lies in its intimate cellar doors, many run by multi-generational families, and the stunning backdrop of sandstone peaks and wildflower-filled valleys.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine tasting at Seppelt Great Western: Burrow into the historic cellars at Seppelt, where you can sample its famed sparkling shiraz and tour the underground ‘drives’ carved by 19th-century miners.
• Grampians National Park hikes: Balance wine with wilderness on walks like the Pinnacle Lookout, Boroka Lookout, and the MacKenzie Falls trail – epic views and seasonal waterfalls await.
• Brambuk Cultural Centre: Learn about the region’s Aboriginal heritage, see ancient rock art sites (such as Bunjil’s Shelter), and pick up bush-tucker-inspired souvenirs.
• Small-batch cellar doors: Visit boutique producers like Best’s Wines (est. 1866), Mount Langi Ghiran for its iconic shiraz, and Grampians Estate for a relaxed tasting overlooking the vines.
• Halls Gap: The region’s lively gateway town offers cafes, galleries, and a chance to spot kangaroos and emus at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least two full days to properly explore the Grampians Wine Region. Spend day one tasting at a cluster of wineries around Great Western and Halls Gap, and day two hiking in the national park and visiting Brambuk. If you can spare three days, include a detour to the southern Grampians for wilder scenery and quieter cellar doors. The region is compact enough that you can base yourself in Halls Gap and drive to most wineries within 30 minutes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ballarat: The gold-rush city is a natural launch point, with Sovereign Hill, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and excellent dining – allow a full day before heading into the wine region.
• Great Ocean Road: Extend your trip west to the coast, linking the Grampians with the Twelve Apostles and the shipwreck coast – a classic Victorian road trip.
• Pyrenees Wine Region: Neighbouring the Grampians, the Pyrenees offers more cool-climate wines (especially cabernet sauvignon) and the historic town of Avoca.
• Stawell & The Silo Art Trail: Head north-west to see the giant murals on grain silos that dot the Wimmera plains – a striking contrast to the vineyard landscapes.

Please check official sources for current details.