Best's Great Western

Established in 1866, Best's Great Western is one of Australia's longest continuously operating wineries, and a defining presence in the Grampians wine region. Located in the small township of Great Western, roughly 230 kilometres west of Melbourne, it has been producing wine from this corner of western Victoria for more than 160 years — outlasting fashions, downturns, and the shifting tides of the Australian wine industry.

The Wines

Best's focuses on varieties well-suited to the cool-climate character of the Grampians: shiraz, riesling, and pinot noir. The region's elevated altitude and cool nights allow each variety to develop slowly, building the kind of complexity and structure that warmer growing regions rarely achieve.

Shiraz is arguably the signature of the Grampians, and Best's interpretation of it reflects the region's tendency toward elegance over power — think spice, fine tannin, and careful restraint rather than fruit-forward weight. The riesling, a variety that rewards the cool nights and well-drained soils here, typically shows bright acidity and lifted aromatics. Pinot noir rounds out the range, benefiting from the same conditions that make the region one of the more compelling addresses for the variety in Victoria.

The cellar door also stocks releases exclusive to the site, making it worth browsing the wine shop before you leave.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Best's is housed in a historic setting that reflects the winery's age and heritage. The approach here is traditional — this isn't a sleek architectural showpiece, but a working regional winery with a genuine sense of place accumulated over generations. Tastings are available, and guided tours of the property are on offer for those who want to go deeper into the history and winemaking process.

Tasting fees and tour availability can vary, so it's worth confirming details directly with the winery via bestswines.com before visiting. If you're planning to bring a group or want a specific tour time, booking ahead is recommended.

The Vineyard

The Grampians sits at elevated altitude in western Victoria, and the conditions here shape everything about how the wines taste. Cool nights during the growing season slow ripening, allowing flavours to develop gradually and retaining the natural acidity that gives these wines their definition and ageing potential. Shiraz and pinot noir both develop structure and complexity in this environment, while riesling achieves the crisp aromatics that make it one of the more food-friendly styles in the cellar door range.

History

Few Australian wineries can claim the depth of history that Best's holds. Founded in 1866, the property has been in continuous operation ever since — a remarkable run that places it among the oldest working wineries in the country. The winery has played a significant role in establishing the Grampians' reputation as a serious wine region, and much of that foundation was laid here in Great Western over more than a century and a half of production.

Getting There

Best's Great Western is located in the township of Great Western, approximately 230 kilometres west of Melbourne. The most practical route is via the Western Highway through Ballarat and Beaufort. The roads are accessible for caravans and larger vehicles, and the Great Western township sits comfortably within a broader Grampians touring circuit.

There is no direct public transport to the cellar door, so a car is essential for this visit.

Visitor Tips

• Book tours in advance to secure your preferred time, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons.
• Visit during harvest (March–April) if you want to see the winery at its most active, with vintage work underway across the region.
• Spring (September–November) brings pleasant weather and wildflowers across the Grampians, making it a good time to combine a cellar door visit with broader regional exploration.
• Taste both the shiraz and the riesling — the contrast between them illustrates the range of what the Grampians can produce.
• Pack a picnic if you plan to spend time in the area, as on-site dining options should be confirmed with the winery directly.
• Check the wine shop before leaving — some releases are available exclusively at the cellar door.