Seppelts Great Western Winery

Seppelts Great Western is one of Australia's oldest continuously operating wineries, and a visit to its cellar door on Cemetery Road makes that history tangible. Established in the 1860s, the winery has been producing wine in the Grampians for more than 150 years — long enough to have shaped the region's identity and left a permanent mark on Australian wine history.

The cellar door sits within a striking bluestone building that dates to the 19th century, and the surrounding landscape of the Grampians reinforces the sense that this is a place with deep roots. It's not a slick, modern tasting room — and that's part of the appeal.

The Wines

Seppelts Great Western built much of its reputation on sparkling wine, pioneering production of the style in the Grampians at a time when that was a significant undertaking. Sparkling remains a heritage focus today alongside the region's signature still wines.

The Grampians' cool-climate conditions, elevated terrain, and limestone-rich soils suit Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon particularly well. Both varieties are central to the Seppelts range, producing elegant reds that reflect the region rather than chasing weight or extraction. If you're visiting specifically to explore Grampians Shiraz, this is one of the foundational producers to know.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Tastings are available across Seppelts' range, and the bluestone setting gives the experience a character that more recently built facilities simply can't replicate. The atmosphere is traditional rather than theatrical — comfortable for those who want to taste and learn without a lot of ceremony.

Bookings are recommended if you're visiting with a group. Tasting fees and specific wine flight details are best confirmed directly with the winery before you arrive, as these can change.

The winery's underground drives — cellars carved into the earth during the 19th century — are among Victoria's most significant pieces of wine heritage infrastructure. It's worth asking about access when you visit.

The Vineyard

Great Western sits in the Grampians wine region in western Victoria, at an elevation that moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The limestone-influenced soils here contribute structure and finesse to the wines, and the cool-climate character comes through clearly in both the reds and the sparkling base wines.

History

The winery was established in the 1860s, making it a contemporary of some of Australia's other great 19th-century wine estates. Its particular contribution was the development of sparkling wine production in the Grampians — a style that required significant capital investment in cellaring infrastructure, evidenced by the underground drives that still run beneath the site today.

The bluestone buildings and drives are recognised as landmarks of Victoria's wine heritage, and the winery has continued operating through multiple eras of Australian wine history.

Getting There

Seppelts Great Western is located at 36 Cemetery Road, Great Western — a small township in the Grampians region of western Victoria. The nearest significant town is Ararat, roughly 15 kilometres away. The drive from Ararat is on sealed roads and is manageable for standard vehicles and caravans.

Public transport to Great Western is limited, so a private vehicle is the practical choice for most visitors. If you're planning to visit multiple Grampians wineries in a day — which the region rewards — designate a driver or look into tour options from Ararat or Ballarat.

Visitor Tips

• Check opening hours before you go. While the cellar door currently lists 10am–5pm, seven days, regional cellar doors can adjust hours seasonally or for events.
• Allow 1–2 hours to make the most of a visit — enough time to taste through the range and take in the heritage buildings.
• March to April is vintage season and gives you a working winery atmosphere if that appeals. September to October is pleasant for the drive through the Grampians with fewer crowds and mild weather.
• Avoid December and January if heat is a concern — summer temperatures in inland Victoria can be significant.
• Parking is available on-site, but if you're arriving by coach or caravan, contact the winery in advance to confirm suitable access given the heritage setting.
• Food options are not confirmed — check directly with the winery whether platters or picnic facilities are available, and plan accordingly.