What to do in regional Victoria: visit Great Western

by Kirsty Baker

Keen for a relaxing get away and some indulgence not too far from home?  Pack up the car and head to Great Western, the wine and food village of the Grampians. This picturesque township is located on the Western Highway between Melbourne and Adelaide. First settled in the 1840s by sheep graziers, Great Western rapidly developed through the discovery of gold and then the planting of grapevines. Today, it remains the focal point of one of Australia's internationally renowned wine-growing regions and one of Australia's most awarded wine villages with a plethora of Cellar Doors within close proximity offering wine tastings. A variety of delicious food and coffee options are also available in Great Western from Salinger's cafe, Seppelt Winery, Miners Ridge, Grampians Estate and the Great Western Hotel.

Situated just 30km from the tourist mecca of the Grampians National Park and Halls Gap - known for its incredible natural beauty and a popular destination for walkers, hikers and bike riders, 13km from Stawell - home of Australia’s richest footrace, The Stawell Gift and 17km from Ararat tourist attractions, J Ward Museum, Aradale Asylum and Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Great Western is an ideal place to explore whilst visiting the Wimmera. Take a look at what we have to offer here in Great Western:

Seppelt Wines

WINE TASTING AND SALES. FOOD, COFFEE, GIFT SHOP AND HISTORICAL WINERY/CELLAR TOURS

A visit to the Grampians is not complete without a trip to the region’s original winemaking pioneers at Seppelt Great Western. Experience the beauty of country Victoria at the historic cellar door whilst you enjoy tasting our exceptional range of wines, indulge in some of the delicious food options available from our ‘The Drives Cafe’ with a glass of your favourite Seppelt tipple or a coffee, browse our gift shop, Mr Joseph or purchase wine . Perhaps you would like to take a step back in time and learn the impressive history of the winery dating back to 1865 and see our heritage-listed, rustic cellars, The Drives – first excavated in 1868 and the longest in the southern hemisphere-if so, be sure to book your place on one of our guided tours.

Cellar Door and gift shop is open every day from 10am - 5pm. The Drives Cafe Open Saturday and Sunday 12-4pm. Tours into the Seppelt Historic underground cellars run daily, from the Seppelt Cellar Door at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. Tour cost is $15 for an adult, $10 for concession and free for children. Bookings are preferred for tastings and tours, via Rezdy or call the Cellar Door 53612239.
Check out the website here: https://seppeltgreatwestern.com.au

Best’s Wines

WINE TASTING AND SALES

Founded in 1866 in the Great Western wine region of Victoria, Best's Great Western is one of Australia's oldest continually family owned and operated wineries. Best's is known to have some of the oldest vines in Australia and produces extraordinary wines with great longevity. Throughout the history of the winery, there have only been two owners, the Best family who founded the winery, and the Thomson Family with a fifth generation Thomson is now running the winery. Wines for tasting and sale include Best’s current range of wines as well as limited release wines available through cellar door only.  Rare and old vintages are often on display and, at times, releases of back vintages are available for purchase. Best's Great Western is located in the township of Great Western and it is an absolute must for any wine fancier.

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.  Complementary and premium tastings ($10 per person) are available on the hour, between 10am and 4pm.

Bookings are essential by visiting www.bestswines.com/cellar-door.



Grampians Estate

WINE TASTING, WINE SALES, FOOD AND COFFEE, LOCAL PRODUCE.

Grampians Estate has emerged as one of the Grampians region’s premier boutique wineries. With its elegant cool-climate shiraz and sparkling shiraz leading the way, the winery produces a wide range of award-winning wines.

Sarah and Tom Guthrie have developed the brand over 20 years since the first vines were planted in 1989. Their passion has resulted in a ‘5 red star’ rating from James Halliday (top 8% in Australia) and 40 trophies for their wines since 2002. Grampians Estate has expanded its business to include a cellar door at Great Western on the Western Hwy and has purchased the former Garden Gully ‘St Ethels’ vineyard which includes shiraz vines dating back to 1888 and 100 year old Riesling vines. Offering Grampians wine tasting, cheese platters, cafe food and espresso coffee. A selection of local produce is also available.

Open daily 10am to 4pm, wine tastings 10am to 3.15pm and food service 11am-3pm, daily. $5 per head fee for wine tasting, redeemable on purchase of wine. Bookings preferred 53562400.

Check out the website here: https://grampiansestate.com.au/


Salinger's Cafe

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER, COFFEE AND SWEET TREATS. PRE ORDERED TAKEAWAY GRAZING BOXES

The mouthwatering Salinger's Cafe is known for its amazing coffee, sweet treats and all day breakfasts. It’s a Foodies must visit! Special lunch menu available from 11:30am every day and dinner service available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Open from 8am to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 8am to 4pm Sunday to Thursday (closed Wednesday’s) . Call 5356 2211 to book your table.

Salinger’s Cafe also offers a unique food experience with their made to order, takeaway Grazing Box Platters. Our chefs hand-pick a selection of fresh, premium, seasonal gourmet produce for you, with each box made to order, not one box will be the same.
Pre order your Grazing Box at www.salingers.com.au for collection every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Prices start at $35. You can choose to add a bottle of Seppelt Wines Fleur de Lys, The Great Entertainer Sparkling Shiraz, Chardonnay Pinot Noir or Prosecco for just an extra $15.

Check out the website here: https://www.salingers.com.au/

Great Western Hotel

LUNCH, DINNER, COLD REFRESHMENTS, COFFEE, BOTTLE SHOP

Meals at a country pub are always a winner and the Great Western Hotel serves delicious pubs meals 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner. Massive regional wine list, huge beer garden, plenty of cold beer, a bottle shop and ice-what more could you ask for? Open 11am - 10pm 7 days a week.

To book call 53562270.

Check out the website here: https://greatwesternhotel.pub/

Wineries offering food

See the wineries offering food listed above.

For more info, check out the Visit Grampians website: https://www.visitgrampians.com.au/