The Region

the rocks...

260 kms NW of Melbourne a dramatic backdrop of rugged sandstone Grampians mountain ranges rises over 1,000 metres as part of the Great Dividing Range. This is one of Victoria's most beautiful National Parks, rich in geological and Aboriginal history and abundant with native flora and fauna... a feast for the eyes and the spirit!

the vines... the wines... the taste...

Following the gold rushes of the 1850’s, about 1858 two Frenchmen Messrs. Blampied and Trouette planted vines at Great Western and shortly afterwards Joseph and Henry Best also established vineyards there. Ex miners dug the underground ‘drives’ to house the wines. In this wine village of Great Western the sparkling wine industry of Australia was born. By 1890 there were approximately 120 Vignerons cultivating about 2,000 acres in the district.

Today a wide range of varieties and styles is produced. Some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines are here and still bare fruit. Shiraz with spice and pepper and lime fresh Riesling excel. Complex Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon as well as new plantings of Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc showcase the diversity of the Grampians wine region. Strong berry fruit flavours, soft tannins and gentle oak with elegance and longevity are hallmarks of wines from the Grampians region.

the climate... the soil.. the terroir...

The proximity of the Grampians mountain ranges to the vineyards of the Grampians wine region contributes to a cool climate region. With wet winters, dry cool summers, annual rainfall of 550mm and low yields from soils ranging from rich red loam over shale to sandy over loam clay supplementary irrigation from surrounding lakes, reservoirs and reclaimed water from Ararat is most beneficial. Elevation and site exposure are particularly important in avoiding frost and influencing growth of the vines. Cool ripening conditions and long growing seasons from bud burst in mid September to picking as late as the end of May allow the grapes to retain excellent acid levels and develop intense fruit flavours.