Grampians (Great Western): Australia's Ancient Vine Country

Winemaking in the Grampians traces directly to the gold rush era of the 1860s. The first vinification at Concongella Creek and Great Western occurred in 1862, and Best's Great Western was founded in 1866 by Henry Best. The vines Best planted in 1868 survive to this day, making them among the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in Australia and a globally significant pre-phylloxera relic. Seppelt Great Western and Mount Langi Ghiran have since joined Best's as the region's most prominent producers, cementing Great Western's reputation over more than 150 years of unbroken wine production.

• First vines vinified at Concongella Creek and Great Western in 1862
• Best's Great Western founded 1866 during the Victorian gold rush
• 1868 plantings by Henry Best are pre-phylloxera and still in production
• Concongella clone, originating from those 1868 vines, is the mother clone for all subsequent Shiraz plantings at Best's

The Grampians sits within Victoria's Western Zone at elevations between 140 and 440 metres above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean in character, moderated by the influence of the Southern Ocean lying 100 to 200 kilometres to the south. Warm to hot days are tempered by cool to cold nights, and mild, sunny autumns allow grapes to ripen slowly and retain natural acidity. Soils across the region are predominantly granite-based sandy loams, ranging from hard-setting silt over clay to friable clay loams, providing good drainage and low fertility conditions that encourage restrained vine vigour.

• Elevation ranges from 140 to 440 metres above sea level
• Southern Ocean influence 100-200 km away moderates temperatures
• Cool nights and mild autumns preserve acidity and extend the ripening window
• Granite-based sandy loam soils over clay deliver low fertility and good drainage

Shiraz is the undisputed signature grape of the Grampians, making up approximately 75% of all regional plantings. The cool-climate conditions produce a distinctly elegant style, with silky tannins, medium body, and flavour profiles built around red cherry, plum, pepper, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier round out the regional palette. The Great Western sub-region is particularly associated with Sparkling Shiraz, a style with deep local roots. The overall regional character leans toward finesse and restraint rather than concentration and weight.

• Shiraz comprises approximately 75% of regional plantings
• Typical Shiraz profile: red cherry, plum, pepper, spice with fine, silky tannins
• Great Western is a recognised specialist producer of Sparkling Shiraz
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are also grown

Thomson Family Shiraz is the flagship wine of Best's Great Western and one of Australia's most acclaimed single-vineyard bottlings. Sourced from just 15 rows of vines planted by Henry Best in 1868, it represents a direct living link to the earliest era of Victorian viticulture. The wine holds First Classified status in Langton's 2024 Classification VIII, the highest tier in Australia's most authoritative secondary market classification. The 2014 vintage was awarded Halliday Wine of the Year, and multiple vintages have received Jeremy Oliver's highest ranking. The Concongella clone, drawn from these same 1868 vines, serves as the mother clone for all subsequent Shiraz planted at Best's.

• Sourced from 15 rows of vines planted 1868, among the oldest Shiraz vines in Australia
• Classified 'First Classified' in Langton's Classification VIII (2024)
• 2014 vintage named Halliday Wine of the Year
• Concongella clone originates from these vines and underpins all subsequent Best's Shiraz plantings