The Grampians wine region in Victoria, Australia, is known for its cool/temperate continental climate, setting it apart from other Australian wine regions. The summers in this region feature warm to hot days and cool to cold nights, creating optimal conditions for late-ripening red grape varieties such as Shiraz. The diverse soil types in the area range from hard setting silt over clay to friable clay loams, offering excellent drainage and moisture retention, which is crucial due to limited rainfall in the region.
Shiraz stands out as the flagship varietal in the Grampians, known for its smooth textures and flavors of red cherry, plum, spice, and pepper. Other notable grape varieties cultivated in the region include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. The Grampians has a historical reputation for sparkling wine production, with Seppelt's Great Western Champagne being a benchmark in Australia until international regulations prohibited the use of the term "Champagne."
Two prominent wineries define the Grampians wine region: Best's and Seppelt Great Western. Best's Wines, established in the 1860s, is home to some of Australia's oldest vines, including rare varieties believed to be the last of their kind in the world. Seppelt Great Western, also founded in the 19th century, has been instrumental in shaping the region's wine identity, particularly with its success in sparkling wines and Sparkling Shiraz. The region's appeal extends beyond its wine heritage, as it is celebrated for its picturesque beauty, with vineyards nestled in rolling hillsides surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides. This unique geography creates an amphitheater effect that contributes to cool nights and warm afternoons, further enhancing the region's suitability for growing grapes in a cool climate.