Our Review
Seppelt was once Australia’s foremost sparkling wine producer and a pioneer of superb
small-volume red wines. The latter, under winemaker Colin Preece from the '30s–60s, is probably most relevant to the Seppelt we know today. Colin’s reds were ostensibly Great Western–sourced, but – as the laws of the time allowed – were often regional, varietal and vintage blends. He’d be like a kid in a lolly shop if he’d had today’s viticultural resources to draw on, and would have been quick to recognise the current winemakers and viticulturists for the supreme quality of today’s portfolio, too. In ’16, Ararat businessman Danial Ahchow leased the cellar door from current owner TWE, saving it from closure. Winemaker Clare Dry took over from Adam Carnaby from the ’21 vintage. Grapes are sourced from Great Western and wines are made in the Barossa.
-JAMES HALLIDAY
Cellar Door
Information
Experience the beauty of country Victoria at Seppelt’s historic winery and cellar door set against a backdrop of spectacular vineyards and mountain ranges. Take a guided tour through the heritage listed ‘Drives’ – a three-kilometre labyrinth of excavated tunnels that lie hidden beneath the Seppelt winery. The longest in the southern hemisphere, gold miners began excavating the ‘Drives’ in 1868 and continued for over sixty years.
The rustic cellar door is open for tastings seven days a week where you can taste Seppelt’s current vintage wines, or take a seat in the Drives Café and enjoy a coffee, light lunch or cheese platter.
Hours
7 days 10–5
Details are correct at time of writing
Please check winery website for up to date details
Details
| Rating |
|
| Winemaker |
Clare Dry |
| Region |
Great Western |
| Address |
36 Cemetery Road, Great Western, Vic 3377
|
| Established |
1851 |
| Dozens |
NFP |
| Vineyards (area) |
648 ha |
| Opening Hours |
7 days 10–5 |
| Telephone |
(03) 5361 2239
|
| Website |
www.seppelt.com.au
|