seppelt winery underground tour

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Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour (Includes sparkling Tasting)

• Duration: 50 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Great Western, VIC
• Product code: PWSG2A

Come and explore Seppelt Wines heritage-listed underground cellars, known as “The Drives” with one of their tour guides. 

The Seppelt guides will provide a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s pioneering wine history and take you underground to the labyrinth of hand-dug cellars. 

Cellar excavation first begun in 1868 by out-of-work gold miners and took over 60 years to dig the 3 kilometres of cellars that can hold over 3 million bottles of wine.  The underground cellars are the largest underground cellar in the Southern Hemisphere. It took over 60 years to dig the cellars to what you see today. It truly is a unique experience and a ‘must-do’ when visiting the Grampians Region.  

Once you emerge from the underground cellars, your guide will then take you on a journey through our sparkling wines, including the Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz, which was first made in the Seppelt Great Western Cellars in the early 1890s.

Guided tours cost $25 for an Adult, $20 for a concession, $10 for school-aged children, under 5 no charge.  Tours depart from the Seppelt Wines Cellar Door 7 days a week at 11 am, 1 pm and the last tour leaving at 3 pm. 

A visit to the Grampians is not complete without a trip to the region’s original winemaking pioneers at Seppelt Great Western.

Open seven days a week, experience the beauty of country Victoria at our historic cellar door for a tasting or to purchase wine, coffee, a light lunch or cheese platter, and step back in time underground with a tour of our heritage-listed cellars, “The Drives” – first excavated in 1865 and the longest in the southern hemisphere.

With a tradition of winemaking excellence dating back to 1851, sample some of the best of Victorian wine at our cellar door - from the cool Grampians country, the wild Henty hinterland and the famous Cambrian soils of Heathcote; Seppelt's esteemed portfolio showcases the unique personalities of some of Victoria’s finest vineyards.

Seppelt Wines in Great Western are home to some of the country’s most iconic wines including our flagship St Peters Grampians Shiraz, Drumborg Vineyard Riesling, and our multiregional Chalambar Shiraz; furthermore, we are arguably Australia’s most renowned producer of Sparkling Shiraz – a uniquely Australian wine style for which the Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz sets an enviable benchmark.

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Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour

Come and explore Seppelt Wines heritage-listed underground cellars, known as “The Drives” with one of their tour guides.

The Seppelt guides will provide a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s pioneering wine history and take you underground to the labyrinth of hand-dug cellars.

Cellar excavation first begun in 1868 by out of work gold miners and took over 60 years to dig the 3 kilometres of cellars that can hold over 3 million bottles of wine.  The underground cellars are the largest underground cellar in the Southern Hemisphere.  It took over 60 years to dig the cellars to what you see today.  It truly is a unique experience and a ‘must-do’ when visiting the Grampians Region.

Once you emerge from the underground cellars, your guide will then take you on a journey through our sparkling wines, including the Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz,  that was first made in the Seppelt Great Western Cellars in the early 1890s.

Guided tours cost $15 for an Adult, $10 for concession and children can join the tour for free with an accompanying adult.  Tours depart from the Seppelt Wines Cellar Door 7 days a week at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm with the last tour leaving at 3 pm.

A visit to the Grampians is not complete without a trip to the region’s original winemaking pioneers at Seppelt Great Western.

Open seven days a week, experience the beauty of country Victoria at our historic cellar door for a tasting or to purchase wine, coffee, a light lunch or cheese platter, and step back in time underground with a tour of our heritage-listed cellars, “The Drives” – first excavated in 1868 and the longest in the southern hemisphere.

With a tradition of winemaking excellence dating back to 1851, sample some of the best of Victorian wine at our cellar door - from the cool Grampians country, the wild Henty hinterland and the famous Cambrian soils of Heathcote; our esteemed portfolio showcases the unique personalities of some of Victoria’s finest vineyards.

We are home to some of the country’s most iconic wines including our flagship St Peters Grampians Shiraz, Drumborg Vineyard Riesling, and our multiregional Chalambar Shiraz; furthermore, we are arguably Australia’s most renowned producer of Sparkling Shiraz – a uniquely Australian wine style for which the Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz sets an enviable benchmark.

The Ultimate Wine and Food Lovers Experience

The grampians way, dame nellie melba sparkling tour friday 23rd september 2022, the best lunch in the grampians, saturday 4th september 2021 seriously shiraz - underground wine tastings.

Great Western - Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour

Visit Great Western

the wine and food village of the Grampians

A day in Great Western

a day in great western

Visit Great Western, your door to door Grampians Wine Tour service for the wine village of the Grampians.

Our bus will collect you from your starting point and arrive in Great Western at 10:30 – 10:45am.

A Seppelt Wines Tour Guide will take you underground into the historic Seppelt “Drives” cellars. There is over 3km of hand-dug cellars, between 6 to 8 metres below the surface of Seppelt Great Western.

Your tour guide will take you through this over 160-year history of the property and wine making in Australia.

You will then be indulged with a luxury tasting of the Seppelt Wine Collection which includes the luxury Seppelt St. Peters Shiraz, the Drumborg wines and the Salinger Curvee.

lunch at the Great Western Hotel

Your bus will then take you to the Great Western Hotel, where your lunch will be served. Great Western, from the early gold mining days, has had an extensive association with hotels. There is evidence from local newspapers that at one stage there were 23 hotels have existed in Great Western. Today, just one, the Great Western Hotel remains. This hotel was built in 1930, then known as the Shakespeare Hotel. If you walk into the main bar, you will see the ledger for the costs of the new build. In 1951, it was renamed the “Great Western Hotel”.

Homemade treat from Salinger’s Cafe for the trip home

We will then collect a sweet treat from the Historic Salingers Cafe for the trip home. Emmanuel Salinger built the first original General Store on this site in 1862 and the current building was built in 1899.

Cost $110 per person or

$300 for a family of 2 adults and three children.

This price includes bus from location Seppelt underground tour and luxury tastings.

Price is inclusive of bus from Halls Gap to Great Western and return.  Underground tour  & tasting at Seppelt Wines, lunch at Great Western Hotel from our event menu, take-away treat from Salinger’s Cafe and a bottle of Seppelt The Great Entertainer Chardonnay Pinot Noir (for the adults only).

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Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour

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In 1868, Grampians vigneron Hans Irvine hired a group of gold miners to dig a cellar for his now legendary wine: the first sparkling shiraz in Australia. Over the course of 60 years, those miners would excavate the largest underground wine cellar in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning three kilometres and three million bottles-worth of real estate.

Don your proverbial hardhat and explore these heritage-listed caverns on a guided underground tour. You’ll find out why they’re known as “The Drives”, as well as what makes the Grampians home to some of the most unique winemaking terroir in the world. Tours leave from The Shafthouse cellar door on the hour, from 11am to 3pm daily.

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Cellar Door

From cool Grampians country, to the wild Henty hinterland and the famous Cambrian soils of Heathcote, our cellar door showcases the unique personalities of some of Victoria’s finest vineyards.

Sample some of Victoria’s best wines at our cellar door, open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm, for wine tastings, lunch, tours, weddings and functions.

Activities & Facilities

• » Wine tastings (groups & private). Bookings are essential  
• » Winery day tours  
• » Underground cellar experiences  
• » Private events & corporate functions  
• » Wedding celebrations  
• » Accommodation & lodgings  
• » Cellar door shop exclusives  

Visiting Seppelt

Opening hours.

Our Cellar Door is open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm.

Getting to Seppelt

• 36 Cemetery Road
• Great Western, Victoria
• Google Directions
• (03) 5361 2239
• [email protected]

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• Underground Tours
• Wine Tasting
• Group Bookings
• Accommodation

Underground Dining

• Drives Cafe
• Boho & Bubbles
• Gourmet BBQ
• Conferences & Meetings
• Seppelt History

Seppelt Events

Plan a private event.

Conferences & Meetings

BOHO & BUBBLES

GOURMET BBQ

Buy tickets to upcoming events.

26 jul All Day Red Series - Ballarat Showcasing the very best of the Grampians Wines at the Ballarat Mining Exchange

Event Details

We are thrilled to announce that Ballarat will once again play host to the highly anticipated Red Series event, showcasing the very best of Western Victoria’s winemakers and their award-winning

We are thrilled to announce that Ballarat will once again play host to the highly anticipated Red Series event, showcasing the very best of Western Victoria’s winemakers and their award-winning wines. This year, the event has been extended to two days, giving attendees even more opportunities to indulge in a world-class wine-tasting experience.

Taking place on the 26th & 27th of July 2023, the Red Series will be held at the historic Mining Exchange building, conveniently located just a short walk from Ballarat’s train station. The venue offers an ambient heated indoor space that perfectly complements the warm and inviting atmosphere of the event.

The Pyrenees and Grampians wine regions are renowned for their winemaking history spanning over 160 years, as well as their breathtaking landscapes and down-to-earth winemakers. At the Red Series, you’ll have the opportunity to sample fine wines from 22 of the region’s top wineries. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore new tastes, there’s something for everyone at this event.

More details available soon

All Day (Friday) (GMT+10:00)

Ballarat Mining Exchange

8 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

27 jul 6:00 am 10:00 am Ticketed Underground Dining at Seppelt Great Western - 27th July 2024 Join us in an unique underground dining experience

Experience a Culinary Journey Beneath the Surface: Dining at Seppelt Great Western For those with an appetite for both history and unique dining, the opportunity to dine below the surface at

Experience a Culinary Journey Beneath the Surface : Dining at Seppelt Great Western

For those with an appetite for both history and unique dining, the opportunity to dine below the surface at Seppelt Great Western is an experience that often finds itself on many a bucket list. Now, we are thrilled to offer a limited number of ticketed seats, granting access to an event that is typically reserved for exclusive private functions. Nestled in the heart of the Grampians, this is an invitation to join our gracious host for a culinary journey like no other – one that takes place beneath the very grounds where Seppelt Wines has woven its 160 years of winemaking history.

A Glimpse into the Past

The story of these unique underground dining experiences finds its roots in 1865 when Joseph Best, a pioneer of Australian winemaking, commissioned local gold miners to undertake an extraordinary task: the excavation of cellars known as the “Drives”. Stretching an impressive three and a half kilometres, this intricate underground labyrinth took over six decades to complete. Today, thousands of people embark on guided tours through these historic cellars annually, and a select few have the rare privilege of not only exploring but also dining within the atmospheric confines of the spectator cellars.

An Evening to Remember

As the clock strikes 6 pm, the enchantment begins within the Seppelt Great Western Shaft House. Your gracious host will extend a warm welcome, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine to set the tone. From here, the journey descends below the surface, delving into the heart of the underground cellars, affectionately referred to as “The Drives”. Here, you’ll receive a personally guided tour, unravelling the historical tapestry that these cellars encapsulate, before eventually arriving at your designated dining drive.

The Culinary Overture

Awaiting you in this subterranean haven, our skilled Chefs will be orchestrating a symphony of flavours with an exceptional three-course meal. Each course has been meticulously designed to harmonize with the distinguished Seppelt Foundation Wines, elevating your dining experience to unparalleled heights. As you savour each bite and sip, you’ll find yourself transported not just by the culinary artistry, but also by the ambience that only the underground can provide.

Secure Your Place in History

The opportunity to partake in this remarkable underground dining experience is an invitation to create memories that will undoubtedly be treasured for a lifetime. It’s a confluence of history, wine, and gastronomy that seamlessly intertwines to offer an evening unlike any other. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply someone who seeks to elevate their dining escapades, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable journey that transcends time and tradition. Secure your place now and be a part of an exclusive gathering that celebrates the past while indulging in the present.

(Saturday) 6:00 am - 10:00 am (GMT+10:00)

Seppelt Great Western

36 Cemetery Road

august 2024

31 aug 6:00 am 10:00 am Ticketed Underground Dining at Seppelt Great Western - 24th August 2024 Join us in an unique underground dining experience

september 2024

28 sep 6:00 am 10:00 am Ticketed Underground Dining at Seppelt Great Western - 28th September 2024 Join us in an unique underground dining experience

october 2024

19 oct 6:00 am 10:00 am Ticketed Underground Dining at Seppelt Great Western - 19th October 2024 Join us in an unique underground dining experience

(Saturday) 6:00 am - 10:00 am (GMT+11:00)

november 2024

30 nov 6:00 am 10:00 am Ticketed Underground Dining at Seppelt Great Western - 30th October 2024 Join us in an unique underground dining experience

january 2025

25 jan 10:00 am 5:00 pm A Day at the Races - Seppelt Great Western Cup VIP

The Great Western Races is an iconic race meeting in Australia. For over 145 years, racegoers have lined up trackside to witness the best Thoroughbred racing in the

The Great Western Races is an iconic race meeting in Australia. For over 145 years, racegoers have lined up trackside to witness the best Thoroughbred racing in the Grampians wine village. Secure your seat under the pines in the Seppelt VIP enclosure, featuring the “Seppelt Food Hall” marquee where gourmet food and luxury Seppelt Wines will be served all day, from the first race to the last.

Important Update:  The event has moved from Sunday to Saturday in 2025! On Saturday, 25th January 2025, the tradition of corks popping on the lush lawns of Seppelt Wines begins at 10 am. Your host will welcome you with your first glass of sparkling wine while Seppelt wait staff serve canapés on the lawns. The newest release of the iconic Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz will be on ice and ready to serve.

Around noon, guests can stroll to the course or take a short bus ride to the Great Western Race Course. On course, you will enjoy the best seats on the track in our private enclosure under the pines with sweeping views of the Great Western Race Course.

Indulge in an afternoon of fine wine and exquisite grazing, with chefs preparing dishes using the finest produce from the Grampians region. Guests will also have access to a private bookmaker in the enclosure and witness the running of the coveted Seppelt Great Western Cup.

Tickets for this exclusive event are strictly limited and must be pre-purchased. We offer an Early-Bird price of $195 per ticket until 14th July 2024, after which the price will be $210 until sold out.

Ticket price includes:

– Pre-race wine and canapés at Seppelt Wines Great Western

– An entire afternoon of gourmet grazing in the exclusive Seppelt VIP Enclosure

– Private bar with all drinks included

– Course admission & Racebook

Please advise if you require a transfer.

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (GMT+11:00)

Great Western Enterprises work on the magnificent Gariwerd landscape of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people, the traditional custodians. We respect their land and their cultures and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and all Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.

Recommended venues in Great Western

Liquor Licence Number 32800105.

LIQUOR ACT 1982 It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under age of 18 years. Seppelt Wines encourages a responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol.

© Great Western Enterprises Pty Ltd 2023

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