Best's Great Western

Best’s Wines Great Western is one of Australia’s ‘best kept’ winery secrets. Founded in 1866, Best’s Wines is a family-owned and operated winery with some of the oldest and rarest vines in the world. Shiraz, Cabernet and Riesling are their specialties plus they also produce small-parcel wines that are available to taste and purchase at their historic cellar door.

In 1866, Henry Best purchased 73 acres of land in Great Western and named it Concongella and with the first vines planted in 1868, Best’s became a functioning winery by 1869. Best’s Concongella Vineyard is home to Henry Best’s original Nursery Block, containing almost 40 different varieties as well as the 1868 plantings of Shiraz and Pinot Meunier. These are among Australia’s most notable vineyard resources. The winery was sold to the Thomson family in 1920 who have owned and operated it ever since. Dedicated to producing wines true to the historic Great Western region, Best's creates elegant, balanced and food friendly wines. Three wine ranges are available that each represent a different story. Their Great Western Range includes all their mainstream Great Western varietals including their famous Bin 1 Shiraz. Their Concongella Collection contains single vintage releases and special occasion wines. Their Icon Range includes flagship wines such as the Thomson Family Shiraz and Bin 0 Shiraz, as well as their Old Vine Pinot Meunier made from grapes produced by the vines that were planted in the 1860's. These wines represent the significant stories that are embedded in the Best's history and can now be shared with friends and family around the dinner table.

Visitors to the cellar door can take a self-guided tour of the underground cellars, which were hand-dug in the 1860s, and view the original Nursery Block plantings, both of which are a significant slice of Australian wine history. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seated tasting experiences to suit any palate as well as special events throughout the year. Visit their website to view upcoming events and to book your cellar door experience.

Best’s Cellar Door is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm (Winter), 11am – 5pm (Summer). Closed Christmas Day.