At first when I heard about The Great Grape Road I laughed...who invents tours that involve driving and wineries? I've never been a big fan of the taste and spit part of wine tasting. Drink for effect not flavour has always been my philosophy!
I'm joking (only slightly).
If you have a responsible adult with you, then the Great Grape Road touring route is a fantastic scenic circuit through the Pyrenees, Grampians and Ballarat wine regions of western
Victoria.
This is the ultimate hedonistic experience. Eat, drink, be merry.
This post will provide you with a general route and a list of all the vineyards that you can visit. Each has its own cellar door opening times, but because there are so many available to you I'm sure the experience will be amazing regardless of what you visit.
Local cellar door experiences range in style from sophisticated tasting rooms to barrel-side tastings in underground tunnels. Remember, this is a hedonistic road trip...it's all about eating and drinking.
Winemakers are keen to share their experiences and their produce. These people put their blood, sweat and tears into producing their wine. It takes months and sometimes even years to produce a wine that you are proud to put your name on. Indulge them. Enjoy. Appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a single bottle of vino.
Most cellar doors have adjacent cafes that allow you to indulge in a great drop then taste some of the local produce. Think great local cheeses and other mouth watering snacks.
The scenic countryside around Ararat, Buangor, Great Western and Hall Gaps is home to outstanding wineries such as Seppelt's and Best's Great Western and newer vineyards such as Mt Langi Ghiran and Montara.
Grampians wines are known for their strong berry flavours and soft tannins. Just surveying the vineyards while you taste the local drop is a memory you can't replace.
Fratin Brothers Vineyard
Grampians Estate
Kimbarra Wines
Montara Winery
Mount Langi Ghiran
Norton Estate Wines
Seppelt Great Western
The Gap Vineyard
After leaving the mountainous terrain of the Grampians, the Great Grape Road swings east toward the soaring Pyranees, a splendid backdrop for a tasting at the region's excellent wineries.
The rich purple berry flavours of the region's cabernet sauvignon and shiraz offer hints of mint and eucalyptus. It's chardonnay sauvignon blanc show soft stone fruit flavours and a refreshing acidity. It's amazing how within such a small distance, there is such a large variety of delectable wines to savour.
Amherst Winery
Berrys Bridge Vineyard
Blue Pyrenees Estate
Counterpoint Vineyard
Cullenya Winery
Dalwhinne Wines
Dogrock Winery
Eurabbie Estate
Jardine Wines
Kara Kara Winery
Mount Avoca Vineyard
Neds Vineyard
Peerick Vineyard
Pyren Vineyard
Pyranees Ridge Vineyard
Quoin Hill Vineyard
Redbank Winery
Shays Flat Estate
St Ignatius Vineyard
Summerfield Wines
Taltarni Vineyards
Warrenmang Vineyard Resort
Wimmera Hills Winery
From the Pyranees, the Great Grape Road swings south to the nine wineries of Ballarat region, where the climate is ideal for chardonnay and pinot noir. The long growing season here produces complex and subtle wines - flint and citrus in the chardonnay and spice and rich berry character in the pinot noir.
Captains Creek Organic Wines
Eastern Peake
Gold Fields Winery
Michael Unwin Wines
Mount Beckworth Wines
Mount Buninyong Winery
Mt Coghill Vineyard
St Anee's Vineyard
This drive takes around 3 days. If you have the time, take a few more days and indulge.
The list of vineyards is amazing. The girls at Luxury Oz Stays can suggest some great accommodation to rest your weary head after all that vino. Or even find you a driver so you can indulge in the lap of luxury.
Once again folks, eat, drink, be merry.
You only live once.
Thank you to
http://www.visitvictoria.com for the great information.
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