Hounds Run Vineyard Guidebook
Best Wine Tasting
Despite the fact that wine making in the Grampians region dates back to the mid 1800's, it is largely unknown as a wine region. Some of Victoria's best Shiraz comes from the Grampians and should definitely be sampled.
Best's Wines was established in 1866 and boasts a historic collection of Australia's oldest and most significant vineyards.
For more than 150 years, they've been proudly producing world-class wines in Victoria’s Great Western region and as one of Australia’s oldest and continuously family-owned and operated wineries, Best's crafts extraordinary and iconic wines of elegance and longevity.
Built in the 1870's, the Cellar Door is the heart of Best’s Wines’ operation. Situated in the picturesque Grampians in the undulating central Victorian countryside between Stawell and Ararat, Best's Wines lies in the historically rich wine-growing region of Great Western.
The old red gum slab tasting room is housed in the original stables and showcases old winery equipment, maps of the area, as well as Henry Best’s original journal dating from 1866. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the original 1870s underground cellars, which were hand dug, and view the original Nursery Block plantings, both of which represent a significant piece of Australian wine history.
All tasting experiences are paid and they have several to choose from. Wines for tasting and sale include Best’s current range of wines as well as limited-release wines available through cellar door only. Rare and old vintages are often on display and, at times, releases of back vintages are available for purchase.
Open 7 days a week, bookings recommended
14 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Best's Wines Pty Ltd
111 Bests RdBest's Wines was established in 1866 and boasts a historic collection of Australia's oldest and most significant vineyards.
For more than 150 years, they've been proudly producing world-class wines in Victoria’s Great Western region and as one of Australia’s oldest and continuously family-owned and operated wineries, Best's crafts extraordinary and iconic wines of elegance and longevity.
Built in the 1870's, the Cellar Door is the heart of Best’s Wines’ operation. Situated in the picturesque Grampians in the undulating central Victorian countryside between Stawell and Ararat, Best's Wines lies in the historically rich wine-growing region of Great Western.
The old red gum slab tasting room is housed in the original stables and showcases old winery equipment, maps of the area, as well as Henry Best’s original journal dating from 1866. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the original 1870s underground cellars, which were hand dug, and view the original Nursery Block plantings, both of which represent a significant piece of Australian wine history.
All tasting experiences are paid and they have several to choose from. Wines for tasting and sale include Best’s current range of wines as well as limited-release wines available through cellar door only. Rare and old vintages are often on display and, at times, releases of back vintages are available for purchase.
Open 7 days a week, bookings recommended
Andrew and Katrina have been passionate growers in the region for decades and in recent years decided to take small parcels of their own fruit to produce some fantastic wines, our pick is the Miners Ridge Chardonnay. They also operate a bnb that has been constructed out of an old railway carriage.
The cellar door is open on long weekends or by appointment and they offer incredible platters and homemade preserves.
Check their social media for the most up to date information
7 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Miners Ridge
135 Westgate RdAndrew and Katrina have been passionate growers in the region for decades and in recent years decided to take small parcels of their own fruit to produce some fantastic wines, our pick is the Miners Ridge Chardonnay. They also operate a bnb that has been constructed out of an old railway carriage.
The cellar door is open on long weekends or by appointment and they offer incredible platters and homemade preserves.
Check their social media for the most up to date information
The 3.2-hectare Grampians Estate vineyard grows shiraz and chardonnay. The first 1.6 hectares of vines were planted in 1989. In 1994 a group of friends banded together to create Grampians Estate Wine Company to further develop the vineyard and commence Grampians wine production. Now home to a cozy café overlooking the vineyard it’s a must visit in the region. Their Sparkling Shiraz is exceptional.
Open 7 days a week 10am-4pm.
12 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Grampians Estate Cellar Door
1477 Western HwyThe 3.2-hectare Grampians Estate vineyard grows shiraz and chardonnay. The first 1.6 hectares of vines were planted in 1989. In 1994 a group of friends banded together to create Grampians Estate Wine Company to further develop the vineyard and commence Grampians wine production. Now home to a cozy café overlooking the vineyard it’s a must visit in the region. Their Sparkling Shiraz is exceptional.
Open 7 days a week 10am-4pm.
Fallen Giants Vineyard and tasting rooms sit at the base of the Grampians National Park and offer delicious platters and a great selection of wines. They have a beautiful alfresco dining area which looks out over the vineyard and also have a kids play area should you be travelling with family. Their Riesling and Rose are both delicious.
7 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Fallen Giants Vineyard
4113 Ararat-Halls Gap RdFallen Giants Vineyard and tasting rooms sit at the base of the Grampians National Park and offer delicious platters and a great selection of wines. They have a beautiful alfresco dining area which looks out over the vineyard and also have a kids play area should you be travelling with family. Their Riesling and Rose are both delicious.
Established in 1969, Mount Langi Ghiran – Aboriginal for home of the yellow tailed black cockatoo – produces iconic cool climate wines with a focus on shiraz and riesling. The cellar door is located on the side of Mt Langi and has a fabulous outlook.
Mount Langi Ghiran, Warrak VIC 3377 ออสเตรเลีย
Established in 1969, Mount Langi Ghiran – Aboriginal for home of the yellow tailed black cockatoo – produces iconic cool climate wines with a focus on shiraz and riesling. The cellar door is located on the side of Mt Langi and has a fabulous outlook.
Mountainside Wines is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery situated at the base of Mount Cole at the southeastern end of the Grampians wine region. They produce premium wines from vineyards that are hand tended and hand-picked allowing them to focus on quality and consistency of flavour. All our wines are made using grapes from a single vineyard. The property itself has been growing grapes and making wine since 1998 with just under seven acres of Shiraz vines, two and one-half acres of Viognier vines, and one acre of Nebbiolo vines.
Open for tastings Fri-Sun 11am-5pm or by appointment.
Mountainside Wines Pty Ltd
197 Mount Cole RdMountainside Wines is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery situated at the base of Mount Cole at the southeastern end of the Grampians wine region. They produce premium wines from vineyards that are hand tended and hand-picked allowing them to focus on quality and consistency of flavour. All our wines are made using grapes from a single vineyard. The property itself has been growing grapes and making wine since 1998 with just under seven acres of Shiraz vines, two and one-half acres of Viognier vines, and one acre of Nebbiolo vines.
Open for tastings Fri-Sun 11am-5pm or by appointment.
Clayfield Wines is a small boutique vineyard that specialises in the limited production of award winning Grampians Shiraz. Simon Clayfield began his journey into wine at Roseworthy Agriculture Collage in 1981 and after several vintages in other parts of Australia and the USA, Simon became the winemaker at Best’s Wines in 1987. Simon remained there for a decade before planting his own vineyard in Moyston. Simon produces award winning Grampians Shiraz from his organically managed vineyard. Tastings by appointment only.
Clayfield Wines
Clayfield Wines is a small boutique vineyard that specialises in the limited production of award winning Grampians Shiraz. Simon Clayfield began his journey into wine at Roseworthy Agriculture Collage in 1981 and after several vintages in other parts of Australia and the USA, Simon became the winemaker at Best’s Wines in 1987. Simon remained there for a decade before planting his own vineyard in Moyston. Simon produces award winning Grampians Shiraz from his organically managed vineyard. Tastings by appointment only.
Sightseeing and History
Our recommendations on places to visit
Established in the mid 1800's, Seppelt Wines is synonymous with the production of sparkling wine in Australia. In fact the first Sparkling Shiraz was created at Seppelt in Great Western in 1893.
Seppelt also boasts the largest underground cellars in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 3km of tunnels under the winery. Guided historical tours of the underground cellar operate on the hour every hour between 11am and 3pm.
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm.
15 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Seppelt
36 Cemetery RdEstablished in the mid 1800's, Seppelt Wines is synonymous with the production of sparkling wine in Australia. In fact the first Sparkling Shiraz was created at Seppelt in Great Western in 1893.
Seppelt also boasts the largest underground cellars in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 3km of tunnels under the winery. Guided historical tours of the underground cellar operate on the hour every hour between 11am and 3pm.
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm.
Many people don't realise that there is a Zoo in the Grampians and it's certainly not as big as the major cities however it is home to a very happy and well looked after collection of animals including Meerkats (my favourites), giraffe, buffalo, cheetahs, a rhino, many different types of monkies and birds plus a host of native wildlife.
Make sure you buy some food at the entrance so you can feed the deer and kangaroos. Make sure you wear your walking shoes and allow a few hours for your visit as the zoo covers a large area and the path is sort of a one way arrangement.
38 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
สวนสัตว์ฮอลส์แก็ป
4061 Ararat-Halls Gap RdMany people don't realise that there is a Zoo in the Grampians and it's certainly not as big as the major cities however it is home to a very happy and well looked after collection of animals including Meerkats (my favourites), giraffe, buffalo, cheetahs, a rhino, many different types of monkies and birds plus a host of native wildlife.
Make sure you buy some food at the entrance so you can feed the deer and kangaroos. Make sure you wear your walking shoes and allow a few hours for your visit as the zoo covers a large area and the path is sort of a one way arrangement.
Favourite for food, beer and wine!
Our top picks for food, wine and beer in the region!
Paper Scissors Rock Brewery and restaurant opened in late April 2019 and has been a hit with locals ever since. Situated in the heart of Halls Gap, they have an exceptional range of beers and serve modern Asian fusion, burgers and light bites. Their homemade burnt onion ketchup is phenomenal (Tip: always ask for extra). On the beer front you can get a tasting paddle of beers so you can sample a few different brews and purchase takeaway growlers of your favourite beer. If beer isn't your thing, they also have a great range of local wines and not just the big names, our sister label Black & Ginger Wines is available by the glass along with some other smaller names. We visit pretty regularly (i.e. weekly).
Open 7 days a week
16 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co
119 Grampians RdPaper Scissors Rock Brewery and restaurant opened in late April 2019 and has been a hit with locals ever since. Situated in the heart of Halls Gap, they have an exceptional range of beers and serve modern Asian fusion, burgers and light bites. Their homemade burnt onion ketchup is phenomenal (Tip: always ask for extra). On the beer front you can get a tasting paddle of beers so you can sample a few different brews and purchase takeaway growlers of your favourite beer. If beer isn't your thing, they also have a great range of local wines and not just the big names, our sister label Black & Ginger Wines is available by the glass along with some other smaller names. We visit pretty regularly (i.e. weekly).
Open 7 days a week
Positioned at the base of the Grampians in the small town of Pomonal, Pomonal Estate is a beautiful spot to enjoy a local produce platter and a glass of wine or beer. They brew their own beers and they also have a ginger beer and ciders on tap. My favourite is the dry cider! Pomonal often host bands and each year they put on an Oktoberfest day with German beers and food. The walls are adorned with artwork by local artists and there's plenty of space to sit inside and out plus lawn games for all to enjoy.
13 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Pomonal Estate
2079 Pomonal RdPositioned at the base of the Grampians in the small town of Pomonal, Pomonal Estate is a beautiful spot to enjoy a local produce platter and a glass of wine or beer. They brew their own beers and they also have a ginger beer and ciders on tap. My favourite is the dry cider! Pomonal often host bands and each year they put on an Oktoberfest day with German beers and food. The walls are adorned with artwork by local artists and there's plenty of space to sit inside and out plus lawn games for all to enjoy.
Flame Brothers is pretty new to the region and serves up delicious American style smoked BBQ meat and sides. Our favourite is the mixed sharing platter so you can try a little bit of everything, with the cauliflower side. Flame Brothers have a good mix of local wines and a great selection of beers including some sours.
16 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Flame Brothers Restaurant & Bar
97 Grampians RdFlame Brothers is pretty new to the region and serves up delicious American style smoked BBQ meat and sides. Our favourite is the mixed sharing platter so you can try a little bit of everything, with the cauliflower side. Flame Brothers have a good mix of local wines and a great selection of beers including some sours.
Great food and excellent service, what's not to love! The Kookaburra serves up traditional pub grub plus a few modern twists. They have a great range of beers and ciders on tap and is one of the few venues in the region with a pool table.
24 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Kookaburra Hotel
125-127 Grampians RdGreat food and excellent service, what's not to love! The Kookaburra serves up traditional pub grub plus a few modern twists. They have a great range of beers and ciders on tap and is one of the few venues in the region with a pool table.
When we first moved to the region plenty of locals were recommending Spirit of Punjab for Indian food. At first we weren't sure about it because having grown up in Melbourne with the amazing food on offer, it was hard to believe. However we can say without a doubt this is some of the best Indian food in Victoria! They have a incredible menu, our favourites are the palak paneer, onion bhaji and of course butter chicken. We like pretty spicy food and medium is perfect, not too hot that you can still taste the flavours but hot enough that it has a good kick. They do a perfect salted lassi and have a good range of local wines.
15 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Spirit of Punjab
161-163 Grampians RdWhen we first moved to the region plenty of locals were recommending Spirit of Punjab for Indian food. At first we weren't sure about it because having grown up in Melbourne with the amazing food on offer, it was hard to believe. However we can say without a doubt this is some of the best Indian food in Victoria! They have a incredible menu, our favourites are the palak paneer, onion bhaji and of course butter chicken. We like pretty spicy food and medium is perfect, not too hot that you can still taste the flavours but hot enough that it has a good kick. They do a perfect salted lassi and have a good range of local wines.
Grampians Wine Cellar in Halls Gap is a MUST visit. Simon is an experienced sommelier and has worked in some of the best restaurants. He supports all the local wineries, especially the little guys like our sister wine label, Black & Ginger Wines. His little wine shop/wine bar is a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine on a nice day. You can even grab a pizza from next door and enjoy it on the deck.
Grampians Wine Cellar
2 Heath StGrampians Wine Cellar in Halls Gap is a MUST visit. Simon is an experienced sommelier and has worked in some of the best restaurants. He supports all the local wineries, especially the little guys like our sister wine label, Black & Ginger Wines. His little wine shop/wine bar is a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine on a nice day. You can even grab a pizza from next door and enjoy it on the deck.
The pizzas here are awesome! More traditional Italian style with thin bases and fresh toppings. They offer some really interesting 'gourmet' options as well as some of the more traditional varieties.
Raccolto Pizzeria
2 Heath StreetThe pizzas here are awesome! More traditional Italian style with thin bases and fresh toppings. They offer some really interesting 'gourmet' options as well as some of the more traditional varieties.
Given how far we are from the ocean, the Town Fryer actually produces some incredible fish and chips... and even visitors from the coast agree. Eat in or Takeaway!
The Town Fryer Fish & Chip Bar
Given how far we are from the ocean, the Town Fryer actually produces some incredible fish and chips... and even visitors from the coast agree. Eat in or Takeaway!
There's always a queue outside the other ice cream shop in Halls Gap and only because it's been there a long time. Gelato Guys produce a much better product and far more interesting flavours.
Gelato Guys
There's always a queue outside the other ice cream shop in Halls Gap and only because it's been there a long time. Gelato Guys produce a much better product and far more interesting flavours.
The Bunyip Hotel in Cavendish is by far the BEST place to eat in the region, well, we think so anyway!
Their aim is to deliver delicious, locally grown meals in a true country pub setting. They source produce from local producers and we pride themselves on developing relationships with suppliers. They are also lucky to receive produce from the gardens of the residents of Cavendish and surrounds, which allows the menu to adapt and change to what is ripe, in season and filled with flavour. The food is unpretentious, homely, absolutely delicious and priced very reasonably. The Bunyip are also a big supporter of our sister wine label Black & Ginger Wines and stock a good range.
They're open Thurs-Sun. The Sunday Chefs Table lunch is amazing!
14 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The Bunyip Hotel, Cavendish
17-25 Scott StThe Bunyip Hotel in Cavendish is by far the BEST place to eat in the region, well, we think so anyway!
Their aim is to deliver delicious, locally grown meals in a true country pub setting. They source produce from local producers and we pride themselves on developing relationships with suppliers. They are also lucky to receive produce from the gardens of the residents of Cavendish and surrounds, which allows the menu to adapt and change to what is ripe, in season and filled with flavour. The food is unpretentious, homely, absolutely delicious and priced very reasonably. The Bunyip are also a big supporter of our sister wine label Black & Ginger Wines and stock a good range.
They're open Thurs-Sun. The Sunday Chefs Table lunch is amazing!
Barney's is housed in an old shearing shed with heaps of music memorabilia and art painted on the walls. They have a super comfortable beer garden out the back where guests can watch kangaroos have a feed at dusk. The food is awesome pub grub, they're parma's are damn delicious! Barney's are also big supporters of Grampians Wine producers including our sister wine label Black & Ginger.
Barney's Bar & Bistro
Barney's is housed in an old shearing shed with heaps of music memorabilia and art painted on the walls. They have a super comfortable beer garden out the back where guests can watch kangaroos have a feed at dusk. The food is awesome pub grub, they're parma's are damn delicious! Barney's are also big supporters of Grampians Wine producers including our sister wine label Black & Ginger.
Entertainment
Wild Misty Mountain is one of the newest editions to the region. They offer great entertainment every Friday and Saturday night with bands, DJ's and even circus performers. They serve a range of cocktails, Black & Ginger Wines and a few simple food options.
WILD MISTY MOUNTAIN
Wild Misty Mountain is one of the newest editions to the region. They offer great entertainment every Friday and Saturday night with bands, DJ's and even circus performers. They serve a range of cocktails, Black & Ginger Wines and a few simple food options.