BEST'S WINES
GRAMPIANS, VIC
WINEMAKERS: VIV & BEN THOMSON
www.bestswines.com
Best’s Great Western Winery has a 142 year history, dating back to 1866 when Henry Best established the winery at “Concongella,” Great Western in the Grampians, Victoria. During this time there have been only two owners, the Bests and the Thomson family, who have been owners and operators for the past five generations, since 1920. The winery is currently managed by Viv Thomson.
Today, Best’s Great Western boasts two Langtons listed wines amongst its prestigious portfolio.
Henry Best built the winery and underground cellars using skilled labour of local gold miners. These facilities are still in use today. Henry’s wine knowledge was minimal but his attention to detail and experiments to discover the best grape varieties for his vineyard, resulted in producing wines of outstanding quality and longevity.
Since those early days, the Thomson family have developed three vineyards in the Grampians region. These are situated at Concongella, St Andrews and Salvation Hills at Rhymney. Unique factors of soil and climate in this region contribute to Best’s Great Western success.
Viv Thomson’s fine palate, remarkable wine collection and 20 years service spent as a national wine show judge, have also played a part in the consistently high quality of the wines. In 2005 he appointed Adam Wadewitz as Best’s chief wine maker. His dynamic approach to winemaking, coupled with his wide experience and knowledge, have produced wines that continue to succeed at national and international wine shows.
