Founded in 1866, Best’s Great Western is a family-owned and -operated winery with some of the oldest and rarest vines in the world. Shiraz, Cabernet and Riesling are the winery’s specialties, but it also produces small parcel wines that are available for tasting and purchase at both the cellar door and online. The pedigree of its historic vineyards allows the winemakers to create elegant, finely structured wines with great intensity and balance.

Best’s Great Western is one of the oldest continuously family-owned wineries in the country and the winery has flourished under the care of just two families. Initially founded by the Best family, the original Concongella Vineyard was planted in 1868. From there, the Thomson family purchased the winery in 1920 and have looked after it ever since. Often winery teams can feel like extended family, but at Best’s Great Western this is actually true, with several members of the Thomson Family working across the business.

Now into the fifth generation of Thomson family owners, this winery has impressive history and a bright future.

Boasting some of Australia’s oldest and most significant vineyards, Best’s Great Western has been producing world-class wines for more than 150 years. The winery is a James Halliday 5-star rated winery and were awarded Best Value Winery in Australia in the 2021 Halliday Wine Companion.

Additionally, the flagship wine, the Thomson Family Shiraz holds the ‘1st Classified’ ranking in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine and others within the collection have also ranked highly on the Langton’s Classification scale. Since 2025 the winery has become a certified member of SWA (Sustainable Winegrowing Australia).

Visitors can view the 1868 Nursery Block vineyard and sample some of their award-winning wines at the cellar door, housed in the original 1870s Red Gum stables. Those curious about the history or seeking adventure can take a self-guided tour of the underground cellar. Hear about the Best family and their pioneering beginnings through to the fifth-generation Thomson family.

Beginning with Concongella Vineyard, planted in 1868, this winery now owns three separate vineyards and countless grape varieties. With Salvation Hills being added in 1996 and Sugarloaf Creek in 2019, this winery has both variety and ample space.