If you’re visiting Victoria and have a soft spot for wine, history, or just want to see something truly different, the Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour offers a memorable experience. This two-hour guided journey takes you beneath the surface of Great Western to explore the largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, a feat of human effort and gold miner ingenuity. With rave reviews and a well-rounded mix of history, wine, and fun guides, it’s no wonder this tour is recommended by 97% of visitors.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the historic tunnels known as “The Drives”, excavated by gold miners in the 1860s and stretching over 3 kilometers. Second, the chance to taste the iconic Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz, first produced in the 1890s, right where it’s stored. Third, the guides—many reviewers sing the praises of Ricky and Mark—who bring the tales to life with humor and extensive knowledge. The only potential consideration? The underground environment might be warm, so dressing in layers is wise, especially on hot days.
Perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone looking for a unique excursion off the beaten path, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into Victoria’s winemaking heritage combined with a fun tasting experience.
Key Points
- Largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an impressive backdrop for wine storage and discovery.
- Guided tour with knowledgeable and engaging guides like Ricky, who make history and wine come alive.
- Historic tunnels, “The Drives,” carved by gold miners in the 1860s, adding a layer of curiosity and storytelling.
- Sparkling Shiraz tasting, including the iconic Seppelt style first produced in the 1890s, is a highlight.
- Affordable price point at $18.41, providing excellent value for the depth of experience and expert guidance.
- Private tour experience, ensuring a more intimate and personalized visit.
The Itinerary in Detail
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Starting Point: Seppelt Cellar Door
Your journey begins at 36 Cemetery Rd in Great Western, where the Seppelt Cellar Door serves as the meeting point. This is also the spot where you’ll finish, making logistics straightforward. Most tours depart after booking about a week in advance, giving you enough time to plan accordingly.
Exploring the Heritage-listed “The Drives”
Once you meet your guide, the real adventure begins underground. The Drives are the heart of this tour. Carved by gold miners starting in 1868, these tunnels took over 60 years to complete — a testament to human perseverance. These tunnels are capable of holding over 3 million bottles of wine and stretch for approximately 3 kilometers, making them the largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere.
The guides, including Ricky and Mark, often share stories about the miners who created these vaults and the evolution of Seppelt’s wine-making. Reviewers note Ricky in particular as a “knowledgeable and entertaining” guide who makes the history fun and accessible. One reviewer recalls his knack for storytelling and humor, which keeps the atmosphere lively despite the underground setting.
Tasting the Sparkling Shiraz
Emerging from the tunnels, you’ll get the chance to taste some of Seppelt’s sparkling wines, notably the famous Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz. This wine has been produced since the early 1890s and remains a signature of the winery. The tasting is often described as a relaxed, enjoyable way to wrap up the tour, with many reviewers mentioning that the wine quality lives up to its reputation.
Additional Highlights
Some tours also include a museum visit, providing further context about Seppelt’s historical significance and production methods. The guides’ storytelling makes these sections engaging, and visitors often comment on how they learned fascinating facts about the winery’s evolution from 1851 to today.
Group Size and Atmosphere
Most reviews mention a preference for small, private groups, which make for more personalized interactions. One reviewer was lucky enough to have a private tour with only two people, describing it as a “great experience.” The tours are suitable for most travelers, and the private setting allows for questions and a more relaxed pace.
What to Expect and Practical Tips
- The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it manageable even for those with tight schedules.
- The price of $18.41 per person offers significant value, considering the guided experience, underground exploration, and wine tastings.
- Since the tasting doesn’t include additional alcohol, those under 18 can comfortably join the tour without concern about alcohol regulations.
- The meeting point is the Seppelt Cellar Door, and the tour ends back there, simplifying logistics.
- The tours are in a subterranean environment, so dress in layers to stay comfortable, especially during warm days.
- Book at least 7 days in advance, as this tour is popular and often fills quickly.
Authentic Experiences and Review Insights
From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that Ricky’s personality makes a difference. One reviewer mentions, “Ricky makes this tour fun and informative,” emphasizing his ability to combine humor with deep knowledge. Others highlight that the tunnels themselves are “a fascinating hidden gem”, and the history of the tunnels carved by gold miners adds an extra layer of interest.
Many travelers appreciated the quality of the wine tastings, especially the Sparkling Shiraz, which is both iconic and delicious. Several reviewers mention buying bottles afterward, driven by the experience and the authentic, well-presented wines. The value for money is consistently praised, especially considering the depth of the historical context and the guided storytelling.
The Value Proposition
For just over $18, this tour offers a throrough look into Victoria’s winemaking past, a chance to see impressive underground architecture, and enjoy top-notch sparkling wine. It’s a perfect activity for those who love stories behind the wine, enjoy a bit of adventure, or want a memorable experience in the Victorian countryside. Because it’s private or small-group focused, you’ll get a more relaxed, engaging experience than many larger tours.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, wine connoisseur, or curious traveler, the Seppelt Underground Cellar Tour provides a genuine, fun, and insightful experience. It’s also a fantastic way to add a unique highlight to a regional visit, especially since the tunnels and wines tell stories that most visitors won’t find elsewhere.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, authenticity, and good value. It appeals to wine lovers eager to taste a renowned style of Shiraz, as well as history buffs interested in the story of the gold miners and the underground architecture. The friendly guides and small group size make it accessible for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, engaging outing.
If you’re curious about Victoria’s wine heritage or want to see something off the typical tourist trail, this underground adventure should be on your list.
FAQs
Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is primarily about wine and history, children can join without issue as the tasting isn’t included for minors. However, the underground environment might be warm, so dress accordingly, and consider if the tunnel setting is comfortable for your kids.
How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish, including walking through the tunnels and tasting the wines.
What is the price of the tour?
It’s priced at about $18.41 per person, offering excellent value considering the guided experience, underground exploration, and tastings.
Is the tour private or group-based?
Most tours are private or small-group, ensuring a more personalized experience. Some reviews mention solo visitors being lucky enough to get a private tour.
Where does the tour start and end?
All activities start and finish at the Seppelt Cellar Door at 36 Cemetery Rd, Great Western, making logistics straightforward.
Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, the tastings, including the iconic Sparkling Shiraz, are part of the tour. No additional charges for the tasting are generally mentioned.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.
Is prior booking necessary?
Yes, most travelers book about a week in advance, as the tours are popular and fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour offers a rare glimpse into Victoria’s winemaking legacy, embedded within the historic tunnels mined by gold prospectors over 150 years ago. The guides, particularly Ricky and Mark, elevate the experience with their storytelling, humor, and passion for wine and history. The underground atmosphere, combined with exceptional sparkling Shiraz tastings, makes this a genuinely memorable outing.
If you’re after an authentic experience that combines history, architecture, and great wine at a wallet-friendly price, look no further. This tour is especially perfect for those who want to escape the typical winery visit and enjoy stories deep beneath the earth’s surface. It’s a journey into the past with a very delicious payoff.
Whether for a solo adventure, a romantic outing, or a family-friendly excursion, the Seppelt Underground Cellar Tour promises to leave you with a new appreciation for Victoria’s winemaking and the remarkable tunnels that make it all possible.