Best’s Wines Great western
Great Western, Victoria, Australia
Home to some of Australia’s oldest living vines — including Shiraz and Pinot Meunier planted in 1868 at the historic Concongella Vineyard
A Legacy of History & Heritage
Founded in 1866 by Henry Best, Best’s Wines Great Western stands as one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating wineries. The estate later passed to the Thomson family in 1920 and remains family-owned today, now led by fifth-generation vigneron Ben Thomson. Over more than 150 years, Best’s has quietly built a reputation for producing elegant, structured wines from some of the country’s most historically significant vineyards.
The People Behind the Wine
The Thomson family has guided Best’s for over a century, preserving its heritage while evolving the winery for future generations. Managing Director Ben Thomson continues the family tradition, overseeing both vineyard management and the long-term stewardship of Great Western’s historic vines. At Best’s, the team is often described as an extended family — united by a shared commitment to quality and respect for the region’s winemaking history.
The Vineyards & Winemaking Philosophy
Best’s sources fruit from three estate vineyards in Victoria’s Great Western region: Concongella, Salvation Hills, and Sugarloaf Creek. Together these vineyards contain vines ranging from newly planted blocks to vines more than 150 years old. The winery’s philosophy begins in the vineyard, where site expression and vine age play a defining role in shaping the wines. The region’s continental climate — marked by cold winters, cool summers, and long, slow ripening seasons — allows grapes to develop complexity, balance, and natural structure.
The historic Concongella Vineyard, established in 1866 beside Concongella Creek, remains the heart of the estate. It includes the original Nursery Block, planted with nearly 40 grape varieties, as well as some of the oldest Shiraz and Pinot Meunier vines in Australia. Nearby Salvation Hills and Sugarloaf Creek provide additional vineyard diversity, each contributing distinct soil profiles and microclimates that add depth to Best’s wines.
Signature Wines
Best’s is renowned for its cool-climate Shiraz, particularly the flagship Bin No. 1 Great Western Shiraz, which showcases the elegance and longevity of the region. Riesling is another hallmark of the estate, benefiting from Great Western’s cool ripening conditions to produce wines of brightness and precision. Small-parcel wines and experimental releases are also crafted from the diverse vineyard blocks and are available exclusively through the cellar door and online.
Aesthetic & Identity
Deeply rooted in history yet forward-looking, Best’s Wines reflects the character of Great Western itself — understated, authentic, and quietly exceptional. With vines that have survived generations and careful stewardship by the Thomson family, the winery remains one of Australia’s true hidden gems in fine wine.