Imagine walking through the largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere—a labyrinth of tunnels carved out by early gold miners, now hosting some of Australia’s most iconic wines. That’s exactly what you get with the Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour in Victoria, Australia. This two-hour experience costs around $19 per person, departs from Great Western, and is perfect for lovers of history, wine enthusiasts, or curious travelers eager to see a truly unique part of Australia’s wine landscape.
What immediately draws us to this tour is the chance to explore “The Drives”, the historic, hand-dug tunnels that stretch for 3 kilometers, capable of storing over 3 million bottles of wine. Plus, the story behind Sparkling Shiraz, first produced in the early 1890s, adds a special touch—especially for those interested in regional specialties. We especially appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make the history come alive and the included sparkling wine tastings that let you sample some of the very wines discussed underground.
A potential consideration is the limited duration—just around two hours—so if you’re after an in-depth tasting or a comprehensive winery experience, you might want to pair this with other visits. But if your focus is on authentic history, fascinating tunnels, and excellent wine, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s well-suited for anyone with an interest in Australian wine, history buffs, or those looking for a memorable, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Key Points
- Historic Tunnels: Explore “The Drives”, excavated by gold miners in 1868, which are the longest underground wine tunnels in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Ricky or Tom bring the stories of the cellar, the miners, and the wines to life, blending humor with knowledge.
- Quality Tastings: Enjoy sparkling wines, including the famous Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz, in a setting that amplifies their story and craftsmanship.
- Authentic Experience: Visit a heritage-listed site with a storied past, combining history with modern winemaking.
- Great Value: At under $20, this tour offers a lot of insight and memorable moments for the price.
- Family-Friendly & Personalized: The tour can be very intimate, sometimes just you and your group, making for a relaxed and personal experience.
The Setting: A Journey Beneath the Surface
The first thing you’ll notice is how extraordinary the underground cellars are. These tunnels, carved out by Chinese gold miners starting in 1868, took over 60 years to complete. You’ll walk through “The Drives”, a series of hand-dug tunnels that stretch for a staggering 3 kilometers, capable of holding upwards of 3 million bottles of wine. This makes them the largest underground cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, and honestly, they’re a sight to behold.
From the moment you step into the cool, dark corridors, you get a palpable sense of history. These tunnels have been used for over a century to store some of Australia’s most treasured wines. The atmosphere is quite different from a typical winery visit; it’s like stepping into a secret, subterranean world where whispers of miners and vintners echo through the stone walls.
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The Heritage and History
Your guide (many reviews mention Ricky and Tom) will narrate stories of the Chinese gold miners, who dug these tunnels as part of their quest for wealth during the gold rush era. It’s a story that intertwines migration, labor, and ingenuity, adding layers of meaning to your visit. These tunnels were used for storage of sparkling wines over a century, which is a fascinating detail highlighting their importance in Australia’s wine development.
One reviewer notes, “The Chinese gold miners dug 3 kilometers of tunnels underneath the Seppelt winery which were used for the storage of sparkling wines over a period of 100 years. They are the longest underground wine tunnels in the Southern Hemisphere.” This historic depth lends a sense of connection—you’re walking in the footsteps of those who shaped the region’s legacy.
The Guided Tour Experience
Guides like Ricky or Tom are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. They elevate the experience from a simple walk to a lively narrative. One reviewer shares, “Ricky was such a fun and friendly guide! He explained everything in a super simple and interesting way, and made the whole experience really enjoyable.” Another adds, “Tom, our guide, was just brilliant and so informative.”
The tour’s personalized feel—sometimes just your group—means you get a relaxed, tailored experience. Our guides also share stories about the previous owners, winemaking techniques, and the importance of the underground cellars for maintaining wine quality in the heat of Australia’s climate.
Wine Tastings: A Highlight
After exploring the tunnels, you’ll ascend to the Seppelt Cellar Door, where the tasting session awaits. The highlight is definitely the Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz, a regional specialty with a unique flavor profile. Many reviews mention how the tastings complement the history—it’s like tasting a piece of Australia’s winemaking past.
The tasting is included in the tour price, making it good value. The quality of wines and the opportunity to sample them in such an atmospheric setting make the experience stand out. Some reviews mention enjoying the tasting as the perfect conclusion, with one saying, “The underground tour was both fascinating and informative, offering a unique look into the winery’s rich history and winemaking techniques. The wine tasting at the end was a lovely way to cap it off.”
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at the Seppelt Cellar Door at 36 Cemetery Rd, Great Western. You will first learn about the history of the tunnels’ excavation—a story of gold miners and their stone labor. Then, you’ll venture into the tunnels themselves, walking through “The Drives” and absorbing the atmosphere of cool stone walls, dim lighting, and echoes of the past.
The walking tour lasts about an hour, during which guides narrate the stories behind the wines stored inside and the challenges of underground storage. Following this, you’ll be led upstairs to the tasting room, where sparkling Shiraz and other wines await. Here, guides share insights on wine production techniques, and you’ll get to sample in a relaxed setting.
Most importantly, you’ll leave with an understanding of how this heritage site has contributed to Australia’s reputation for innovative wine styles. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the stories and scenery enrich the tasting experience.
The Reviews: Authentic Voices
Many visitors have shared how knowledgeable and humorous guides made the experience memorable. One says, “Ricky had fantastic knowledge. Would 100% recommend anyone wanting to take a tour to do this.” Another notes, “He made it super fun and easy to follow, with cool stories and jokes along the way.”
The value for money is often highlighted, with visitors mentioning that the tastings and tour are worth the price of about $19. Some reviewers appreciated the intimate setting—sometimes just their group—making it more personal and relaxed.
Several reviews also note the fascinating history—from the tunnels’ origins to their use over a century—and how the stories connect the past with the present winemaking. This storytelling aspect makes the tour more than just a walk through tunnels; it’s a narrative about resilience, craftsmanship, and regional identity.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including both the underground walks and the tastings. It’s booked an average of 8 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want a spot, especially during peak seasons. The price of $18.98 per person is very reasonable considering the length, guided narration, and wine tastings.
The experience is most suitable for travelers aged 18 and over due to alcohol tastings, but those under 18 can still enjoy the history and tunnels. Since it’s a private tour in your group, the experience can be flexible and intimate.
The tour begins at the Seppelt Cellar Door at 36 Cemetery Rd, Great Western, and ends back at the same point. Confirmations are sent immediately upon booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy if plans change more than 24 hours prior.
If you’re someone who appreciates history, authentic stories, and unique settings, you’ll find this tour captivating. It’s perfect for wine lovers eager to learn about regional specialties like Sparkling Shiraz, as well as travelers interested in Australian heritage and pioneering stories. Families with older children, couples celebrating, or solo travelers seeking a memorable experience will all enjoy the personal touch guides provide.
This tour is not a large-group experience—it’s more relaxed and intimate—making it ideal if you prefer learning in a comfortable, friendly environment. And if you’re seeking good value for money, with guides who bring enthusiasm and knowledge, this underground adventure will surely meet your expectations.
The Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour offers a rare glimpse into Australia’s winemaking past, combined with spectacular underground architecture and delicious sparkling wines. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of miners and vintners, learning stories that make the wines taste even better.
The guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling elevate the experience, making it more than just a walk through tunnels. With affordable pricing, a charming setting, and quality tastings, it’s a standout activity for anyone visiting Victoria’s wine region.
Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for something memorable off the usual tourist trail, this tour will leave you with stories to tell and wines to savor long after your visit.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, because of the wine tastings, it’s for those 18 and over. However, kids can still enjoy the tunnels and the history without participating in tastings.
How long does the whole experience last?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, combining the underground walk with the wine tasting session.
What’s the price of the tour?
It costs approximately $18.98 per person, which includes the guided tour and tastings. It’s excellent value for the amount of history, scenery, and wine you get.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 8 days ahead to secure their spot, especially during busy periods.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and the refund isn’t available.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you’ll be exploring tunnels. The tunnels are cool, so bring a light jacket if you tend to get chilly.
Are the tunnels wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility details, but given they are hand-dug tunnels, you might find some sections challenging if mobility is limited.
In the end, the Seppelt Wines Underground Cellar Tour is a genuinely special outing. It combines history, scenery, and exceptional wine—all in a setting that’s both educational and fun. Ideal for those wanting a taste of Queensland’s pioneering spirit and Aussie winemaking craftsmanship.