The Grampians refers to a craggy mountain range lying some 125 miles west of Melbourne. Vineyards were planted here in the 1860s as part of a concurrent gold rush. The Great Western region is a sub-zone within the Grampians and is the region's viticultural heart.

The climate is somewhat cooler and wetter than surrounding areas, but elevation and vineyards planted on east facing slopes of the range are key. Cooler nighttime temperatures help to extend the growing season and allow the grapes to maintain the natural acidity that marks the region's wines. Shiraz is far-and-away the most widely planted grape in the region, but there are also significant plantings of Riesling and Pinot Gris. Mount Langi Ghiran is a good representative producer in the region with a wide range of wines. (Wine/Appellations)