Dubbed by James Halliday as one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Best’s Wines in Great Western Victoria is home to vines dating back to 1867. Today Best’s winemaking team of Justin Purser and Viv Thomson are on fine form keeping this revered name among the top echelon of Australian wine producers. Henry Best was a butcher turned winemaker during the Victorian Gold Rush. With the help of local miners, he built the original Best’s winery and cellars that are still in use today. With a meticulous approach to sourcing only the finest grapes for winemaking, Henry’s vineyard soon prospered gaining him much acclaim as far as England and throughout Europe. Upon Henry’s death in 1920, his son Charles sold the business to Frederick Thomson. Under the careful eye of fourth generation wine producer, Viv Thomson, Best’s celebrated winemaking legacy continues today.
Best’s is comprised of three vineyards: the original Concongella at Great Western, St Andrew’s at Lake Boga and Salvation Hills at Rhymney Reef with vine ages from 5-135 years. From these sites, the Best’s Great Western range of wines is made. This range encompasses three tiers across various price points: Icon Range, including the Thomson Family Shiraz, Great Western Range and Regional Selection. Despite the long history at Best’s winemakers Viv Thomson and Justin Purser still remain committed to improving quality where possible through work both in the vineyard and the winery. It is their vision that each wine produced expresses the vineyard, vintage and region.
