Winter in Ballarat just got a whole lot warmer, thanks to the return of the Grampians Wine Red Series. If you’re the sort of person who thinks the best way to beat the winter blues is with a glass of something gorgeous and red, then mark your calendar for July 25-26 because this is going to be bloody brilliant.
Now in its ninth year (and having evolved from the rather serious-sounding Seriously Shiraz), the Red Series has become the kind of event that wine lovers circle in their diaries with a thick red pen. We’re talking about more than 100 wines from 19 standout wineries across the Grampians, Pyrenees, Ballarat and Henty regions – all under the one roof at the iconic Ballarat Mining Exchange.
Here’s the deal: you get three sessions to choose from – Friday arvo (4pm-7pm) or Saturday (12pm-3pm and 4pm-7pm). Each ticket gets you a souvenir glass, a bottle carry bag, and a charcuterie cone (with veggo, vegan and gluten-free options because they’ve got everyone sorted). Plus, wine writer Jeremy Oliver will be there dropping his entertaining insights throughout the weekend.
The lineup reads like a who’s who of Western Victorian wine royalty. From the Grampians, you’ve got legends like Mount Langi Ghiran and Seppelt Great Western rubbing shoulders with boutique beauties like SubRosa and Black & Ginger. The Pyrenees crew brings heavy hitters like Dalwhinnie and Taltarni, plus gems like Sally’s Paddock and Kara Kara. Special guests Michael Unwin Wines from Ballarat and Henty Estate are also making the trip.
What makes this event special isn’t just the impressive roster of wines (though that definitely helps). It’s the fact that you’re tasting direct from the makers – the people who’ve been crafting these drops with 150+ years of winemaking heritage behind them. These aren’t just wines; they’re stories in a bottle, each one reflecting the unique character of Western Victoria’s cool climate.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine tragic or someone who just knows what they like, the Red Series delivers. You’ll find exclusive tastings, limited-edition releases, and the chance to stock up your cellar without the usual retail markup. Plus, you can grab additional gourmet hors d’oeuvres boxes from local producer Hideaway if you’re feeling fancy.
The Red Series isn’t just about the wine (though the wine is pretty spectacular). It’s about connection, conversation, and celebrating the incredible producers who make Western Victoria one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions. In a world where everything moves at breakneck speed, events like this remind us to slow down, savour the moment, and appreciate the craft that goes into every bottle.
So grab your mates, hop on the train to Ballarat (the venue is literally minutes from the train station), and prepare for a weekend that’s full of flavour, fun, and possibly a few new favourite drops for the cellar.
The Grampians Wine Red Series runs July 25-26 at the Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat. Tickets from $55. Book here.
