General News
3 May, 2026
Vintage blessed at Best’s Wines
The “Thanksgiving to the Vintage” at Best’s Wines in Great Western attracted a good crowd of approximately 100 people last weekend. In perfect weather, it was a chance to celebrate the 160 year of the vintages at Best’s Wines with Anglican Priest Father Martin Nadarjan presiding over the thanksgiving and Best’s Hamish Thomson sharing that this year’s vintage is one of the best.
For Best’s Wines, who this year celebrates 160 years of winemaking in Great Western, the vintage is the pinnacle of the grape growing season where the fruit is picked and gets turned into the wines that everyone expects to enjoy when finally released.
As most readers would know, Best’s Wines is renowned for producing exceptional wines like their famous Shiraz and Rieslings just an example.
Now into it’s fourth year the “Thanksgiving to the Vintage” continues the strong relationship of the Thomson Family at Best’s Wines and Christ Church - Great Western.
The day was complimented with a glass of wine to toast the vintage, a community barbecue and coffee van made available, plus there was entertainment all afternoon led by Bill and Jim Kipatrick of Great Western with locals joining including Alan Green with his whip cracking plus games for the kids.
The annual Grape Stomp proved extremely popular with most people keen to give it a go.
Father Martin said it was a great day enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
“What a wonderful day was had by all who came along to Best’s, a perfect setting in their grounds and amongst the vineyards. It was so good to have so many people from the community who got into the spirit of the day just relaxing, enjoying each others company and having some fun,” he said.
The day raised around $2,500 to support the work of the church in Ararat, Great Western and Willaura.
Read More: Great Western