Joseph Best
In 1865 Joseph Best planted vine cuttings which he had taken from the St Peter's vineyard of the brothers-in-law, Blampied & Trouette, first wine-growers in the Great Western district. In the next years Joseph gradually left the cattle business and devoted himself to viticulture. He employed miners to excavate the granitic subsoil on his property to excavate tunnels for the storage of wine. As the gold rush declined his vineyards became prominent in Victoria.
Hans Irvine
Hans Irvine, vigneron and politician, acquired Joseph Best's Great Western vineyard, cellars and winery, as well as some grazing land in 1888. He was fortunate to obtain the services of the Frenchman Charles Pierlot, who had learned champagne making at the houses of Pommery, Greno and Moët et Chandon. Emanuel Salinger was a local merchant and a member of one of the original vine growing families in Great Western. Ellena was Emanuel’s eldest daughter. In 1895 Pierlot married Ellena at the Salinger home.
Benno Seppelt
Benno Seppelt was born in Seppeltsfield, South Australia. He was the second (and eldest surviving) of sixteen children. The South Australian enterprise had expanded rapidly. When his father retired in 1916, Benno became managing director. He came to Great Western and his company bought the Great Western vineyards in 1918.
Salingers at GZ
The building was originally called The Hermitage and was a general store and is considered to be a significant heritage building contributing to the significant, single storey, pitched roof central township area. This building appears to have been constructed for Emanuel Salinger in 1861 - 1862.
The current name of the building and café/restaurant, Salingers, reflects the original ownership by Emanuel.
Seppelt’s finest sparkling white wine now bears the name of Pierlot’s wife, Ellena Salinger.
The Cache
The difficulty level is a reflection of the stealth which must be used. The nearby weighbridge is still in use and should be left alone, and not used for parking!
First to Find goes to TasGoanna!