You don’t just turn up to the Grampians – you actually get a taste of it. From the olive groves beyond Laharum all the way down to the farmhouses hidden behind Halls Gap, Local produce in the Grampians is very much about people and their passions – not just about the paddocks themselves. Every jar of honey, chunk of cheese, and swig of shiraz has a story to tell – and it’s one you can really savor with muddy boots and a big grin on your face.
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One thing that makes the Grampians different is that it’s not just about what ends up on the plate – it’s about the person who hands it to you. Around here you don’t just pop into the shop and buy some jam – you get to meet the person who actually picked the fruit, cooked it up and slaps their own label on the jar. It’s honest grub, made the long way round.
Take a drive out along the backroads between Dunkeld and Pomonal and you’ll end up pulling over at farm gates that look more like the front yards of suburban houses. The smell of freshly baked bread mingles all around with eucalyptus and the smell of stockfeed. You’ll see the same names popping up again and again – on jars at the general store, or down at the Pomonal Village Market – because locals buy local, and they’ll tell you all the reasons you should do the same.
Farm Gates And Artisan Producers
If you’ve ever dreamed of a country weekend spent sampling, chatting and just pottering around, this region’s farm gate circuit is a real treat. Most spots are family-run, so you’ll often come across the person who made the goods before you find the person who’s trying to sell them.
Grampians Estate - Where The Vineyard Meets The Mountain
Every decent food and wine trail in the Grampians starts off at a cellar door. Grampians Estate, a family-run boutique winery in Great Western, is one of my go-to places. The Guthrie family’s Single Vineyard Shiraz, Single Vineyard Riesling, and Sparkling Riesling are real show-stoppers – and they reflect the soil and story of this land in a way that’s hard to beat.
Tom Guthrie is always saying that “the mountain makes the wine” and he’s not far wrong. The cool nights from the surrounding ranges – including Mount Langi Ghiran – bring a complexity to the wine that’s tough to beat even compared to bigger names in the Pyrenees region. The cellar door itself is really welcoming – with tasting paddles and stories just flowing freely.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to grab a local produce platter to go with your wine tasting – its got all the cheeses, olives and chutneys sourced from the nearby farms.
Kerries Kreations — Sweet Jars With A Heart As Warm As Gold
Just a short trip from Halls Gap, Kerries Kreations looks like just a humble country place – but the second you step inside and catch a whiff of that kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. For decades now, Kerrie’s been making her preserves the old-fashioned way, so carefully that you can really taste the difference. Her plum jam and spicy tomato relish have built a bit of a cult following – being a guilty culprit myself, I always manage to sneak home a six pack whenever I’m driving through.
You’ll find Kerrie started off by selling at the Great Western Makers Market, and now those lovely jars pop up in the best local hampers all the way from Hamilton to Dunkeld. No need to look for preservatives, she tells you – its just patience and doing things the right way.
Rosehaven Farms — Real Country Life Tucked Away
Take a drive down Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Road and you’ll stumble upon Rosehaven Farms, a farm which is just bursting with character – and a few cheeky animals to boot. Picture it: miniature donkeys poking their heads over a fence, some inquisitive goats, and a few alpacas trying to see what’s going on over there. This family farm lives and breaths the idea of getting from the paddock to the plate. Its Australian honey, beeswax soaps, and homemade balms are all thanks to their dedication to this way of life.
The kids love getting hands on with the farm, while the adults appreciate the old-fashioned way things used to be done here – unhurried and sustainable. This is the kind of place that brings a genuine smile to your face – and that’s what makes it so special.
Great Western Granary — The Real Bread of Life
You’ll catch a whiff of Great Western Granary before you even see it – the old bluestone building is home to a real sourdough bakery, and the aroma of freshly baked bread is just amazing. The loaves they churn out are the stuff of legend. They let each loaf ferment for 24 hours, which gives it that dense, lovely crumb you just cant get from any other bakery.
They’re big on using “flour with a face” – the grain is all grown right here in Australia, and a lot of it even gets stone-milled on the premises. Grab yourself a coffee and sit in on the bakers at work. Try the fruit loaf and a bit of local butter while you’re at it. Chances are you’ll end up taking one of those loaves home with you.
Red Rock Olives — Where Amazing Picnic Dreams Come Alive
Just outside Pomonal, Red Rock Olives is home to a lovely shaded picnic area, rows of olive trees, and some of the best grazing platters in the whole of the Grampians. Their olive oil, dukkah, and marinated olives are local faves, so you can try them all before settling on what to pack in your basket.
Whether you’re on a wine tasting tour or not, this is a fantastic spot to take a break for lunch – local cheese, artisan bread, and a stunning view of Mount William in the distance.
Five Ducks Farm — Fruit That Tells A Story
At Five Ducks Farm, near Pomonal, the team makes small-batch jams and syrups the old way. Each batch is stirred in copper pans with fruit picked at its peak — true farm gate trail style.
Owner Jan says she just follows the seasons, turning baskets of berries and plums into something to spread thick on sourdough. You’ll find her products with local olive oils and wines at the East Grampians.
The Grampians Store And Hamilton Hamper — Where It All Comes Together
Can’t get to every farm? The Grampians Store in Pomonal and the Hamilton Hamper in town are your shortcut to local flavour. Both stock a great range — Red Rock olives and Kerrie’s jams, Grampians Estate wines.
These aren’t just gift shops; they’re community hubs. Locals pop in for a chat, travellers buy hampers and leave with arms full, and everyone swaps tips on what’s in season.
Dunkeld General Store — Fuel, Food, And A Chat
The Dunkeld General Store has been feeding travellers for generations. Call in for a pie, pick up a local picnic pack and don’t be surprised if you end up talking about the weather, the Royal Mail kitchen garden or who’s just calved down the road.
They’re proud stockists of Grampians-made products and their shelves are proof that small-town retail can work when it’s real.
Markets That Matter — Great Western Makers And Pomonal Village
For a taste of everything under one sky, time your trip with the Great Western Makers Market or Pomonal Village Market. Both are monthly events where farmers, bakers, winemakers and crafters set up shop.
You’ll find everything from hand-stitched leather goods to fresh garlic, handmade candles and local honey. These aren’t tourist traps — they’re where locals buy their groceries and you’ll leave with a better understanding of how this community works.
Market Details:
Great Western Makers Market: First Sunday of the month, Great Western Memorial Park.
Pomonal Village Market: Last Sunday of the month, Pomonal Hall grounds.
Entry: Free, with parking and shady spots for lunch.
Planning Your Own Tasting Trail
If you’re itching to get out and sample the best local produce in the Grampians, then here’s a quick rundown to get you started:
Before you set off:
Check out the opening hours for all the farm gates and cellar doors – a lot of them close mid-week, so you’ll want to know when you can get there.
Don’t forget to bring an esky and a few reusable bags to make the most of any perishables you pick up along the way.
Cash is also a good idea – some of the rural markets might not have credit card facilities.
And pack some sensible shoes, you never know what kind of terrain you’re going to be walking on.
A suggested 2-3 day route:
Start in Halls Gap – grab a bite to eat and stock up on supplies at the local grocer.
Head to Great Western, where you can sample some of the region’s best wines at Grampians Estate and pick up some tasty bread at Great Western Granary.
Drive on over to Pomonal, and then wander on over to the Village Market, and be sure to stop by Five Ducks Farm.
Next up, head to Laharum, where you can stop in and taste some of the best olive oil in the region at Grampians Olive Co, and take a leisurely stroll around the farm.
Finally, end up in Dunkeld, where you can pick up some regional specialties at Dunkeld General Store, and then grab a bite to eat and relax.
This loop takes you to some of the regions best small producers, at a relaxed pace, perfect for a weekend getaway.
If you’re travelling with Melbourne Coastal Tours, their Grampians National Park tours from Melbourne, which start from Melbourne, often include some time to check out the local cellar doors and snag some regional produce along the way – a great taste of Victoria’s heartland before heading back to the city.
FAQ
When is the best time to check out local produce in the Grampians?
Hands down, autumn and spring are the way to go – the weather is a bit cooler, the olive harvest is in full swing, and of course there are always a bunch of regional food festivals going on.
Can I buy Grampians produce online?
Absolutely. There are heaps of producers like Grampians Olive Co, Kerrie’s Kreations, and Five Ducks Farm that sell directly to customers, and then there’s the Hamilton Hamper service which will deliver a curated box of goodies right to your doorstep.
Are the local markets dog-friendly?
Most of the outdoor markets are okay with dogs as long as they’re on a lead – but do check out the latest updates on the Parks Victoria website, or the event Facebook page.
What makes Grampians produce so special?
Just the mix of the mountain climate, the volcanic soil, and all the small-batch craftsmanship – and of course, many producers also do things sustainably and organically, which is just amazing.
o I need to book in advance for tastings at wineries or farms?
It’s always a good idea to book ahead at cellar doors like Grampians Estate or Pomonal Estate – especially on weekends or during holidays, when things can get pretty busy.
