This is no more evident than Benno Seppelt’s inception of the Centennial Cellar - a truly unique and unparalleled system of maturing single barrels of vintage Tawny for 100 years before release.
In 1866, plans to build a new bluestone cellar were started by Joseph. 12 years later in 1878 and
following the passing of his father, Benno completed the stone cellars. In a gesture both unique and inspirational, Benno selected a puncheon of his finest wine and gave instructions that it was not to be bottled for 100 years. This single barrel of 1878 Tawny port was to remain maturing in a separate room within the bluestone cellars, untouched in the same location 100 years. This
special room would go on to become the ‘Centennial Cellar’.
The tradition of laying down a barrel of the finest wine from each vintage was continued every year following and continues to do so today. The Centennial Cellar now comprises an unbroken lineage of every vintage from the current year back to 1878.
A Century later in 1978, the inaugural 1878 Para Vintage 100 Year Old Tawny was released,
instantly becoming Australia’s most illustrious fortified wine.
Today, the 100 year old Para Tawny remains one of the world’s most collectable wines. It is the only wine in Australia to have ever been awarded 100/100 points from James Halliday and is
often regarded as a true national treasure.
A living museum of Australian winemaking history and undoubtedly the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Seppeltsfield estate, the Centennial Cellar is an absolute must see for visitors. Unlike any other winery in the world, Seppeltsfield offers visitors the opportunity to experience the
Centennial Cellar, including tasting both the 100 year old Para Tawny and birth year vintages.
Vintages are also available for purchase in specially presented gift boxes, which can be
personalised with a recipient’s name.
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