Macedon Ranges Wine & Food Day Tour (Private)
- Duration: 9 Hours (approx.)
- Product code: MRFW
The Macedon Ranges are so close to Melbourne and are often overlooked for the more commercial regions. That lack of commercialisation is in fact a great attraction for an area that sees itself becoming Australia's sparkling wine capital.
HIGHLIGHTS- Lyons Will Estate
- Granite Hills Vineyard
- Cobaw Ridge Vineyard
- Glen Erin Vineyard Retreat
- Hesket Estate Vineyard
Travel to the north of the city to the Lyons Will Vineyard at Lancefield. With vines first planted in 1996, this small vineyard of 5 acres has doubled in size since being acquired by Oliver Rapson and Renata Morello. On gentle, undulating countryside at an elevation of 550 metres above sea level, new plantings of riesling and gamay complement the original chardonnay and pinot noir vines. Enhancing the tasting would be cheese and biscuits.
A short drive away is the family owned and operated Granite Hills Winery at Baynton. The oldest operating vineyard in the region, their vines date back to 1970. The riesling, shiraz and chardonnay in particular are highly sought after but the new varieties of pinot blanc and gruner veltliner offer a refreshing alternative.
It's then off to the Cobaw Ridge Winery that's tucked away in a corner of the State Forest. This is one of the most idyllic settings in the district. The harshness of the surrounding countryside, covered with granite boulders belies the superb wines that are produced here. Chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and an Italian varietal lagrein are all made from estate grown fruit. Enjoy an audience with the owners, Alan & Nelly Cooper.
For lunch, visit the Glen Erin Retreat Vineyard in Lancefield where a 2 course a la carte meal would be enjoyed.
The day concludes with a visit to the Hesket Vineyard in Hesket. At 660 metres above sea level, this is a small family owned and operated vineyard that is dedicated to nurturing the best possible fruit from their boutique site. Apart from chardonnay and pinot noir, there's riesling, gewurztraminer and sparkling to compliment the tasting.
Indicative times of 7:45am to 7:15pm would apply.
