What a wonderful day out exploring the Macedon Ranges. Visiting two truly cold climate vineyards where we were treated to some amazing wines in the most picturesque setting with our guide, Paul sharing his love and knowledge of wines. Onto Kyneton for a delicious lunch. Our Vinetrekker Tour was just the most perfect way to explore this neck of he woods.
A Tour Of One Of Melbourne’s Hidden Secrets
The Macedon Ranges are so close to Melbourne yet 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 the sparkling wine capital of Australia. By joining us to visit some of the best wineries and landscapes in this region, you’ll feel the rewards of exploring a little off the beaten path.
Note: Indicative times of 9:00 am to 6:30 pm apply but will be confirmed the evening prior to the date of travel. Pick up is from your city hotel or from another agreed point. If you are staying out of the city, The Athenaeum Theatre, which is located at 188 Collins St in the city could be a meeting point.
Tour Details
Everything You Need To Know
Price
Per Adult: $290
Per Child (4-15 yo): $230
*On Sundays and Public Holidays, the rate will be $310 per adult and $250 per child.
Start time
9:00 am
Finish time
6:30 pm
Meeting place
Pick-up from your city hotel. If staying outside the city, The Athenaeum Theatre, which is located at 188 Collins St in the city would be a central meeting point.
Inclusions
Transport, tastings at nominated wineries, cheese and biscuits at Hesket Estate Winery, main course a la carte lunch with a glass of wine and coffee at Hanging Rock Cafe, entry to Hanging Rock Reserve, bottled water, guide and GST.
Note
Want to do this tour privately? No problem! Contact us for options.
Itinerary
Knight’s Granite Hills Vineyard Tasting
Travel to the north of the city to the family-owned and operated Granite Hills Winery at Baynton. The oldest operating vineyard in the region, their original vines date back to 1970. The Riesling and Shiraz have won numerous awards and the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are beautifully constructed wines. Their cool site has encouraged production of Pinot Blanc and Gruner Veltliner, two white varieties that have originated from Alsace and Austria respectively.
Cobaw Ridge Winery Tasting
A short drive away, and tucked in a corner of the State Forest, is the Cobaw Ridge Winery. 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, Shiraz-Viognier and an Italian varietal Lagrein are all made from estate-grown fruit. Enjoy the surroundings along with your tasting with the owners Alan & Nelly Cooper.
Hanging Rock Cafe Lunch
Enjoy a casual, country-style lunch at the Hanging Rock Cafe that sits adjacent to the imposing Hanging Rock. Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in the unusual rock formations that can now be seen. Hanging Rock is also well known from the novel by Joan Lindsay, Picnic at Hanging Rock and the film made of the story – about the mysterious disappearance of a group of local schoolgirls during a picnic at the Rock in 1900.
Hesket Estate Vineyard Tasting
Post-lunch it’s off to Hesket Estate in Hesket. Situated at 660 metres above sea level, this is a small family operation dedicated to nurturing the best possible fruit from the superb terroir and turning that fruit into the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that is possible to produce.
Hanging Rock Winery Tasting
The day concludes with a visit to the Hanging Rock Winery at Newham. One of the highest elevated vineyards in the district where you’ll enjoy delightful views across to Hanging Rock as well as Mt Macedon. As the region’s largest producer, Hanging Rock Winery sources estate-grown fruit as well as grapes from numerous regions. While their varied selection offers something for most tastes, their flagship wine is the sparkling Macedon.
Back to Base
After such a great day, there is just one thing for you to do – enjoy the ride back to base, as we pass back through this gorgeous countryside and Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
What Our Guests Have Said
What can I say other than it was The Perfect Day!
From the moment Paul picked us up till the moment he dropped us off we had the most fantastic time and learnt so so much about wine and the region. All the local businesses and vineyards had amazing staff and all excellent easy going personalities[…]. We will definitely do this tour again and with Paul as he was a huge part as to why we enjoyed the day so much.
The wineries we visited were wonderful and the wines we sampled were delicious. It was a pleasure to meet the owners and find out the history of how each winery was developed. Thank you so much to Paul, Granite Hills, Cobaw Ridge, Curly Flat and Hanging Rock wineries for a very special and unforgettable day.
