Macedon Ranges

• Pinot Noir: elegant and aromatic, with red cherry and subtle spice; ranges from delicate and smooth to textured and savory.
• Chardonnay: ripe yet restrained, featuring citrus, green apple, and melon, often with a hint of oak.
• Riesling: bone-dry to off-dry, with lime, lemon, and floral aromas; ages well, developing honeyed notes.
• Shiraz (Syrah): medium-bodied, peppery, and savory with black fruit, floral, and earthy notes; often shows a mineral quality.
• Sparkling Wines: lively and crisp, crafted mainly from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and occasionally Riesling.
• Other Varieties: includes small plantings of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Grüner Veltliner; limited Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The Macedon Ranges, with vineyards set between 300 and 1,000 meters, offers a cool climate unique to mainland Australia. This high-altitude region has mild to warm days and cool nights during its long growing season. These conditions are perfect for preserving grape acidity, essential for the region's famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Winters here are cold and wet, with frosts and occasional snow adding to the terroir's complexity. The diverse soils, from shallow clay-loams to well-draining granitic sands, vary across the region. These rocky, acidic soils, often formed from sedimentary or igneous origins, help control vine growth. This leads to intense flavors and distinct site expressions.

The Macedon Ranges, a cool-climate gem in central Victoria, is home to over 40 boutique wineries, each offering unique expressions of their terroir. Here are some noteworthy stops:

• Hanging Rock: Situated close to Mount Macedon, this is one of the region's pioneers, renowned for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and exceptional traditional sparkling wines. The welcoming cellar door is a must-visit.
• Granite Hills: Located in Baynton and established in the early 1970s, this winery is celebrated for its exquisite cool-climate wines, crafted with meticulous vineyard practices.
• Mount Towrong: Nestled near Macedon, this charming vineyard offers cool-climate reds and aromatic whites, thanks to its steep, high-altitude location.

The Macedon Ranges region is making strides in sustainability, with many wineries embracing eco-friendly practices to protect their unique terroir. Growers are managing their vineyards by boosting soil health with cover crops and minimizing tillage to prevent erosion. Integrated Pest Management is common, focusing on natural methods over chemical use.

Organic and biodynamic practices are gaining traction, as producers seek certification and use minimal-intervention techniques. Energy and water conservation is also a priority, with rainwater collection, solar power, and sheep grazing for natural groundcover management. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the quality of the region's celebrated cool-climate wines, ensuring that the Macedon Ranges remains a beacon of sustainable winemaking.

The Macedon Ranges, a cool-climate haven north of Melbourne, offers a rich wine tourism experience. Just an hour's drive from the city, visitors can explore winding roads leading to picturesque wineries set on scenic ridgelines. The region's boutique wineries are known for their farm-to-table cuisine, providing a taste of local flavors from casual picnics to elegant dining experiences.

Regular farmers’ markets showcase regional wines, honey, and preserves, while seasonal wine events offer special tastings and live music. Beyond wine, the area entices with bushwalking and nature adventures, with attractions like Hanging Rock Reserve and Macedon Regional Park. The Macedon Ranges combines scenic beauty, exquisite wines, and sustainable practices, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.