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, St Paul’s Cathedral which is located on the corner of Flinders & Swanston Streets could be the meeting point.

Tour Details

Everything You Need To Know

Price

Per Adult: $250
Per Child (4-15 yo): $195


Start time

9:00 am


Finish time

6:30 pm


Meeting place

Pick-up from your city hotel. If staying outside the city, St Paul’s Cathedral, which is located in the city on the corner of Swanston & Flinders Streets would be the 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

Hanging Rock Cellar Door, Macedon Ranges

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

Red grape crush, Macedon Ranges

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

Hanging Rock in cloud, Macedon Ranges

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

Curly Flat Vineyard, Macedon Ranges

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

Hanging Rock Sparkling Cuvee, Macedon Ranges

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

Knight's Granite Hills Vineyard, Macedon Ranges

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.

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