THE Macedon Ranges is one of the state’s great natural treasures and its annual Food and Wine Festival, Budburst, has become a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
On November 18-19 more than 30 wineries nestled in laneways throughout the ranges throw open their cellar doors and welcome visitors with fine wines, food and entertainment.
The region is cool to cold by world grape-growing standards and as a result it offers wines that are limited in quantity but exceptional in quality. Some of these can only be sourced at the cellar door.
The event is a wine and food lover’s delight as fine restaurants and local chefs showcase their wares. Why not book a festival lunch or dinner and stay at one of the many cheery hotels or bed and breakfasts?
At this time of year the Macedon Ranges is exploding with spring colour and if you want to make your visit longer you won’t be disappointed with the variety of activities on offer.
Drive through quiet hamlets and search out a bargain, take in nature walks, world-class nurseries, art galleries, museums, spas, retreats and botanic gardens,
Then there’s the spectacular scenery. At Hanging Rock, made famous by Joan Lindsay’s book Picnic at Hanging Rock and Peter Weir’s film of the same name, you can almost hear the pan flutes playing in the breeze! But the site but has been sacred for millennia to local Indigenous people.
The ranges are on Melbourne’s doorstep – just 45 minutes’ drive from the CBD and accessible by car and train. On both days buses will be available to transport visitors to more than 30 wineries at 20 venues. A weekend winery pass bought online for $20 or $25 on the day gives you a tasting glass to sample one of more than 100 wines.
- For information and booking links, www.budburst.com. For information on the Macedon Ranges area: Kyneton Visitor Information Centre, (03) 5422-6110 or 1800-244-711; or Woodend Visitor Information Centre, (03) 5427-2033 or 1800-244-711.