Kyneton | Self-Contained Cottage Accommodation at Porcupine Ridge Estate, Daylesford for Holiday and Weekend Getaways in the Heart of the Macedon Ranges.

Food & Wine

Daylesford – Endless Choices for Food and Wine

Welcome to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges. If you are interested in wonderful produce and great food and wine, then this is the place for you.

Follow your appetite to the region that takes indulgence to another level, with wonderful seasonal fare and great wine celebrated in every town in the region.

Journey to The Lake House, Daylesford’s gourmet heart in a region known for its highly-rated restaurants, but Hepburn Springs, Kyneton and Woodend have also become foodie havens. The dedication to quality extends even to the smaller towns, with attractive cafés popping up in Trentham, Clunes and Malmsbury.

Delight in the pristine environment, fertile volcanic plains and clear mineral springs that provide the backdrop to your food and wine adventure. Fill your boot with produce so fresh it goes straight from the paddock to your plate. Be sure to follow signs down country lanes to small but internationally recognised family vineyards.

You’ll run into many like minded folk. It may be a dedicated orchardist, a beekeeper, a winemaker or a chef. In our villages it may be the person on the other side of the counter or the bloke pulling the beer who’ll tell you where you should have dinner, who’s producing a good drop and who bakes the best bread. Keep your ear to the ground and you’re bound to make some wonderful discoveries.

Macedon Ranges and Daylesford

The Macedon Ranges and Daylesford’s pristine, beautiful environment, rich fertile volcanic plains, distinct seasons and abundance of crystal clear mineral springs flowing freely from the ground provide the perfect backdrop for your truly excellent food and wine adventure.

So get out there! We look forward to meeting you at our cellar doors and farm-gates, or having you enjoy the fruits of our labours in our local stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Budburst Wine and Food Festival

By Janet Oliver on Nov 28, 2011 in Art & Culture, Food and Wine, What's Happening | Leave a Comment

Winemakers celebrate the early Spring in the Macedon Ranges

Visit the the coolest wine district in the country! Over the weekend more than 30 wineries are offering wine – limited in quantity and exceptionally high in quality.

Join the winegrowers of the Macedon Ranges Region at the annual Budburst Wine & Food Festival as the grape begins its journey from budburst to bottle.

The Budburst Festival is a celebration of the wine, food & lifestyle of the Macedon Ranges and the emerging buds signal the beginning of the new grape growing season and the arrival of spring.

Wineries across the region, mostly small and all family operated, will open their cellar doors or cluster together to offer wine tastings of spectacular ‘limited edition’ cool climate wines.

This event is an opportunity to talk to the people who grow the grapes and make the wine.

Our cellar doors, some rarely open, are a mix of old world and rustic charm offering amazing views, heritage buildings, magnificent gardens, sheltered courtyards and more. Discover the diversity of limited edition wines and artisan produce in the Macedon Ranges Region.

Wine, food and music are natural partners, so expect the best at Budburst. Food is available at most locations – pizzas, oysters, tasting platters, gourmet fare and desserts with a focus on regional produce and our famous regional foodies.

30 cellar doors celebrate with wine, music and food. On the 12-13th of November 2011 enjoy food, wine and music as the winemakers celebrate the beginning of spring.

Visit www.budburst.com to plan your weekend of cellar doors and winemaker dinners. Purchase your tasting glass for $15 from participating wineries during November 12 -13. Taste the wines and share the passion of our winemakers and restaurateurs when you take the road less travelled during the Budburst Festival.

Discover the diversity of limited edition wines and artisan produce in the Macedon Ranges during the Budburst Weekend. Maps and extra information on cellar doors and winemaker dinners can also be found.

The Macedon Ranges is a uniquely cool climate area that produces some fine wines that in most cases can only be purchased from the cellar door.

This weekend provides an excellent opportunity to discover a new favourite wine approximately an hour from Melbourne.

Date: 12th-13th November 2011
Details: Macedon Ranges Wine Region Kyneton Area 3444

10 am to 5 pm daily, $15 inc’s tasting glass

Phone: +61 0354255492

Check out the participating wineries for the Budburst Festival
Download the Budburst Festival 2011 Food and Wine program 2.26 Mb

This video represents the new look and feel for Macedon Ranges Wines – Limited Edition:

Rowanston on the Track

Four outstanding boutique wineries have come together to entice your taste buds over the Budburst weekend. As well as Rowanston’s prize winning Riesling, spicy Shiraz and Sparkling blanc de noir you will be able to taste a wide range of wines including, Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Gewurztramminer and Shiraz.

At Rowanston on the track there are three acres of large trees and garden which make for a perfect setting for sipping wine and enjoying the welcoming friendly atmosphere of a day in the country. We even have shelter in farm shedding if the weather requires it. A wholesome lunch (including home made cakes) created from mostly on-farm and local produce will be available all day.

Visit the Macedon Ranges and Rowanston on the Track for the Budburst Wine and Food Festival to experience new vintages, special events, great food, music and great company in the coolest wine district in the country.

Rowanston on the Track Winery is located on the northern foothills of the Macedon Ranges on the Burke and Wills track between Lancefield and Heathcote – an easy drive from Melbourne via the Melbourne International Airport.

The family-run boutique vineyard produces Shiraz, Riesling, Merlot, Sparkling Shiraz and sparkling white, Blanc de Noir. Special feature of this vineyard include original stone fences, fantastic views of the McCarg Ranges including park-like old gardens. Explorers Burke and Wills travelled past the property en-route to Swan Hill on the first leg of their ill-fated journey in August 1861.

Kyneton Ridge Estate

Kyneton Ridge Estate is one of the premier winery destinations for Budburst, offering wine tastings, light café meals or full Sunday lunches. Delight your ears with mellow chilled live jazz music on Sunday.

They will be serving food all Budburst weekend. The majority of ingredients have been sourced locally, supporting local farmers and businesses. Enjoy a two course meal or pop past at any time over the weekend for a casual meal or snack.

Join chief winemaker John Boucher, for complimentary wine tastings featuring our best ever Shiraz,which has scooped several awards in 2011, plus new releases of our award winning pinot noir and sparkling releases. Kyneton Ridge is open all Budburst weekend so come past for a wine or some coffee and bask in the sun as you enjoy the panoramic views from our deck. Grab a light snack or book in for lunch. Kyneton Ridge Estate is an all weather venue, with air conditioning on hot days, and crackling log fires for when the chill sets in.

Your hosts John and Pauline look forward to welcoming you at the cellar door. For enquiries or to book your table call 03 5422 7377.

Passing Clouds Winery

Join Passing Clouds as they celebrate their first official Budburst Weekend as part of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region Wine & Food Festival. And, on Saturday November 12, from 5pm to 6:30pm enjoy a deliciously decadent evening of fine Passing Clouds wines paired perfectly with regional and European cheeses at the intimate Gourmet Larder Café.
Cheese & Wine tasting:
Sparkling Chardonnay 2008 with Fromager D’Affinois (French double cream brie)
Macedon Chardonnay 2009 with Holy Goat La Luna (Local goats cheese from Sutton Grange)
Pinot Noir 2008 with Delice de Bourgone (French triple cream brie)
Graemes Blend 2008 with Jensen Red (washed rind from Victoria)
The Angel 2008 with Petit Basque (semi-hard sheeps milk cheese)

Passing Clouds Wines Available: 2008 Macedon Ranges Chardonnay, 2008 Sparkling Chardonnay, 2006 Reserve Shiraz, 2010 Bendigo Shiraz, 2008 Graeme’s Blend Shiraz Cabernet, 2009 Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir, 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir and 2008 The Angel Cabernet Sauvignon.
Food: Regional Platters

Passing Clouds Winery is located in beautiful Musk at 30 Roddas Lane, which is five minutes drive out of Daylesford, on the Daylesford-Trentham Road.

Macedon Ranges Festivals and Markets

By Janet Oliver on Nov 27, 2011 in Art & Culture, Food and Wine, Weekend Getaway, What's Happening | Leave a Comment

Macedon Ranges COMMUNITY MARKETS

Markets are a way of life in the Macedon Ranges, and have been for years as locals bought their produce direct from the producer. It used to be pretty simple, and it is still is…farmers pick their fruit and vegetables, harvest their honey, make their wine, bottle their conserves, and then bring them to the villages for sale.

With so many choices, markets, festivals, colour and diversity, you could spend most weekends sampling the cuisine, fresh produce and handicrafts of the region, not to mention the wineries, music and arts!

Nowadays, people from neighbouring regions flock to the delightful range of farmers and craft markets throughout the Macedon Ranges, guaranteed of top-quality produce and hoping for a bargain or two. The produce may be a bit more sophisticated – such as flavoured olive oils, delicious goats cheese and tempting sweets – but the down-to-earth warmth and open friendliness of the sellers hasn’t changed one bit.

Regional Markets

Gisborne Olde Time Market
When: First Sunday of the month
Where: Service roads on Hamilton and Aitken streets

Sunbury Family Market
When: First Saturday of month
Where: Sunbury Community Centre, Elizabeth Drive

Sugar and Spice Children’s Market
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend, September 4
Website: sugarandspicechildrens market.blogspot.com

Hanging Rock market
When: Next market October 30, 10am-3pm. Cost $5 a car.

Gisborne All Seasons market
When: First Sunday of month
Where: Gisborne Village Shopping Centre

Macedon Ranges Local Festivals

Hume Festival of Music
A month-long celebration of music, date to be announced.

Sunbury Wine Region Festival
Taste your way through Hume’s award-winning vineyards, August 27-28.
Web: sunburywines.com.au

Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival, September 1-11
Web: kynetondaffodilarts.org.au

Sunfest, March 17-18
Web: sunfest.org.au

Woodend Winter Arts festival
Web: woodendwinterartsfestival. org.au

MACEDON RANGES FARMERS MARKETS

Highlands Farmers Market
When: Third Saturday of month
Where: North Shore Rd, Craigieburn

Sunbury
When: Second Saturday of month
Where: The Gatehouse, 1 Macedon St

Riddells Creek
When: Third Saturday of month
Where: Riddells Creeek Primary School, Main Rd

Lancefield
When: Fourth Saturday of month
Where: In the Centre Plantation, High St

Woodend
Third Sunday of month in High St

Kyneton
Where: Second Saturday of month
When: St Pauls Park, Piper St
Fruit and vegetable swap
Every fortnight at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre
Phone: 9205 2760

Daylesford’s’ Wine Villages – Annual Spring Budburst Wine & Food Festival

By Janet Oliver on Nov 11, 2011 in Food and Wine, What's Happening |

Experience a progressive lunch at four boutique wineries all within ten minutes of Daylesford, 20 minutes from Kyneton and 30 minutes from Woodend.

Explore the region and take in our neighbouring winery villages.
- Glenlyon – Musk – Sailors Falls -

Experience a progressive lunch at participating wineries all within ten minutes of Daylesford, Sailors Falls and Glenlyon on Sat 12 Nov & Sun 13 Nov 10 am – 5 pm at these wineries:

Ellender Estate, Passing Clouds, Sailors Falls Estate and Fontanella

Ellender Estate

Ellender Estate is a boutique vineyard and winery located just outside Glenlyon, near Daylesford, in one of Victoria’s most stunning rural environments.

The wines reflect their varietal origins and the terroir of where they are grown. Employing traditional winemaking techniques, the grapes are handpicked to produce wine with minimal intervention, reflecting characters provided by nature and entrusted to our care and respect.

The picturesque scenery and intimate surroundings of Ellender Estate are the perfect setting for your next function, wedding or conference. For a romantic getaway, book a picnic hamper in our boatshed beside the lake or amongst the vines.

L’Osteria of Ellender Estate reflects the Swiss Italian settlement of the area with wine heritage since 1850’s. Pizzas and breads are cooked in the wood-fired oven on weekends and public holidays. Guest Chefs are invited to cook in the wood-fired oven at special events during the year.

Taste Ellender Sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Rosé, Pinot Noir and Pinot Nero. Stop by for an Italian “Porchetta” wood-fired suckling pig in a panini with a glass of our wine. See Red and Nelle, our entertainment. Shelter available in an outdoor pavilion and marquee.

Contact: Jenny and Graham Ellender
Tel: 5348 7785
Address: 260 Green Gully Road, Glenlyon, 3461
www.ellenderwines.com.au
Email: jenny@ellenderwines.com.au

Passing Clouds Winery

Find out for yourself why James Halliday recently gave Passing Clouds winery 5 stars in the 2012 Wine Companion Guide.

Experience their new location – with vines at 771 metres, – a true cool climate setting. Enjoy exquisite wines in a stunning location matched with delicious regional produce platters.

Partake in a game of petanque or the more difficult ‘chuck the bung in the barrel’. Indulge in a picnic and Passing Clouds wine with the beautiful Wheelers Hill as a backdrop.

Special events: Saturday evening (12 Nov): head over to the Gourmet Larder Café for the inaugural decadent cheese evening from 5 pm-6.30 pm. Five Passing Clouds wines matched with French and local cheeses. Learn all about pairing cool climate wines with delicious and delicate cheeses when Chef Tim Austin shares his passion and knowledge for all things wine and cheese.

Food: Regional Platters or BYO Picnic
Entertainment: Scott Cameron’s piano music and songs
Wines available: 2008 Macedon Ranges Chardonnay, 2008 Sparkling Chardonnay, 2006 Reserve Shiraz, 2010 Bendigo Shiraz, 2008 Graeme’s Blend Shiraz Cabernet, 2009 Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir, 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir and 2008 The Angel Cabernet Sauvignon

Bookings essential 5348 4700.

Contact: Cameron Leith
Address: 30 Roddas Lane, Musk
Web: www.passingclouds.com.au
Email: office@passingclouds.com.au

Sailors Falls Estate

Experience the quality cool climate wines and taste our special wood fire pizzas while enjoying a tranquil and picturesque bushland setting, just five minutes from Daylesford.

Robert and Margaret McDonald established Sailors Falls Estate in 1999 on a property adjacent to the land Margaret’s ancestors lived on in the 1860’s. The estate offers high quality self-contained accommodation in a vineyard setting, featuring spas and wood fires, plus award winning and estate grown wines.

A great place for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend of indulgence, taking in the food and wellness opportunities offered by the premier spa country location of Daylesford just a few minutes away.

As early as the 1860’s vineyards were established around the Hepburn area by our Swiss and Italian pioneers. A vineyard of 15,000 burgundy and hermitage vines existed near where Villa Parma stands today. By 1892, there were 30 growers in the area.

The pioneers continue to inspire us and we are proud to work cooperatively with Passing Clouds and Ellender Estate to showcase the wines of one of the original wine areas of Australia during the Macedon Ranges Budburst celebrations for 2011.

Wines available: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Rosé
Food: Wood fire pizzas and bull boar sausages
Shelter: Cellar door has seating for 15 in front of an open fire

Contact: Rob and Margaret McDonald
Phone: 5348 6626; 0418 374 854
Address: 1073 Telegraph Road, Sailors Falls
Web: www.sailorsfallsestate.com.au
Email: sailorsfallsestate@westnet.com.au

Fontanella Wines & Vineyard

Fontanella Wines and Vineyard is a small family owned boutique vineyard located 3 km east of the “the Old Glenlyon Store” just 10 Minutes from Daylesford. Fontanella Wines and Vineyard produces hand- crafted cool climate Italian wines – Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo.

The vines and grapes are lovingly nurtured and cared for by hand at Fontanella Vineyard. Yields are voluntarily kept low to keep the grapes at their highest intensity, and each harvest is done by hand to ensure the best possible selection and care of the grapes.

Wines available: Prosecco 2010, Pinot Grigio 2010, Pinot Grigio 2011 and Nebbiolo 2010
Food: Gourmet tasting plates and cheeses. For the sweet tooth some home-made treats.
Shelter: Cellar door, tasting area and marquee

Contact: John and Amanda Fontanella
Tel: 5348 7908, John: 0408 388 118 | Amanda 0400 388 054
Address: 1225 Malmsbury Road, Glenlyon 3461
Web: www.fontanellawines.com.au
Email: wine@fontanellawines.com.au

At all other times of the year, visit their cellar door in Glenlyon, 3km from the General Store, 10 minutes out of Daylesford, Sat | Sun 12 pm – 5 pm or weekdays by appointment or chance.

There are two sides to every holiday in Daylesford. On one hand, you can rejuvenate in Daylesford’s famous spa waters.

Then when you want to indulge, try decadent local food and wine, luxurious accommodation and shopping galore.

For more information on this beautiful region, don’t miss the splendid Macedon Ranges Official Visitor Guide 2011/12

Also see the Tasty Little Touring Map, a great tool to help you navigate through the region’s fabulous food, wines, accommodation, events, attractions, farm gates and provedores.

Food & Wine

Food & Wine