Just north of Melbourne, the central Victorian highlands region of Macedon Ranges is home to racy sparkling wine, elegant chardonnay and pinot noir. Lively natural acidity and finesse are hallmarks of Macedon Ranges wine. Chardonnay from the region makes wines of quartzy minerality and longevity as well as high quality sparkling styles. Aromatic whites include riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer and sauvignon blanc. Red wines exhibit natural balance and soft tannin structure. Pinot noir is perfumed, delicate and varietal, while spicy shiraz from warmer sites reveal pepper and licorice flavours. Cabernet sauvignon is often seen with shiraz or merlot and lagrein offers diversity on the alternative front.
The Macedon Ranges is comprised of three main districts: Lancefield-Macedon-Gisborne in the south, Kyneton in the north and Daylesford in the West. While early plantings date back to the 1840s and 50s, viticulture took off in the late 1960s and 70s. Rolling hills, farmland and vineyards extend along either side of the Great Dividing Range in the centre of the region. This is extreme wine country with just 150 ha under vine in the shadow of Mount Macedon. It is the coldest grape growing region on mainland Australia. With elevations of 400 to 600 metres, windswept vineyards are exposed to the elements. Achieving ripeness can be challenging in a landscape of icy chill and rain. Soils consist of granitic and duplex clay loams, sandstone, shale and volcanics.
The beautiful village of Daylesford is renowned for award winning luxury day spa retreats.
