Bold Moves & Fine Wines: Stories Behind the Glass at Budburst

We take a look at the stories behind two local wineries, whose journeys speak of bold tree change moves and the balancing act that comes with establishing an estate vineyard. Take the opportunity to get lost and discover the flavours of these wineries, plus many more at the Budburst Wine Festival this November.

At Mount Monument Winery, what began as a weekend escape has grown into something remarkable. Mount Monument, the estate of architect Nonda Katsalidis, sits in Romsey at the heart of the Macedon Ranges. It’s home to a striking modern building, a vineyard, sculpture park, restaurant, and cellar door that share the same creative spirit.

Bold concrete forms and clean lines stand among granite outcrops, a rounded volcanic hill, and a thriving olive grove.

Mount Monument’s wines, crafted by award-winning winemaker Ben Mullen, echo Nonda’s design style – refined, structured, and full of character. The chardonnay, pinot noir, and riesling capture the cool climate’s elegance and mineral edge.

The restaurant and cellar door, accented with curated artworks, are spaces where wine, food, and good company come together.

Designer of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower and Tasmania’s MONA, Nonda has shaped Mount Monument into a place to explore, enjoy, and maybe get a little lost during Budburst.

A short drive away, at Lyons Will Estate, is it the care and passion, of owners of Ollie and Renata, that make this winery such a special place. Ollie Rapson’s Mad Men-esque career in advertising and Dr Renata Morello’s roles as a physiotherapist and senior researcher in public health may seem far from winemaking, but their shared love of wine, sparked a passion too strong to ignore.

Not long after they met, it was a shared 96 Moss Wood Chardonnay that catapulted his passion for wine into an ambitious pursuit. Soon after, Ollie had enrolled in the viticulture night course at NMIT. After much research and fact finding, in the summer of 2013, Ollie and Renata finally settled on what was then a small vineyard and home, and what is now Lyons Will Estate.

Their leap to Lancefield at the height of their careers may sound like a leap of faith, but it was no whim. Today, they pour their ambition into cultivating 18 scenic acres, balancing vineyard life with careers, kids, and a spirited dog.

Their divide and conquer approach defines Lyons Will. Ollie brings his sharp eye and viticulture expertise to chardonnay and pinot noir while Renata draws on scientific rigour to craft riesling and gamay. Their bright cellar door framed by bold basalt rocks and overlooking a symphony of vines welcomes guests to experience the authenticity of their craft and character.

At Budburst, both Ollie and Renata will be on hand to share their unfiltered charm with festival punters who drop into Lyons Will Estate.

Just under an hour from Melbourne, but a world away from ordinary, Budburst is a two-day festival, perfect for the wine enthusiast, culture seeker and weekend wanderer. The ideal way to discover the many stories and characters of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region.

Both Mount Monument and Lyons Will are also on the Budburst Lancefield Bus Loop (one of two bus loops, both of which depart from and return to the Woodend Train Station).

Discover more and book your tickets at budburst.com