Want to discover one of Australia’s coolest wine regions? Then mark your calendars, as the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Festival, Budburst takes place over the weekend, 18-20 November, 2022. This fun and immersive event provides the perfect opportunity to get behind the vines to meet the family-owned and small batch makers that shape this award-winning wine region.

The event will kick off with Budburst Blooms, on Friday 18 November. This new event offering brings the cellar door to you, with off the beaten path wineries providing tastings at four festival hubs around the region. Pick up your wine glass, start the Budburst journey and speak directly to some of Macedon Ranges’ artisanal winemakers. The three Budburst Blooms hubs are Lancefield Lodge in Lancefield, the Victoria Hotel in Woodend and Piper Street Wine Company in Kyneton.  

On the Saturday and Sunday (19-20 November) wineries across the region will open their doors. You can travel independently and explore the wineries of your choice, or book one of the two Budburst Hoppa buses, visiting up to five wineries on two designated routes. You’ll be sipping on merlot and shiraz; chardonnay and riesling; sparkling and pinot noir. 

New for Budburst 2022 is the Daylesford Drive Hoppa route. This route departs Cliffy’s Emporium in Daylesford before journeying onto event hubs in Trentham and Kyneton with a final stop at Hunter Gatherer Winery.  

The Lancefield Loop Hoppa bus will depart from and return to Woodend Train Station, stopping off at five wineries, include Lyons Will, Hanging Rock Winery and Parkside Winery & Farm. Settle in at each stop to experience the country charm of Macedon Ranges winemakers and feast on a curated menu featuring local produce – think spring lamb, gourmet pies and sausages, wood fired pizzas, cheese platters and charcuterie boards – while listening to the sounds of live music.

Budburst tickets start from $33 (Budburst Blooms) with various packages available across the weekend. Tickets include a $20 voucher to be spent at participating Budburst cellar doors and events. A Budburst Hoppa bus ticket is $50 per person per day and must be purchased online ahead of the event.

Festival tickets are on sale now and can be booked at budburst.com.