Animus Distillery Attwoods Daylesford Eat & Drink Granite Hills Winery Hanging Rock Winery Hunter - Gatherer Vintners Kyneton The High Tea Mistress winery Wombat Forest Vineyard

Our region prides itself on providing you with some of the best drinks in Australia; wine, spirits…and tea! This itinerary is for the discerning traveller, one who wants to sample wines from the very best producers - both well-known and ‘hidden gems’ – as well as world-class gin, and an unforgettable high tea to end the tour. This itinerary will take you to some of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges’ most beautiful spots, charming towns and innovative businesses. It is the ideal regional daytrip and can be done from Melbourne, or as part of an overnight stay.

Plan Ahead
Best to undertake this itinerary on the weekend when all wineries are open
Why you’ll love this
A mix of large and small family run vineyards, full of knowledge and passion for what they do and serving incredible wines

On this jaunt across Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire, you will sample some of the best wines in Australia, from multi-award winning producers. If you know your wine, you’ll love the producers featured here.

Our friends at Animus Distillery produce amazing cocktails so you might like to split this itinerary over two days; starting in the Macedon Ranges before spending the night in or around Kyneton, then on to Glenlyon, Daylesford and Clunes.

The last stop is the charming village of Clunes, where you enjoy a high tea.  There is ample accommodation in the area, should you wish to spend the night in Clunes, Creswick or Daylesford.

Hanging Rock Winery

Hanging Rock Winery is a great place to start.  This renowned winery has been creating wines of distinction for almost 40 years, their cellar door boasting an extensive award-winning range. Set in a breathtakingly beautiful location, Hanging Rock Winery is one of the most award-winning wineries in Australia, achieving numerous Red 5 Star awards from notable wine critic, James Halliday. A visit to the Hanging Rock Winery Cellar Door, is an authentic experience. The friendly, passionate and knowledgeable staff are well versed in all aspects of the range on offer. All varieties and price points are covered. After your wine tasting, treat yourself to a glass or a bottle, along with a local gourmet cheese platter - it’s the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon. Picnic tables are available to take in the iconic backdrop of the vineyard, Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon or bring a picnic blanket to spread out on the spacious lawn.  Enjoy the Art in The Vines sculpture exhibition for free any day of the week. You may even go home with some of their estate grown, grass fed, 2 year old Hanging Rock Speckle Park Beef.
OPEN - 7 days, 10am-5pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)
hangingrock.com.au 

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Granite Hills Winery

Not far away, Granite Hills Winery has been producing award winning wines for over 50 years, making it one of the region's most acclaimed wineries. Experience at cellar door exciting new varieties of wines including grüner veltliner, pinot blanc and gamay together with their signature wines: riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and a benchmark peppery shiraz. Granite Hills’ owner and winemaker, Llew Knight, is a cool-climate wine enthusiast. His winemaking philosophy is to coax the most pronounced flavours from classic varieties using a range of winemaking and oak-management techniques, creating distinctive cool-climate wine styles that are marked by their complexity and ageing ability. Granite Hills is a must-visit if you are in the Macedon Ranges. Their cellar door is open for tastings from 11am-5pm every day. We are big fans of these wines!
OPEN - Seven days 11am to 5pm
granitehills.com.au

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Hunter-Gatherer Winery

A short drive takes you to beautiful Hunter-Gatherer, whose wines are handcrafted, with a specialty in traditional method sparkling, including Prosecco, Ancestral Pet Nat & Sparkling Shiraz. Nestled in the rolling Pastoria Hills, their cool climate vineyard produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Noir and we source grapes from Heathcote to make our delicious Sangiovese and Shiraz. The wines here encompass a faithful expression of the terroir and allowing the natural characteristics of the fruit to shine. Enjoy the relaxed and friendly winery experience and sit back, enjoy the wines and views with friends. People rave about this place.  This is what past visitors have to say about experience at HG Winery: "A wide selection of wines, set against a beautiful backdrop in rural Victoria, off the beaten track." "Lovely winery, delicious wines and friendly hosts" 'It's not very often you can go to a winery and enjoy everything you taste"... "Brian the winemaker has an insight into wine unlike most" '"Passionate owners, great vibe, pretty location and top wine" "So excited to taste the sparkling red, it's a party in the mouth". "Enjoyed the serenity, definitely worth a visit!"
OPEN - Saturdays and Sundays 12-5pm
hgwines.com.au 

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Animus Distillery

Time to head into the beautiful village of Kyneton, where you find the sensational Animus Distillery.  Here, you find award winning craft gin, distilled locally in the heart of Kyneton. Born out of a passion for craft Australian spirits and founded in 2015, Animus Distillery is the premier distillery & cocktail lounge in the region and receives rave reviews. Visit their Distillery Door and Cocktail Lounge, enjoy a flight of three core gins or choose an expertly crafted cocktail from a constantly evolving menu to reflect the seasons. While here, fill your tummy with some of the finest local charcuterie and cheese while relaxing in our chesterfield lounges... The team at Animus also proudly offer a wide selection of regional very best wines, beers & ciders for enjoyment at the cocktail lounge or for you to take home.
OPEN - 7 days a week, from midday. We highly recommend reservations to avoid disappointment, via 03.
animusdistillery.com

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Wombat Forest Vineyard and Winery

Heading west, towards Glenlyon through the beautiful Wombat Forest, your next stop is a true hidden gem.  Wombat Forest is a family owned and operated property that has created a reputation for producing premium hand crafted wines displaying classic cool climate characteristics derived from an extended ripening period. Their reds are matured in French Oak with pruning undertaken in near arctic conditions. Their whites are crisp, fruit driven and food friendly. Local legends Brendon and Dee provide a genuine Australian bush experience and their venue and surrounds generate a relaxed atmosphere. They pride themselves on practicing environmentally friendly practices.  Celebrating twenty five years, Brendon and Dee invite guests to be immersed in their picturesque surroundings as they experience genuine country hospitality, premium wine and seasonal platters. Their extensive range of wines include reds, whites, rose and sparkling. You have the opportunity to meet the wine maker, experience the natural bush setting, and find out some information about local history. They have also created a niche by being horse friendly for local riding groups. Events at their winery promote and host local musicians.
OPEN - Friday 1-5pm, Saturday, 11-5, Sunday 11-5 or by appointment
wombatforestwines.com  

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Attwoods Wines

Drive through the stunning little village of Glenlyon before stopping in at nearby Attwoods Wines.  Attwoods specialises in the production of cool climate premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cellar door is an opportunity to meet the winemaker and taste the wines with their French inspired lunch menu (Fri-Sun). Passionate and down to earth, the team here is all about sharing their passion and story, giving you something beyond the usual cellar door experience. Arriving at the winery from a dirt road through bush land, you are met with the most stunning setting, the winery, restaurant and cellar door are surrounded by landscaped gardens and picturesque vines. The beautiful dining room, terraced decking and shaded patio and gardens is the ultimate destination for a long lunch and wine tasting. Choose the 4 course set menu, French casual fine dining, by renowned chef (who, like the wine maker has spent a lot of time in France) matched perfectly with the European influenced wines…or linger over a grazing board of French cheeses or local charcuterie produce. Passionate about wine? Then book a private barrel room tasting with winemaker Troy Walsh for the ultimate experience. Troy’s down to earth demeanour belies his exceptional experience and talent. Attwoods was awarded 'Best Large Cellar Door, Macedon Ranges' by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine 2021.
OPEN - Friday 12-4, Saturday 11-5, Sunday 11-4
attwoodswines.com.au  

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The High Tea Mistress

OK, so you have sampled some fine booze, now it’s time to finish the day with a nice cup of tea…but this is not ordinary cuppa.  The team at High Tea Mistress in Clunes create a unique High Tea in their charming shop.  Lounge on vintage velvet armchairs whilst sipping on local wines in a crystal cut saucer, sipping hand blended teas & enjoying delectable High Tea delights. They also offer Picnicking & Igloo Experiences, throughout the region.  Each experience is uniquely curated for you.  Indulge in a private picnic experience in a styled igloo, or picnic, without having to look at the weather report! This is a fine way to end what has been an amazing journey through the region. Feel free to stay on in any of the charming towns and villages like Clunes, Creswick or Daylesford.
OPEN -  7 days a week, 10am - 5:30pm. They operate a delivery & mobile experiences outside these hours as well.
thehighteamistress.com.au

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