Top 7 Vineyards in the Macedon Ranges Wine Region
By Mairead Foley

With its cool climate you'll find some of Australia's best vineyards in the Macedon Ranges. It's especially suited to the production of sparkling wine and you can also take in the stunning scenery while you're here. Check out our top 7 vineyards in the region.

The Macedon Ranges Wine Region is only about a 45 minute drive north of Melbourne. It's an elevated area around Mount Macedon and makes up part of the Great Dividing Range and the Central Victorian Highlands.

It's a "cool climate" area, with fertile volcanic soil making it an ideal grape and grain growing area. Quality wines produced in the Northern Macedon area are Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot and Shiraz.

It's estimated that there are probably over 40 wineries in the Macedon area, with plenty of charming restaurants to dine in, as well as top accommodation to stay the night.

We've picked some of the top wineries that you can visit in the region:

Granite Hills Winery

This winery is located at the top of the large rocky slopes of Central Victoria's Great Dividing Range. Instantly on your arrival you will be bowled over by the breathtaking scenery. The vineyard lies 85km (around one hours drive) north of Melbourne through Lancefield and is perched on an elevated site of 550m.

Granite Hills is a north-facing vineyard and as such receives a dry warm air from Victoria, which allows for predictable falls of rain to help grape production! It's home of the famous Australian wine, Riesling, and its wine production has won many regional awards!

From Melbourne follow signs for the West Gate Freeway and Tullamarine Freeway (M2). Then veer onto Calder Highway (M79) and continue as far as Kyneton. Take a right at Kyneton, and follow the Kyneton-Baynton Road for about 20km. Continue onto the Burke and Willis Track at Baynton to reach the Winery.

Kyneton Ridge Estate

Kyneton Ridge Estate is located just 8km from Kyneton on the Calder Highway (M79). Here you can purchase or taste from the extensive wine list that includes Chardonnay, Macedon Sparkling or Pinot Noir.

The vineyard is open at weekends from 10am to 6pm, and another alluring feature is the gourmet food that is on offer here! It's situated at 517 Blackhill Rd, about a 90km drive north of the Calder Highway from Melbourne - it shouldn't take any longer than 1 hour 20 minutes.

Gisborne Peak Winery

Gisborne Peak Winery is located just over 35 minutes from Melbourne, via the Calder Highway. To get here, take the Gisborne South exit road and leave the M79. Take the next left and follow the signs for the winery. It's situated at 69 Short Road, 6km from the Gisborne South Exit.

The winery is open from 11am to 4pm on weekdays, and on weekends and public holidays from 11am to 5pm.

Glen Erin Lancefield

Situated at 200 Rochford Rd, Lancefield, Glen Erin Lancefield is almost 100km from Melbourne and will take over 1 hour 20 minutes to get there. From Melbourne, travel north on the Calder Highway (M79) and take the exit at Lancefield Woodend road. Follow this route for around 16km until you reach the Rochford Road.

It's situated at the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, at an altitude of almost 600 metres and it's arguably the coldest wine growing area in Australia. The vineyard is open daily from 8am to 7pm. You'll find accommodation and conference facilities available to book here as well.

The most popular wines produced are Mystic Park Brut, Chardonnay that has an ageing process in German Oak and a fine Pinot Noir.

Hanging Rock Winery

This winery, which was established in 1983, is located at 88 Jim Road, Newham, approximately 75km from Melbourne, a one-hour drive. To get here, take the Calder Highway from Melbourne, and then take the C324 from Woodend to get to Hanging Rock.

Hanging Rock's ever popular wines are the Macedon sparkling wine, and beautiful Sauvignon Blanc. You're also surrounded by stunning scenery - there's a hillside tasting room with great views of Mount Macedon.

The winery is open from 10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Morganfield Vineyard

Located at 104 Ashworths Road Lancefield, Morganfield Vineyard is around 80km from Melbourne and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive. To get here take the Tullamarine Freeway from Melbourne, and take a right onto the Lancefield Road (C324). Pass through Lancefield and take a left onto the Burke and Willis Track, and the vineyard is only 4km from here.

Morganfield Vineyard is run by Mark and Gina Morgan and produces wonderful wine of a cool climate nature, namely Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has won several awards at the Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibitions over the years, including Gold for their wonderful 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard is open at weekends and public holidays for cellar door tastings from 11am - 5pm.

Chanters Ridge Vineyard

Situated at 440 Chanters Lane, Tylden, this is a family owned vineyard. Glenys and Barry Elliott produce wonderful Pinot Noir, and the house special Macedon white. There are wonderful views from the vineyard, which is nestled in stunning countryside, and there's a really nice garden here too.

It's open at weekends from 10am to 4.30, booking your visit in advance is strongly advised.

Chanters Ridge Vineyard is just a 45 minute drive north of Melbourne Airport. Take the Tullamarine and then the Calder Highway from Melbourne, and take a left on the Tylden-Woodend Road, at Woodend Townland.