Macedon Ranges

Macedon Ranges sits approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, encompassing parts of the Great Dividing Range and the Central Victorian Highlands. The region is a sub-region of the larger Port Phillip zone in Victoria. Vineyards are planted across a dramatic elevation range of 300 to 800 metres above sea level, with the extinct volcano Mount Macedon rising to approximately 1000 metres. This varied topography creates significant variation in growing conditions across the region.

• Sub-region of Victoria's Port Phillip zone
• Elevations of 300-800 metres, some sites approaching 1000 metres
• Encompasses parts of the Great Dividing Range and Central Victorian Highlands
• Mount Macedon is an extinct volcano at the heart of the region

Macedon Ranges earns its title as Australia's coolest mainland wine region through a combination of high elevation, cold winds, and significant rainfall. The southeast is cool to extremely cold and windswept, while the northwest is very cold. Warm days contrast sharply with significantly cooler evenings, slowing ripening and preserving natural acidity in the grapes. Soils vary considerably across the region, reflecting the diverse geology, and include granitic sandy loams, sandstone and shale, volcanic soils, and clay loams.

• Classified as cool to extremely cold, with high rainfall
• Large diurnal temperature variation preserves acidity and aromatic intensity
• Granitic sandy loams dominate many vineyard sites
• Volcanic and clay loam soils also present across the region

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the undisputed signature varieties of Macedon Ranges, thriving in the cold conditions and producing elegant, refined wines with high natural acidity. The region is particularly celebrated for sparkling wine production, with grapes often harvested before full ripeness to deliver the ideal base for traditional-method fizz. Red wines from varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon show pronounced pepper and spice character. The region also grows Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Malbec, Gamay, Barbera, Lagrein, and Tempranillo.

• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the benchmark varieties
• High acidity and cool ripening make the region ideal for sparkling wine production
• Reds show pepper, spice, and light to medium body
• Diverse variety plantings reflect the experimental nature of boutique producers

The first vines in Macedon Ranges were planted in the 1860s, but the modern wine industry did not take shape until the 1970s. Tom Lazar established Virgin Hills with plantings in the late 1960s, and Gordon Knight planted at Granite Hills in 1971, laying the foundations for today's industry. The Macedon Ranges Geographical Indication was officially registered on 21 August 2002. Today the region counts around 64 wineries and 27 cellar doors, with production dominated by boutique, family-owned estates.

• First vines planted in the 1860s
• Virgin Hills (Tom Lazar) and Granite Hills (Gordon Knight, 1971) pioneered the modern era
• GI officially registered on 21 August 2002
• Around 64 wineries, mostly small boutique producers

Macedon Ranges is home to some of Victoria's most respected boutique producers. Bindi Wine Growers and Curly Flat have built international reputations for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Hanging Rock Winery is among the region's largest producers and a reliable source of sparkling wine. Granite Hills, one of the region's founding estates, remains a benchmark for cool-climate Riesling and red varieties. Cobaw Ridge, Cope-Williams, Gisborne Peak Winery, and Passing Clouds round out a lineup of dedicated, small-scale producers.

• Bindi Wine Growers and Curly Flat lead the region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Hanging Rock Winery is well known for sparkling wine production
• Granite Hills is one of the region's oldest and most respected estates
• Cobaw Ridge known for alternative varieties including Lagrein