Macedon Ranges: Hanging Rock Mystery Solved

Everyone knows the 100-year-old mystery surrounding eerie Hanging Rock in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, just outside of Melbourne. One mystery however was solved when I visited there recently. Hanging Rock, at 500m elevation, is apparently Australia’s coldest wine growing region and produces some stunning pinot and chardonnay.

Travelling with Trevor Armstrong’s Victoria Winery Tours was a breeze as we leisurely visited the wineries and sights around Kyneton and Woodend with a professional driver and tour guide rolled into one.

Victoria’s Macedon Ranges Wine Region is unique within Australia’s expanding wine landscape and you will find unusual wine varieties in commercial production and under experimentation.

Lagrein, Nebbiolo, Chambourcin, Prosecco, Norton (Cynthiana), Garganega and Pinot Gris are just some of the new varieties you’ll discover as you wander through the wineries.

Check out Hanging Rock Winery (to-die-for Riesling), Cobaw Ridge (fascinating organic Lagrein), Chanters Ridge,  Big Shed Wines (great sparkling) and Mount Towrong Vineyard (delightful Prosecco).

Break up your day with lunch or stay for dinner at Star Anise Bistro located in the intriguing Piper Street of Kyneton. Lunch Thu-Sun, Dinner Thu-Sat inclusive. 03 54 222 777. Bookings essential.

Diary Notes:

• Kyneton Farmers Market in St Pauls Park every 2nd Saturday of the month
• Gisborne Olde Time Markets 1st Sunday of every month
• Sunday Picnic at Hanging Rock – March 14, 2010
• Budburst Festival every year in late spring
• more

Roderick Eime travelled as a guest of Macedon Ranges Shire Council Tourism