*Most Popular* Winery Tour in the Macedon Ranges

If you’re looking to explore one of Australia’s coolest wine regions without the hassle of planning, this top-rated tour from Melbourne offers a full day of tastings, scenic views, and engaging stories from passionate locals. For $740.20 per person, you’ll spend around 10 hours with a knowledgeable guide, visiting renowned boutique wineries, award-winning gin distilleries, and craft breweries in the Macedon Ranges—just about an hour from Melbourne.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized experience—with private group options of up to 13 people, you get a relaxed, intimate day where your guides, Shu-Mei and Ewan, focus on making each stop meaningful. Second, the variety of stops—from traditional wineries to innovative distilleries—means you’ll taste more than just wine, including superb gins and craft beers, all while soaking in the scenic beauty of rolling hills and lush vineyards.

One thing to consider? The tour involves tasting fees at each venue, usually between $10 and $20, so budgeting for that is wise. Also, since it’s a full day, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a sense of curiosity will help you get the most out of it. It’s perfect for wine lovers, friends, couples, or small groups celebrating a special occasion—especially those who appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and authentic local flavors.

Key Points

• Intimate group sizes allow for personalized attention and relaxed interactions.
• Diverse tasting experiences cover wine, gin, and craft beer, appealing to a range of tastes.
• Beautiful scenery and scenic stops like Hanging Rock enhance the day with photo-worthy views.
• Knowledgeable guides make the experience both fun and informative, sharing insights about the region’s cool climate wines.
• Flexible private options suit small groups, birthdays, or corporate events, adding a touch of exclusivity.
• Value for money considering transportation, snacks, tastings, and the expert guides.

Exploring the Macedon Ranges Winery Tour

This tour is a carefully curated journey through one of Australia’s most distinctive wine regions. Located just an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges are known for their cool climate wines—think crisp, aromatic whites and well-structured reds. But this tour adds more than just wine; it’s a full-day adventure with gin, craft beer, and delicious food, all wrapped in a friendly, relaxed vibe.

The Itinerary: A Day of Discovery

The tour starts early, with pickup at Federation Square’s bus and coach zone by 8:30 am. From there, we head out to explore a series of carefully chosen stops, each offering a different taste of the region.

Stops 1-3: The journey begins with convenient pickups at Sunbury and Woodend train stations, ensuring easy access from Melbourne. These scenic drives set the tone—expect to see rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming small towns.

Stops 4-5: Boutique Wineries
Paramoor Winery and Hanging Rock Winery are the first tasting stops. Here, you’ll meet the winemakers and learn about the region’s unique terroir. The wineries emphasize boutique, family-owned operations, giving you a more authentic experience than visiting large commercial vineyards. The reviews highlight “awesome wineries” and “delicious wine,” with one reviewer noting that Cleveland Estate was perfect for a lunch stop, despite some weather issues.

Stops 6-10: Distillery and Breweries
The Big Tree Distillery offers a chance to sample award-winning gins, which some reviewers appreciated as a fun change from wine. Later, the Lost Watering Hole in Lancefield provides a cozy craft brewery experience, and Cleveland Estate and Parkside Winery offer more tastings, often paired with farm-fresh food and local produce.

Stops 11-14: Final Highlights
Hesket Estate, Gindu Distillery, and Holgate Brewhouse round out the day. These stops promise a good variety—spirits, beer, and wine—so you can enjoy a broad spectrum of local beverages. One guest mentioned that Ewan, the guide, was “super chill and knew his stuff,” making each tasting even more enjoyable.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Expect to spend roughly 45-60 minutes at each venue, enough time to savor multiple tastings, ask questions, and soak in the atmosphere. Many reviewers praised the friendly, knowledgeable guides who shared insights and took care to ensure everyone was comfortable.

The food pairings are another highlight, with some venues offering delicious tapas or lunch options that complement the wines. One reviewer called lunch “delicious,” noting that Cleveland Estate’s setting was “perfect,” even with some weather hiccups.

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned vehicle provides a comfortable ride, and the small group size means you’re not just a number—Ewan and Shu-Mei can tailor the experience and accommodate special requests. Snacks and bottled water are provided, which is appreciated after a morning of tastings. The tour lasts about 10 hours, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy.

Cost vs. Value

At $740.20, this might seem steep at first glance. However, considering the transportation, multiple tastings, snacks, and guided experience, it offers good value—especially when compared to the hassle of organizing your own day trip. The inclusion of private tours for small groups ensures a more personalized, less crowded experience, which many reviewers find enhances the enjoyment.

Authentic and Personalized Experience

Most reviews note Shu-Mei and Ewan’s friendly, professional approach. Travelers appreciated their communication, hospitality, and local knowledge, which added depth to the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “they were fantastic at communicating and organizing,” making the whole day stress-free.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, of course, but also those interested in craft spirits and beers. It’s ideal for small groups celebrating a birthday, hens’ or bucks’ parties, or just friends wanting a relaxed, authentic day out. If you’re someone who appreciates friendly guides, scenic stops, and quality local produce, this tour will hit the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Macedon Ranges winery tour combines beautiful scenery, authentic boutique wineries, and engaging guides to create a memorable day for anyone wanting to explore Australia’s cool climate wine region without the fuss. It’s especially well-suited for those who value small-group intimacy, personalized attention, and a diverse tasting lineup.

While the price is on the higher side, the value is evident—from the comfort of the air-conditioned vehicle to the authentic, friendly atmosphere at each stop. Plus, the chance to sample award-winning wines, gins, and craft beers makes it a well-rounded experience.

If you’re after an easy-to-book, friendly, and comprehensive way to sample the best of Macedon Ranges, this tour will deliver. Perfect for lovers of good wine, good company, and scenic views, it promises a day full of flavor and charm.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers air-conditioned transportation, snacks, bottled water, and your guide. Tasting fees are not included but are generally between $10 and $20 per venue.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am, with plenty of time at each stop to taste and explore.

Is there a minimum group size?
The tour is designed for private groups up to 13 people, with options for larger groups on request.

Can I join the tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, food, and the company. Just let the guides know in advance.

Are there opportunities to buy wine or spirits?
Absolutely. Most venues have sales, and you’re encouraged to purchase what you enjoy. Be prepared for tasting fees at each stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, some cash or cards for additional purchases, and a sense of adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Since the tour involves alcohol tastings, it’s suitable for those 18 and over. Service animals are allowed.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a relaxed way to explore the Macedon Ranges, this tour strikes a good balance of local charm, scenic beauty, and quality tastings. It’s a well-organized, friendly way to spend a memorable day in one of Australia’s most captivating landscapes.