Cellar doors across the Macedon Ranges Shire will host a series of events next month as part of the new Summertime Fling Festival.
Three weeks of events involving wine, food and fun for residents and visitors begins January 9 to 31.
The Macedon Ranges Vigneron’s Association is hosting the event to encourage lovers of wine and food to take a well-earned break from 2020, and share fun in the fresh air and scenic wide-open spaces.
Festival organiser, and Macedon Ranges Vigneron’s Association committee member, Jennifer Ward said it was a great opportunity for people to reconnect with people they had not seen for a long-time, in an easily-accessible, central location, which also happened to be ‘stunningly picturesque’
“It also provides a wonderful opportunity for people to try somewhere different. Many have been to the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula – perhaps give the Macedon Ranges a try,” she said.
The Macedon Ranges has a unique climate for a wine-growing region in Australia.
The region is a cool to cold climate by world standards, similar to the Rhone Valley in France.
As a result, the region offers wine with delicacy and finesse, limited in quantity and exceptionally high in quality.
James Halliday describes the region as ‘one of Victoria’s best kept wine regions.’
Whether you love the cool-climate classics like fine sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir or like to try exciting new varietals, they are all unified by the influence of the region and the Macedon Ranges vignerons are stamping their authority on artisanal wine.
During the festival, people can discover small and diverse wineries and vineyards hidden away in the natural landscape, in settings with views of Mount Macedon, through the Pastoria Valley to the Cobaws.
The wineries can be found on roads less travelled and yet still only an hour from Melbourne.
Visit macedonrangeswine.com.au/summertime-fling for tickets and more information.
Night life explored
HANGING Rock visitors now have the chance to experience the captivating night life of the location and experience the natural life after dark.
Night walks will allow people a sneak-peak into the world of gliders, wallabies, native birds, bats, possums, koalas, and many other animals.
Walks are suitable for all ages and can take up to three hours.
The first walk was earlier this month, and all future dates are in 2021, starting with January 8, February 5, and March 12.
A family pass, two adults and two children, is $62, or $25 per adult and $12 per child – bookings are essential.
For more information or to book a space, contact 5422 0387.
To keep up-to-date with what else is happening at Hanging Rock during summer, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock.
