Eating and drinking in the Macedon Ranges
The rolling hills and valleys of the Macedon Ranges are a treasure trove filled with some of Victoria’s best food and wine, craft beer, gin and cider. The fertile volcanic soil and distinct seasons provide the perfect canvas for small artisan farms flourishing in the region.
You can literally get a taste of the Macedon Ranges wherever you go.
Each weekend in the Macedon Ranges you’ll find an authentic country farmers market showcasing the very best local produce.
Award-winning restaurants, cosy cafes, cocktail bars and cellar doors feature our delicious produce on their menus. While providores and farm gates offer tasty treats to take away with you.
You can even get seasonal Macedon Ranges produce delivered to your local accommodation or home in Melbourne.
Award-winning bakeries to Chef-Hat restaurants
The region is made up of nine distinct historic villages each with its own unique food and drink experiences.
Kyneton is celebrated for its breadth of food offerings, from Chef Hat-awarded French bistro Midnight Starling to famous providore Piper St Food Co. Nourishing cafes serve up flavourful brunches and farm-fresh produce, while brilliant gin and cocktail bars such as Botanik and Animus Distillery are super popular watering holes.
It also happens to be home to Australia’s #1 pie for the last three consecutive years at Country Cob Bakery. You’ll pick it a mile away by the queue out the door.
Woodend’s thriving cafe culture is also making a similar impact on big-city critics. While craft beer lovers flock to Holgate Brewhouse & Taproom and their 16 taps of limited and special release beer. Of course a trip to Woodend is not complete without a visit to Woodend Icecream Co. no matter the season.
Up in the leafy mountain village of Mount Macedon you’ll discover the popular Mount Macedon Trading Post Cafe. Or drive further to the summit for Devonshire Teas with a view at the Top of the Range Tea Rooms. The restaurant at Mount Macedon Winery is also a special treat for foodies and wine lovers looking for a mountain fix and fresh air infused with pine.
From Lancefield to Malmsbury, Gisborne to Romsey, you’re guaranteed to leave with a very happy tummy…
Find out more about our nine charismatic villages or scroll down for a directory of places to eat.
Over 27 cellar doors to visit
As the coldest grape-growing region on Australia’s mainland, our cool climate wines are a standout. Many vignerons are acknowledged as Australia’s best, receiving accolades for wines with unique, distinct and robust flavours. Wine tasting in the Macedon Ranges is a true adventure, where you traverse stunning backcountry to discover boutique, family-run vineyards, many of which are also dog friendly.
See our directory of cellar doors in the Macedon Ranges.
Gin distilleries
The Macedon Ranges is home to three award-winning gin distilleries. If you love a tipple of gin, make sure to visit Animus Distillery in Kyneton. Or take a drive up the mountain to Mount Towrong Vineyard on Mt Macedon for a tasting of Mountain Gin. The wonderful Big Tree Distillery near Hanging Rock is also highly worth a visit.
Foodie events
Throughout the year discover a bevy of food and beverage events and workshops. From truffle and wine pairing at a vineyard to long and slow barbecues at a cidery in the sticks. Fun wine retreats in the countryside to long table lunches with guest chefs and winemakers.
You could easily fill your social calendar with Macedon Ranges events designed for enthusiastic foodies.
One of the main experiences not to be missed is the annual Macedon Ranges Budburst Wine and Food Festival. Held each November* at vineyards across the shire, this festival truly gets you into the heart of Macedon Ranges backcountry. All the producer-families have a great story, all are characters, and all are passionate about what they do. It’s unlike anything you’d experience in more commercial wine-growing destinations.
Keep an eye on our What’s On page for 2021/22 foodie events and plan a day trip or getaway.
*Budburst Wine and Food Festival cancelled for 2021.
