Budburst Wine Festival
Spring arrives with the unmistakable excitement of Budburst, when wineries across the Macedon Ranges throw open their cellar doors for one of Victoria's most anticipated wine weekends.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, Budburst is your invitation to discover the people, places and cool-climate wines that have earned the Macedon Ranges an international reputation.
Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, Budburst is a chance to slow down, meet the winemakers, explore vineyards bursting into spring and discover why the Macedon Ranges is renowned as Australia's coolest mainland wine region.
Budburst is back for another fabulous weekend in the Macedon Ranges. Taking place Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026. This is your once-a-year opportunity to go beyond the cellar door, sip rare wines you won’t find anywhere else, and meet the passionate people who craft some of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wines.
Over two festival days,
more than 26 winemakers across
15 Budburst venues, will open their doors, to offer wine tastings, varied food and entertainment offerings, while sharing their stories. From established icons to hidden gems, Budburst is all about connection - between the makers, the wines, and you.
Just under an hour from Melbourne,
Budburst is a must for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, and weekend wanderers Victoria-wide and beyond.
Embrace the opportunity to lose yourself in the wine, the produce, and the magic of Macedon Ranges. Festival hours run from
10am to 5pm each day, with
tastings,
curated food menus, and the chance to
chat directly with the winemakers at every stop.
TICKETS
Festival Passes start from $39 and weekend passes only $55! On sale from 1st August (early bird 10% saving on tickets, until 31st August). Tickets include:
- A keepsake Macedon Ranges wine tasting glass
- A festival passport with all the details you need to make the most of your weekend
- Wine tastings across all participating wineries
Designated drivers and children under 18 are invited to join the festival for free.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
Leave the driving to someone else and jump on one of the hop-on/hop-off
Budburst bus routes. On Saturday Budburst buses will take ticket holders directly to cellar doors around the Macedon Ranges, allowing you to visit up to 5 Budburst venues, with 6+ wineries on each loop. Bus tickets are an additional $70 per day, on top of your Budburst ticket fee. More information available on the Budburst website. If you prefer to plan your own adventure, a number of suggested self-drive itineraries will be available on the festival website.
What makes Budburst special?
Unlike many wine festivals held in a single location, Budburst takes place across the Macedon Ranges, with participating wineries opening their cellar doors for a weekend of wine, food and hospitality.
Every winery creates its own unique experience. You might find yourself enjoying a guided tasting with the winemaker, settling in for lunch overlooking the vines, discovering a local artist's exhibition, listening to live music or sampling a festival-exclusive wine release. No two stops are the same, making every Budburst itinerary a little different.
The festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the diversity of the region's cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gamay and sparkling wines, while meeting the passionate local producers behind every bottle.
What's included with a Budburst ticket?
Festival passes include wine tastings at participating wineries, a wine glass and a Budburst passport to help plan your journey across the region.
Single-day and weekend passes are available, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Some wineries also offer additional food experiences, masterclasses and special events, which may require separate bookings.
As Budburst is one of the Macedon Ranges' most popular annual events, purchasing tickets before the weekend is recommended.
How do the Hop-on Hop-off buses work?
One of the easiest ways to experience Budburst is aboard the popular Hop-on Hop-off Bus service.
Operating throughout the festival weekend, the buses connect groups of participating wineries, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day without needing to drive between venues. Simply choose your route, hop on and off throughout the day, and spend as much time as you like at each stop before catching the next bus.
Bus tickets are purchased separately from festival passes, and services often sell out ahead of the event, so booking early is encouraged.
If you're travelling by car, designated drivers are welcome, with free entry for non-drinking drivers and visitors under 18.
Is Budburst suitable for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. You don't need to know the difference between Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to enjoy Budburst. The weekend is designed to be welcoming, relaxed and accessible, whether you're a seasoned wine lover or simply looking for a memorable spring day out. Many visitors are surprised by how intimate the experience feels. Rather than large crowds, you'll find friendly cellar doors where you can chat directly with the people who grow the grapes and make the wine, often in the very vineyards where it all begins.
Can I make a weekend of it?
Budburst is the perfect excuse to stay a little longer. Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges offers boutique accommodation, award-winning restaurants, village shopping, beautiful gardens, walking trails and spectacular spring scenery. Many visitors spend the weekend exploring nearby villages including Woodend, Kyneton, Macedon, Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey between winery visits.
With so much to see beyond the cellar doors, staying overnight allows you to experience the region at a more leisurely pace.
Plan your visit
Many participating wineries have limited capacity, and some offer experiences available only during Budburst weekend. Planning your route in advance will help you make the most of your visit, particularly if you're travelling with friends or booking a Hop-on Hop-off Bus. Whether you're discovering the Macedon Ranges for the first time or returning for another vintage, Budburst is one of the best weekends of the year to experience the region—meeting the makers, tasting exceptional cool-climate wines and enjoying the beauty of spring in wine country.
ABOUT MACEDON RANGES WINE
The Macedon Ranges wine region is less than an hour by car or train from Melbourne’s CBD. Popular wines include refined Chardonnays and award-winning Pinot Noirs as well as elegant sparkling varietals. Many wineries are boutique and family-owned, creating signature wines using traditional techniques. As a result, the region is appreciated for cool-climate wines that are limited in quantity and exceptionally high in quality.
