The best wineries to visit in Daylesford and beyond

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Uncover Daylesford’s winery gems, offering handcrafted wines, delicious platters, and scenic views.

Why dream of Tuscany or Bordeaux when Australia’s Daylesford region offers a collection of world-class wineries? With options ranging from long lunches overlooking picturesque vineyards to tastings and gourmet platters at cosy cellar doors, you’re spoiled for choice.

Use our guide to plan your ultimate wine-tasting adventure through the top wineries in Daylesford and its surrounding regions.

Daylesford wineries

Beyond the village charm, boutique shopping, and indulgent day spas, the Daylesford region holds another gem—its world-class wineries. With lush landscapes fostering some of the finest vineyards, we’ve gathered our favourite spots to sip and savour wines that are as rich in character as the town itself.

1. Passing Clouds

the grape vines at Passing Clouds, Daylesford
Passing Clouds has been in the premium grape-growing business since 1974. (Image: Nikole Ramsay)

The closest cellar door to Daylesford, Passing Clouds  is a family-run vineyard crafting exceptional wines since 1974. Open daily, their cellar door offers a personalised tasting experience, showcasing their acclaimed pinot noir and chardonnay, along with limited-edition varietals.

For a memorable lunch, the estate’s restaurant pairs these elegant wines with chef Cameron McKenzie’s locally inspired dishes. Diners can sip and savour as they take in the tranquil vineyard views, making it the prime setting for a relaxed afternoon in the heart of Musk.

Address: 30 Roddas Lane, Musk

2. Captains Creek Organic Wines

Home to some of Daylesford’s best organic wines, Captains Creek Organic Wines  provides a relaxed yet refined experience for the discerning wine lover. From sparkling whites to bold chardonnays, their cellar door showcases the essence of sustainable winemaking. Weekend tastings provide the opportunity to discover their range in a tranquil setting.

Complement your visit with a paddock-to-platter feast at their cafe, where farm-fresh produce and local delicacies shine on shared plates. If you like what you taste, don’t forget to take home your favourite wines, ciders, and regional cheeses to continue the experience.

Address: 120 Kangaroo Hills Road, Blampied

3. Attwoods Wines

people enjoying lunch on the outdoor deck of Attwoods Wines
Enjoy lunch on the al fresco deck.

Set against a backdrop of vines and leafy green spaces, Attwoods Wines  is where cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay thrive. Just ten minutes from Daylesford, this Glenlyon winery is run by passionate grape growers who craft wines that reflect both the vintage and terroir, welcoming visitors to their award-winning cellar door for tastings.

For a laid-back afternoon, relax with a glass of wine on the deck or savour the set menu at their dining room, Le Bouchon. Before you go, don’t miss out on their signature pinot noirs and sought-after 2019 ‘Le Sanglier’ Nebbiolo.

Address: 260 Green Gully Road, Glenlyon

4. Zig Zag Rd Wines

a blurry image of a woman walking inside Zig Zag Rd Wines
Sip on a fresh riesling or a delicate pinot noir. (Image: MAD creative)

Set in the scenic Macedon Ranges, Zig Zag Rd Wines  celebrates the essence of cool-climate winemaking. Their handpicked estate-grown grapes, cultivated in basalt-rich soils, produce expressive riesling, pinot noir, and syrah that beautifully embody its natural setting. Tastings at their cellar door offer a personal glimpse into their innovative and seasonal offerings.

For a more relaxed visit, indulge in a pre-ordered picnic filled with local artisanal treats. Whether you’re lounging on the shady deck or the lawn, the whole family—including dogs on a lead—is warmly welcomed.

Address: 201 Zig Zag Road, Drummond North

5. Wombat Forest Winery

an array of wines at Wombat Forest Winery, Daylesford
The beloved winery stocks a selection of Daylesford wines.

Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Wombat State Forest, Wombat Forest Winery  offers a serene escape just 15 minutes from Daylesford. Specialising in premium handcrafted wines, their small-batch approach delivers cool-climate reds with refined flavours, aged to perfection in French oak barrels.

Take part in a tasting session at the cellar door, or savour a glass on the deck with sweeping views of the forest. During winter, snuggle up next to the wood fire and enjoy a delicious seasonal platter.

Address: 189 Springhill Road, Denver

Kyneton Wineries

Known for its historic charm and country-style allure, Kyneton is a go-to destination for those seeking a peaceful escape. Its wineries and top-notch eateries, however, are the hidden gems that truly set it apart. Let us introduce you to some of their finest.

5. Musk Lane Wine

a vintage car stopping by Musk Lane Wine, Daylesford
Swing by Musk Lane Wine for a relaxed tasting.

Blending the feel of an urban winery with the charm of a neighbourhood wine bar, Musk Lane Wine  provides a laid-back atmosphere in historic Kyneton. Brendan Lane’s small-batch, lo-fi wines are a testament to his passion for crafting authentic, soulful vintages that truly embody Central Victoria.

Pop into the cellar door for a relaxed tasting or unwind in the beer garden with friends over a bottle. On special occasions, a food truck joins the scene, enhancing the casual vibe of this dog-friendly venue where everyone feels at home.

Address: 1 Turner’s Lane, Kyneton

6. Kyneton Ridge Estate

Perched among the rolling hills of the Macedon Ranges, Kyneton Ridge Estate  invites visitors to experience its blend of small-batch winemaking, art, and local flavours. A seated wine tasting offers a glimpse into the estate’s unique approach, with flights featuring six carefully crafted wines that reflect the season and sustainability practices.

After your tasting, stay for a meal at The Ridge Cafe, where co-owner Angela Wood serves modern Australian dishes with Mediterranean flair. Be sure to explore the Kyneton Ridge Artspace, which showcases rotating exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

Address: 517 Blackhill Road, Kyneton

7. Cleveland Estate

a woman dining at Cleveland Estate
Wine and dine while admiring the picturesque vineyard views.

Within the illustrious Lancemore Estate, Cleveland Estate  boasts the region’s only underground cellar door, providing a truly distinctive wine-tasting experience. Surrounded by the luxury accommodations and expansive beauty of the estate, visitors can enjoy an impressive selection of local wines, including their very own vintages.

Once you’ve discovered the underground treasures, savour wood-fired pizzas or a gourmet meal at the onsite restaurant, Carriage House Restaurant, set against the backdrop of the estate’s tranquil vineyards.

Address: 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield

8. Curly Flat Vineyard

Amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Macedon Ranges, Curly Flat Vineyard  has been producing top-tier wines since 1989. Under Jenifer Kolkka’s leadership, the estate is celebrated for its refined pinot noir and chardonnay, wines that consistently impress with their complexity and balance.

Visitors are treated to a complimentary tasting of the latest releases, each sip accompanied by engaging stories from the vineyard’s history. With its pet-friendly atmosphere, it’s a haven for wine enthusiasts and dog lovers alike.

Address: 263 Collivers Road, Lancefield

9. Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard

hands holding glasses of wine on the table at Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard
Sip on delicious shiraz. (Image: KGMG Creative)

At Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard , the focus is on letting the land speak through each bottle. The laid-back cellar door offers a warm and inviting setting for visitors to taste superb wines, accompanied by a bit of friendly banter.

Complement your wine with a charcuterie platter filled with locally sourced goodies, or elevate your experience with a sparkling wine workshop. Guided by Brian Martin, this interactive session reveals the art of sparkling wine production and gives you the chance to create your own bottle to enjoy at home.

Address: 362 Pipers Creek-Pastoria Road, Pipers Creek

Macedon Wineries

Venturing a little further afield, the Macedon Ranges region is home to some of Victoria’s most notable wineries. Whether you opt for a wine tour or enlist a designated driver, get ready to indulge in the exquisite flavours of this celebrated wine region.

10. Lyons Will Estate

guests arriving at Lyons Will Estate, Daylesford
Step into the cellar door for a sit-down wine tasting.

Driven by a love for the land, Lyons Will Estate  offers a boutique wine experience in the heart of the Macedon Ranges. Every bottle reflects the vineyard’s commitment to sustainability, with winemakers Ollie Rapson and Renata Morello following a hands-off approach that lets the grapes’ natural qualities take centre stage.

Open every weekend, the cellar door offers seated tastings where visitors can sample estate-grown wines and enjoy local produce platters. Keep an eye out for their pop-up events throughout the year.

Address: 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield

11. Hanging Rock Winery

the exterior of Hanging Rock Winery, Macedon Ranges
Come for the wine and stay for the majestic views. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

Hanging Rock Winery , nestled in the Macedon Ranges, combines award-winning wines with incredible natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings of their signature wines, including the Macedon NV Brut Cuvee and Heathcote Shiraz, guided by passionate staff who bring the wine’s story to life.

Sit back with a local produce platter, filled with cheeses and estate-grown beef, while admiring the view. Don’t miss their annual Art in the Vines sculpture exhibition, adding a creative touch to this already unforgettable winery.

Address: 88 Jim Road, Newham

12. Mount Macedon Winery

the lush surroundings at Mount Macedon Winery, Daylesford
The mountainside winery is set amongst lush greenery. (Image: Alex Colcheedas)

Set off on the forest trail to discover Mount Macedon Winery , a mountainside retreat that artfully combines the rustic charm of the Australian countryside with sleek, contemporary design. From tastings at the cellar door to meals at UUMM restaurant, the focus is always on artisanal wines and fresh, local ingredients, offering a sophisticated and sensory experience.

Elevate your visit with a private wine tasting in The Wine Den, an architecturally designed hideaway tailor-made for an intimate and immersive experience, either before or after your meal at the restaurant.

Address: 433 Bawden Road, Woodend

13. Mount Towrong Vineyard

the winery at Mount Towrong Vineyard, Daylesford
Italian heritage meets sustainable winemaking at Mount Towrong Vineyard. (Image: Visit Victoria/Rob Blackburn)

Mount Towrong Vineyard , set between the hills of Mount Macedon and Mount Towrong, offers a charming combination of rustic Italian food and handcrafted wines. Family-owned since 1996, the vineyard produces low-intervention, vegan-friendly wines that perfectly complement their homestyle dishes.

The two-storey cellar door provides a welcoming space for tastings, with stunning views of the vineyard. Whether you’re dining upstairs with sweeping vistas or downstairs by the wood fire, the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make this venue a must-visit.

Address: 4 Taylors Road, Mount Macedon

14. Granite Hills Wines

a scenic landscape of the vineyard at Granite Hills Wines
Granite Hills Wines rises 550 metres high on the north peaks of the Great Dividing Range.

Renowned for its long-standing excellence, Granite Hills Wines  has spent over five decades mastering cool-climate winemaking. With a rich history and countless awards, each estate-grown bottle captures the spirit of the Macedon Ranges and the dedication of two generations of winemakers.

The inviting cellar door, open daily, is ideal for sampling their celebrated wines while enjoying the idyllic surroundings. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, unwind with a glass of their favourite wine, and embrace a lazy afternoon by the vineyard.

Address: 1481 Burke and Wills Track, Baynton

Distilleries in Daylesford

Daylesford isn’t just for wine lovers—it’s also home to incredible distilleries offering handcrafted spirits, craft beers, and refreshing ciders. Perfect for expanding your liquor-loving palate, here’s a guide to the finest in the area.

 15. Terra Australis Distillery

Located in the historic old Butter Factory on the outskirts of Daylesford, Terra Australis Distillery  provides a casual space for visitors to enjoy its handcrafted spirits. The tasting room’s relaxed vibe, featuring plush leather seating and wooden decor, sets the chill tone for sampling their range of botanical gins, smooth vodkas, and herbal liqueurs.

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or curious about their signature liqueurs, this distillery is the ideal stop for a leisurely afternoon.

Address: Lot 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford

16. Daylesford Cider

a farmer picking grapes in a vineyard along with a dog at Daylesford Cider
The award-winning ciders are crafted from organic heritage apples grown on the farm. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

At Daylesford Cider , heritage apples and artisanal craftsmanship come together to create some of the region’s finest ciders. Open daily, this English-style tavern offers tastings of their award-winning ciders, ranging from robust to refreshingly light.

Enjoy a cider tasting paddle in the scenic courtyard or retreat indoors by the fire to keep cosy during winter. With a menu featuring cheese boards, charcuterie, and weekend wood-fired pizzas, it offers an all-round delicious day out.

Address: 155 Dairy Flat Road, Musk

17. Hepburn Distillery

a bottle of gin on the leaves at Hepburn Distillery
Join a tasting flight of premium gins at Hepburn Distillery.

Hepburn Distillery  is all about crafting high-quality, locally inspired spirits from the ground up. Using organic ingredients and sustainable practices, this family-run distillery handcrafts premium gins, vodkas, and whiskeys with a deep connection to the land. Each spirit is lovingly fermented, distilled, and triple-filtered on-site to ensure top-quality flavours.

A visit to the Daylesford cellar door offers tastings of these award-winning spirits in a cosy, inviting setting. For an immersive experience, try the whiskey-making workshop, where you can create your own spirit and explore the entire distilling process.

Address: 1 Gin Lane, Daylesford

18. Daylesford Brewing Co

wines and spirits on display at Daylesford Brewing Co
Sample estate-grown wines and premium brews.

Established in 2015, Daylesford Brewing Co  brings together the love of craft beer and the history of Daylesford. Founders Dave and Jessica have created a brewery that not only celebrates locally brewed beer but also the town they call home. With an ever-changing lineup of handcrafted beers, each visit promises something new.

Visit their inviting taproom, inspired by the gold rush era, for a taste of their latest brews. Pair your beer with dishes designed to complement the flavours, or explore the range of local wines, spirits, and whiskeys.

Address: 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Discover the best restaurants in Daylesford.

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Farm fresh produce to a trail of lights: the ultimate guide to Mildura

The charm of Mildura is hidden in plain sight along the Sturt Highway. The capital of Tropical North Victoria is in a league of its own.

From the moment you arrive in Mildura , the warm air and palm trees invite you to slow down. While most Australians might drive right past it, Mildura is full of surprises. Here you’ll spend one day witnessing over 50,000 years of First Nations history in a UNESCO-listed National Park, and the next dining in a hatted restaurant after wandering through 12,500 fireflies as the outback sunset bursts to life above. From roadside fruit stalls and family-run wineries to houseboats and galleries, it’s time to explore Mildura.

Feast Street, at the heart of Langtree Avenue in Mildura.
Taste, wander and be surprised in Mildura.

Taste Mildura’s produce

It makes sense to start your trip by addressing the most important question: where to eat. In the beating heart of Australia’s food bowl, sample the local produce directly from the source. And then, of course, experience it through the menu of a hatted chef. Or sandwiched between pillowy slices of Nonna’s ciabatta.

Rows of orchards and olive groves invite you to spend the day traipsing from farm to farm. Taste olives propagated from Calabrian trees brought over in the 40s, oranges picked right from the tree and squeezed into juice and spoons full of honey . Bring the holiday back to your kitchen by stocking your pantry at roadside produce stalls, or calling into the ‘silver shed ’ (Sunraysia’s gourmand Mecca).

Thanks to the warm, balmy air and fertile soils, the wineries dotted along these hills produce award-winning local wines. Like Chalmers , a family-run, innovative winery dedicated to making their wines as sustainable as possible. And picturesque Trentham Estate offers views of the snaking Murray River as you sample their vintages.

Venture beyond the gnarled shadows of olive groves and fragrant rows of blossoming fruit trees and you’ll find an otherworldly side to Mildura. With Discover Mildura as your guide, visit Murray River Salt’s Mars-like stacks. The naturally pink salt is formed from an ancient inland sea and evaporated entirely by the sun to create one of the region’s most iconic exports.

Start your day with just-squeezed sunshine.

Hatted dining & Italian history

Mildura is home to a proud community of Calabrians and Sicilians. This, paired with the exceptional local produce, means that you can find paninos on par with those in Italy. The Italian is a Paninoteca serving up made-to-order, hefty, authentic Sicilian paninos. Nonna Rosa’s pork meatballs, slowly cooked in tomato ragu and served in a crusty, fluffy roll topped with gratings of Grana Padano cheese and salsa verde, will call you back to Mildura for the rest of your days.

To find hatted dining in Mildura, simply follow the staircase down into the basement of the historic Mildura Grand Hotel to find Stefano’s . Following the muscle memory and instinct of his Italian roots, he delivers on the principle of ‘cucina povera’. That is, the Italian cooking ideology that turns simple, local ingredients into magic.

Things to do in Mildura include dining at the acclaimed Stefano’s, where simple local ingredients are transformed into Italian culinary magic beneath the historic Grand Hotel.
Bite into Mildura’s Italian heritage.

Discover a thriving culture scene

The city is alive with culture. Whether it’s painted on the town’s walls, told in ancient yarns, or waiting for you in a gallery.

The Mildura Arts Centre was Australia’s first regional art gallery. Behind the walls of Rio Vista Historic House, you’ll find a lineup of ever-changing exhibitions. The gallery’s wall space pays tribute to the art and songlines of local First Nations People, the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and more. Outside, on the gallery’s lawn, find 12 contemporary sculptures in the Sculpture Park.

Mildura’s streetscapes are a punch of colour. Swirling strokes of paint blend the winding artery of the Murray River, red dirt and local characters into a story you can see with your own eyes, thanks to the Mildura City Heart’s Mural Art Project . Pick up a copy of the Murals of Mildura guide from the Visitor Information Centre.

Follow the border of NSW and Victoria on a map and you’ll see it hugs the curves of a tiny island on the Murray. That’s Lock Island, where, as the sun and moon trade places, the island comes alive as darkness falls. The island is dotted with 12,500 firefly lights that lead you on a meandering path through the outback sunset. The installation is known as Trail of Lights and was created by the same visionary who dreamt up Field of Light at Uluu, Bruce Munro.

Things to do in Mildura include exploring its rich cultural scene. From vibrant street art and ancient stories to exhibitions at the Mildura Arts Centre, Australia’s first regional gallery.
Find culture around every corner.

Wonder at ancient landscapes

The landscapes of Mildura feel almost transcendental. The skyline bursts to life with reds, pinks, and deep, sparkly night skies.

The nature will leave you in awe. See hues of pink water changing with the weather at Pink Lakes inside Victoria’s largest national park, Murray Sunset National Oark. Cast a line into Ouyen Lake. Watch the sunset against 70-metre tall red cliffs that reflect the setting sun. Or get the heart racing and sandboard down the Perry Sandhills dunes, formed 40,000 years ago at the end of an ice age.

Just don’t leave without following the twists and turns of the Murray. Stroll or ride along the Shared River Front Path, or jump onboard a boat for a scenic ride.

Your itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park . Head out with an Indigenous ranger to witness ancient campsites and footprints, before standing in awe of ancient civilisation near the discovery site of Mungo Man—Australia’s oldest human skeleton at 42,000 years old.

Mungo National Park at night is a vast, silent landscape where ancient dunes glow under moonlight and stars blanket the sky in breathtaking clarity.
Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisation.

Meet your home away from home

On equal par with planning your meals and adventures, is finding the perfect place to relax at the end of each day.

Sleep inside a Palm Springs postcard at Kar-Rama . A sleek boutique hotel complete with a butterfly shaped, sun-soaked pool. Here you’re staying right in the heart of Mildura but you’ll feel worlds away. Or if you really wish to connect with nature, a night glamping under the stars at Outback Almonds will have you spellbound.

When in Mildura it’s only right to stay on one of the Murray River’s iconic houseboats . Wake up each day to the calm waters of the Murray lapping outside your window. Enjoy days full of river swims, fishing and exploring. All boats are solar-powered and can be self-skippered or moored along the river.

A solar-powered houseboat on the Murray River in Mildura.
Stay and play on the Murray in a solar houseboat.

Start planning the perfect getaway at mildura.com .