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

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The road trips and trails you need to experience in Victoria now

Wind through fern tunnels, stop for a wine in a tram bar, or chase giant murals across the wheatbelt. These drives and rides prove Victoria’s best stories are found off the straight and narrow. 

There’s something unmistakably Australian about a road trip: car packed, playlist on, landscapes shifting. Travelling down the highway toward Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley , the mountains rise, flanking me on both sides. I feel its embrace, a silent invitation to explore what lies beyond.  

Moss-covered embankments rise on either side, and towering mountain ash trees form a green tunnel overhead. Road signs warn of wombats and cyclists but with giant ferns lining the roadside, the landscape feels prehistoric, as if a dinosaur might suddenly emerge. This, the Black Spur , is one of my favourite road trips. 

The Black Spur 

The Black Spur drive
Through the forested canopy of The Black Spur drive that winds from Healesville to Narbethong. (Image: Neisha Breen)

Location: Yarra Ranges
Duration: 30 kilometres / 30 minutes 

The Black Spur is short compared to other Victorian road trips, just 30 kilometres, stretching from Healesville to Narbethong. But what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenery. Just outside Healesville, Maroondah Dam offers bushwalks and scenic views. However, if pressed for time, Selover’s Lookout is an easy roadside stop offering uninterrupted views of the dam.  

In Narbethong, close to the Marysville’s snowfield, is the Black Spur Inn , a charming double-storey brick hotel that’s been welcoming travellers since 1863. Here, diners cosy up by the roaring fire or gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows, imagining horse-drawn coaches carrying hopeful gold seekers to the eastern goldfields.   

Victoria’s Silo Art Trail 

Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail in the Wimmera Mallee region. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

Location: Various towns across the Wimmera Mallee region
Duration: More than 200 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

What began as a way to draw travellers back into town bypassed by highways – places such as Nullawil, Sea Lake and Patchewollock – has grown into a celebrated outdoor art movement. The Silo Art Trail now includes 23 silos, each transformed with large-scale mural portraits sharing local stories, celebrating community heroes, Indigenous history, farming life, or regional identity.  

The Nullawil silo, for example, is a portrait of a local farmer in a chequered flannelette shirt alongside his loyal kelpie, painted by artist Sam Bates (AKA Smug). And the silos at Albacutya in the Grampians, painted by artist Kitt Bennett, depict her joyful memories of growing up in the countryside. Many of the murals sit right in the heart of small towns, such as Rochester and St Arnaud , making them perfect spots to pause for a country pub meal or something sweet from a local bakery.   

Metung to Mallacoota  

Gippsland lakes
Gippsland Lakes. (Image: Visit Victoria/Josie Withers)

Location: Gippsland
Duration: Approximately 220 kilometres / 4 hours  

The Gippsland Lakes are a much-loved holiday spot in Victoria, but road-tripping further east reveals much more. Begin in Metung and time your visit with the monthly farmers’ market, or simply linger over lunch on the lawn of the Metung Hotel. Twenty minutes away is Lakes Entrance , where you can watch the fishing boats return with their catch. 

Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance. (Image: Visit Victoria/Iluminaire Pictures)

Continue to Marlo, where the Snowy River spills into the sea, and Cape Conran for its many beaches and walks. If needing to stretch your legs, Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse and the Wilderness Coast Walk. Birdwatching and rainforest trails near Bemm River are worth a pit stop before arriving in Mallacoota, where the forest meets the sea. 

Great Ocean Road 

12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road
The 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Location: South-west Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford
Duration: Approximately 250 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

Victoria’s most famous road trip delivers it all: world-class surf breaks, rainforest walks, clifftop lookouts and wildlife encounters. The journey begins in Torquay, the state’s surf capital, then hugs the coast past Anglesea and Lorne to Apollo Bay, before curving inland through the lush rainforest of the Otways. Stop at Cape Otway Lightstation or take to the treetops at Otway Fly.  

Between Cape Otway and Port Campbell lies the most photographed stretch – seven of the Twelve Apostles still standing, alongside the golden cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge. Further west, Warrnambool is a winter whale-watching hotspot, before the road winds to Port Fairy, a charming fishing village of whalers’ cottages, walking trails and offshore seal colonies further along the coast. 

Bellarine Taste Trail 

Terindah Estate
Terindah Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Bellarine Peninsula
Duration: Approximately 80 kilometres / 2–3 hours  

The Bellarine Taste Trail is a feast for the senses, winding through coastal towns, past boutique wineries and artisan producers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure style trail – simply grab a map and build your own delicious journey.  

You might wander historic, seafront Queenscliff, sip wine in a converted tram bar at Terindah Estate , sample a locally distilled whisky at The Whiskery in Drydale or pick up a jar of honey at Wattle Grove in Wallington. Seafood lovers can head to Portarlington, famous for its mussels. Eat them fresh at local restaurants or head out on the water with Portarlington Mussel Tours. 

O’Keefe Rail Trail – Bendigo to Heathcote 

Pink Cliffs Reserve
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 50 kilometres / 4 hours cycling 

Travellers first journeyed between Heathcote and Bendigo in 1888, when the railway line was built to link the towns. Trains stopped running in 1956, but today the route has a new life as the O’Keefe Rail Trail . The path is mostly level for easy riding, and along the way you’ll cycle past bushland, waterways and reserves. There are plenty of places to picnic, birdwatch, and if you’re lucky, spot a platypus.  

The trail is well supported with water stations, bike repair points, shelters, and signage. Axedale makes a great halfway stop, with the pretty Campaspe River Reserve for a rest and local cafes for refuelling. Begin in Heathcote, known for its wineries and cafes, or in Bendigo, which is easily reached by train from Melbourne/Naarm. Shorter sections, such as Heathcote to Axedale, are also popular. 

Goldfields Track – Ballarat to Bendigo 

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 210 kilometres / 2–3 days cycling  

The Goldfields Track traces a route once so rich in gold it made Melbourne one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Starting at Mt Buninyong, south of Ballarat, the trail leads mountain cyclists and walkers north through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine before finishing in Bendigo. Along the way, you’ll encounter granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, rolling farmland and remnants of the region’s mining past.  

As it passes through the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the track shares gold rush history and Indigenous stories brought to life by interpretive signs. Walk or ride the full trail or choose from one of its three distinct sections. With cosy stays, cafes and pubs, it’s easy to mix wilderness with comfort.