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The best wineries to visit in Daylesford and beyond

Credit: Visit Victoria

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.

In Short

While the Macedon Ranges wine region is the most widely known, this part of Central Victoria also hides a rich mix of boutique wineries around Daylesford and Kyneton. From cellar doors made for lingering to vineyard lunches worth planning a weekend around, these pockets of the region reward slow, curious exploration.

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 vineyard at Passing Clouds
Passing Clouds has been in the premium grape-growing business since 1974. (Credit: Nikole Ramsay)

The closest cellar door to Daylesford, Passing Clouds is a family-run vineyard crafting exceptional wines since 1974. Open daily, the cellar door offers personalised tastings overlooking the vines, and on select Sundays, visitors can arrive via a heritage train ride with the Daylesford Spa Country Railway – a wonderfully nostalgic way to start a wine-country afternoon.

For lunch, the estate’s restaurant serves a seasonal, locally inspired menu best enjoyed with tranquil vineyard views across Musk. In warmer months, the Caravino – a gleaming silver caravan servery set outdoors – pours wines by the glass alongside picnic-style offerings, creating a relaxed, walk-in option for lingering over a sunny afternoon.

Address: 30 Roddas Lane, Musk

2. Captains Creek Organic Wines

rose and tasting plate at Captains Creek Organic Wines
A delicate rosé paired with a tasting plate at Captains Creek Organic Wines. (Credit: Chris Turner)

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.

Alongside the wines, delicious shared tasting plates and cheese boards showcase fresh organic produce from Captains Creek and surrounding farms. Be sure to try the crowd-favourite Hepburn Sparkling – an ideal aperitif or celebratory pour, and a reminder that some bottles are made for everyday moments as much as special occasions.

Address: 120 Kangaroo Hills Road, Blampied

3. Attwoods Wines

outdoor dining at Attwoods Wines
Enjoy lunch on the al fresco deck. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

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 crafting wines that reflect both vintage and terroir, with tastings hosted at their award-winning cellar door.

For a lingering visit, settle in with a glass on the deck or book a table at Le Bouchon, the on-site dining room known for its French-leaning, seasonally driven menus. Offerings shift throughout the year, from comforting Sunday roasts in the cooler months to lighter summer combinations – such as seafood-forward plates paired with crisp, French-style rosé.

Address: 260 Green Gully Road, Glenlyon

4. Wombat Forest Winery

wine tasting at Wombat Forest Winery
Enjoy a tasting paired with a smooth pinot noir. (Credit: Wombat Forest Winery)

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.

Settle in for a tasting at the cellar door or savour a glass on the deck with sweeping forest views. The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed, with live music and seasonal celebrations often adding to the experience, while cooler months invite lingering by the wood fire with a seasonal platter close at hand.

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. Kyneton Ridge Estate

an outdoor wine tasting at Kyneton Ridge Estate
Sample outstanding wines in the picturesque setting. (Credit: 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 carefully crafted wines that reflect the season and sustainability practices.

After your tasting, stay for a meal at The Ridge Cafe, where 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

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6. Cleveland Estate

wine tasting at Cleveland Estate
Enjoy estate-grown wines while overlooking the picturesque vineyard. (Credit: Cleveland Estate)

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

7. Curly Flat Vineyard

grapevines at Curly Flat Vineyard
The privately owned Curly Flat Vineyard is set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Macedon Ranges.

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 welcomed with a complimentary tasting of the latest releases, often accompanied by stories from the vineyard’s history. There’s no food or coffee on offer here – the focus is firmly on the wine – making it a good cellar door to visit with intention, especially for those keen to immerse themselves in the craft.

Address: 263 Collivers Road, Lancefield

8. Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard

a bottle of shiraz at Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard
Sip on delicious shiraz. (Credit: Hunter-Gatherer Vineyard)

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.

Alongside the wines, visitors can settle in with a wood-fired pizza, and on the right day even find a table tennis table set up beneath the marquee – an easygoing way to pass an afternoon. The team are also generous with local knowledge, happily pointing visitors towards neighbouring wineries to help shape a relaxed Macedon Ranges tasting itinerary.

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.

9. Lyons Will Estate

the entrance of Lyons Will Estate
Step into Lyons Will Estate 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, Friday through Sunday, the stylish 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 like feasting barbeque lunches and summer spritzes.

Address: 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield

10.  Hanging Rock Winery

the scenic grounds of Hanging Rock Winery
Come for the wine and stay for the lush views. (Credit: 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.

Beyond the cellar door, the estate has become a recognised home for large-scale outdoor sculpture through its Art in the Vines exhibition, now an annual highlight showcasing works by leading local and national artists across the vineyard. Wander the sculpture trail before settling in with a local produce platter featuring cheeses and estate-grown beef, all enjoyed against sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges.

Address: 88 Jim Road, Newham

11.  Mount Macedon Winery

Mount Macedon Winery exterior view
The mountainside winery and retreat boasts sweeping views across the Macedon Ranges. (Credit: Alex Colcheedas)

Set off on the forest trail to discover Mount Macedon Winery , a mountainside retreat that artfully combines the moody charm of the Australian bushland with sleek, contemporary design. Tastings at The Wine Den, the winery’s architecturally designed cellar door, sit alongside multiple dining options, from UUMM Restaurant – where woodfired pizzas and seasonal, share-style plates celebrate local produce – to the refined Cellar Door Restaurant, all framed by sweeping views across the Macedon Ranges.

Designed for unhurried visits, the cellar door experience can be enjoyed before or after a meal, making it easy to shape a day around lunch, dinner or a leisurely afternoon in the hills.

Address: 433 Bawden Road, Woodend

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12.  Mount Towrong Vineyard

wine tastng at Mount Towrong Vineyard
Italian heritage meets sustainable winemaking at Mount Towrong Vineyard. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

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

13.  Granite Hills Wines

Granite Hills Wines from above
Granite Hills Wines sits 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.

14.  Terra Australis Distillery & Herbal Lore Liqueurs

Located in the historic Old Butter Factory on the edge of Daylesford, Terra Australis Distillery & Herbal Lore Liqueurs offers a relaxed setting to explore handcrafted spirits and herb-driven liqueurs under one roof. The tasting room’s easygoing atmosphere invites visitors to sample botanical gins, smooth vodkas and aromatic liqueurs, all shaped by a deep respect for ingredients, flavour and process.

Surrounded by gardens and with ample on-site parking, it’s an unhurried stop well suited to a leisurely afternoon, whether dropping in out of curiosity or settling in to explore the full breadth of the range.

Address: Lot 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford

15.  Daylesford Cider

the apple orchard at Daylesford Cider
The award-winning ciders are crafted from organic heritage apples grown on the farm. (Credit: 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-around delicious day out.

Address: 155 Dairy Flat Road, Musk

16.  Hepburn Distillery

a premium gin at Hepburn Distillery
Sample botanical 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.

Tucked just behind Daylesford’s main street at 1 Gin Lane – a very apt address – the cellar door offers tastings of award-winning spirits in a cosy, inviting setting. For a more immersive experience, try the whisky-making workshop, where participants can create their own spirit and explore the full distilling process.

Address: 1 Gin Lane, Daylesford

17.  Daylesford Brewing Co

the bar at Daylesford Brewing Co
Daylesford Brewing Co is much loved for its small-batch craft beers.

Established in 2015, Daylesford Brewing Co has long been a local favourite for small-batch craft beer, brewed on site and poured fresh from the taps. While beer remains the heart of the operation, the taproom has evolved into a broader hospitality destination, pairing its brews with a confident, all-day dining offering.

Dining is now led through Grain , the taproom’s kitchen, serving everything from quality coffee and breakfast through to burgers, gourmet sandwiches and heartier evening plates. Whether stopping in for a morning caffeine fix, a casual lunch or an afternoon beer with friends, it’s a relaxed, community-minded space that reflects the easygoing spirit of Daylesford.

Address: 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Pauline Morrissey

Pauline Morrissey

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Victoria’s surprising new outdoor adventure hotspot

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
    A town charmingly paused in time has become a hot mountain biking destination. 

    There’s a forest reserve full of eucalyptus and pines surrounding town – when you combine all the greenery with a main street of grand old buildings still standing from the Victorian Gold Rush, Creswick looks more period movie set than a 21st-century town.  

    old gold bank Victoria
    Grand buildings from the Victorian gold rush. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    This entire region of Victoria – the Central Goldfields – is as pretty-as-a-picture, but there’s something extra-special about Creswick. I used to live 30 minutes north; I’d drive in some evenings to cruise its main street at dusk, and pretend I was travelling back in time. 

    It was sleepy back then, but that’s changed. Where I used to walk through its forest, now I’m hurtling down the state’s best new mountain bike trails. There’s a 60-kilometre network of mountain bike trails – dubbed Djuwang Baring – which make Creswick the state’s hottest new mountain biking destination.  

    Meet Victoria’s new mountain biking capital 

    Creswick bike trail
    This historic town has become a mountain biking hotspot.

    Victoria has a habit of turning quiet country towns into mountain biking hotspots. I was there in the mid-2000s when the tiny Otways village of Forrest embarked on an ambitious plan to save itself (after the death of its timber cutting industry) courtesy of some of the world’s best mountain bike trails. A screaming success it proved to be, and soon mountain bike trails began popping up all over Victoria. 

    I’m no expert, so I like that a lot of Creswick’s trails are as scenic as they are challenging. I prefer intermediate trails, such as Down Martuk, with its flowing berms and a view round every corner. Everyone from outright beginners to experts can be happy here. There’s trails that take me down technical rock sections with plenty of bumps. But there’s enough on offer to appeal to day-trippers, as much as hard-core mountain-bikers. 

    I love that the trails empty onto that grand old main street. There’s bars still standing from the Gold Rush of the 1850s I can refuel at. Like the award-winning Farmers Arms, not to be confused with the pub sharing its name in Daylesford. It’s stood since 1857. And The American Creswick built two years later, or Odessa Wine Bar, part of Leaver’s Hotel in an 1856-built former gold exchange bank.  

    The Woodlands
    The Woodlands is set on a large bushland property. (Image: Vanessa Smith Photography)

    Creswick is also full of great cafes and restaurants, many of them set in the same old buildings that have stood for 170 years. So whether you’re here for the rush of the trails or the calm of town life, Creswick provides. 

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Staying there 

    1970s log cabin
    Inside the Woodlands, a chic 1970s log cabin. (Image: Vanessa Smith Photography)

    RACV Goldfields Resort is a contemporary stay with a restaurant, swimming pool and golf course. The Woodlands in nearby Lal Lal comprises a chic log cabin set on a 16-hectare property abundant in native wildlife. 

    Eating there 

    Le Peche Gourmand
    Le Peche Gourmand makes for the perfect pitstop for carb and sugar-loading.

    The menu at Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel includes some Thai-inspired fare. Fuel up for your ride on baguettes and pastries from French patisserie Le Peche Gourmand . The Farmers Arms has been a much-loved local institution since 1857. 

    Playing there 

    Miss NorthcottsGarden
    Miss Northcotts Garden is a charming garden store with tea room. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Creswick State Forest has a variety of hiking trails, including a section of the 210-kilometre-long Goldfields Track. Miss Northcotts Garden is a quaint garden store with tea room.