A Taste of Melbourne

Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods A Taste of Melbourne

Sunbury is the closest wine region to Melbourne’s CBD. Head only about 40 minutes northwest to taste cold-climate wines and stock the cellar.

Mickleham Magic

With its views of the Macedon Ranges, Marnong Estate is the perfect place to raise a glass. Shiraz, chardonnay, pinot gris and pinot noir vines have been joined by several Italian varities, including fiano, montepulciano and sangiovese. Taste them in the cellar door on the weekend and book for lunch at the outstanding Bankvale Run, from a menu featuring Victorian produce, or the family-friendly bistro at the Atrium & Terrace Wine Bar. +marnongestate.com.au

Sunbury’s Finest

The first vines were grown on this land in the 1860s. Then, at the urging of Brown Brothers’ John Brown Sr, Craiglee Vineyard’s Pat Carmody planted shiraz and chardonnay grapes on the same land. That was 46 years ago, and Pat is still making critically acclaimed wine from hand-picked, sustainably grown fruit. Visit the cellar door in the old bluestone winery on the first Sunday of every month. Gather around the barrels at Goona Warra Vineyard to taste a selection of its vintages, from a range that includes pinot noir, shiraz, cabernet franc rosé and prosecco, from Thursday to Sunday. There are also sharing platters and a range of mains – prawn linguine and chargrilled wagyu rump, for example – if you care to linger.

Marnong Estate

+craigleevineyard.com +goonawarra.com.au

Valley Views

Surrounded by Keilor Valley farmland – complete with frolicking horses – is Arundel Farm Estate. From Friday to Sunday, taste shiraz (planted on different slopes to capture the benefits of the terroir), viognier, marsanne and sauvignon blanc at the cellar door. The restaurant serves Italian-inspired fare matched to your favourite drops. +arundelfarmestate.com.au