A tipsy roadtrip around the eastern macedon ranges (with a designated driver)
If you're planning a trip to the Macedon Ranges, and you're a lover of wine, cider, and unique beers, then you need to add Curly Flat Winery, Darraweit Valley Cider House, and Lost Watering Hole to your itinerary. These three places offer an incredible taste of the region's beverages, each with their unique flavor and charm.
Darraweit Valley Cider House
Just a short 50 minute drive from Melbourne you'll find Darraweit Valley Cider House. This charming little cider house is set in the beautiful Darraweit Valley and produces a range of handcrafted ciders using traditional techniques. The ciders are made from their own orchards apples and pears and are created by focussing on the flavours first. Inspired by the way craft beer is made, they’ve experimented with real ingredients like hops, molasses, and even coffee!
When you visit Darraweit Valley Cider House, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, taste the ciders, and enjoy a platter of local produce. The cider house also offers a range of events, such as live music and trivia nights, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends.
Curly Flat Winery
Located near Lancefield, Victoria, Curly Flat Winery is one of the top-rated wineries in the area, producing some of the best wines in Australia. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, which are all grown on the property's vineyard. The winery uses traditional winemaking techniques, such as handpicking grapes and wild fermentation, to produce wines that reflect the terroir and climate of the region.
When you visit Curly Flat Winery, you can taste their current vintages of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, White Pinot while hearing the story behind each of them. There is no cost for this tasting. They’re just happy to be able to share these wines with you, in person, and purchase bottles to take home. It's the perfect place to relax and indulge in some of the best wine Victoria has to offer.
Lost Watering Hole
The newest kid on the block in the Ranges, Lost Watering Hole has an atmosphere that is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. The micro-brewery also offers a range of delicious small plates, share platters, brewery favourites and large plates for those hungry times, all made with locally sourced ingredients where possible.
All Lost Watering Hole beers are 100% naturally brewed on site, in the world-renowned German beer making tradition, without those nasty additives. As filtering reduces the taste of beer, their unfiltered beers exhibit a natural haze.
If you're a beer lover, then The Lost Watering Hole is a must-visit destination on your trip to Victoria. You can taste a variety of unique beers that are brewed on-site, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also offers tours of its facilities, so you can learn more about the beer-making process and how the different flavors are achieved.
If you're looking for a unique and enjoyable trip to the Macedon Ranges, then you need to include Curly Flat Winery, Darraweit Valley Cider House, and Lost Watering Hole on your itinerary. These three places offer an incredible taste of the region's beverages, each with their unique flavour and charm. So, whether you're a wine lover, cider enthusiast, or craft beer connoisseur, you're sure to find something to enjoy on your trip.
Remember - don’t drink and drive, and be sure to reward your designated driver with delicious local fare!
Images: Chloe Smith Photography
Words: Monrose Marketing + Design