Cool-climate wines, local eats and live music: the Macedon Ranges’ Budburst Wine Festival is back for a big weekend in November

With the warmer weather finally reaching Victoria, now is the perfect time to explore some of the state's incredible wine regions. And with the massive Budburst Wine Festival returning to Macedon Ranges on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16, this best be your next stop. 

For the festival, over 20 Macedon Ranges wineries will be elevating their usual cellar door offerings – inviting guests to sample their wines, meet the makers, try specially created dishes and enjoy plenty of live music. 

You’ll even have the chance to drink wines from producers that don’t have cellar doors – as they’ll set up stalls at other wineries throughout the region. 

Festival Passes for Budburst start at $39 per person – going up to $52 for the entire weekend – which gives you access to wine tastings at all venues, a Plumm crystal Macedon Ranges wine glass and a festival passport. 

Children and designated drivers can go for free, but there’s no need to force one person to drive (and not drink). Thankfully, the Budburst team are running bus services in between venues throughout the weekend – so all you’ve got to do is hop on and off wherever you choose. 

Prefer your own private driver? Kimco driving services are also available to those who book ahead – taking all the stress and fuss out of exploring the region.

But it is not just wineries taking part in the festival. Plenty of local haunts are also welcoming travellers, including The Mount Macedon Trading Post, The Albion Hotel, The Kyneton Hotel, and the Woodend Cellar and Bar. 

Those who can get up to Macedon Ranges the day beforehand – it's less than an hour from Melbourne by car or train so an after-work commute isn't impossible – can also drop by the special Budburst Winemaker’s Dinner. Over an intimate meal on Friday November 14, you can chat with the winemakers and learn directly from them about a craft that's so close to their hearts.

You’ll certainly leave this weekend with a greater appreciation for the Macedon Ranges’ beloved cool-climate wines – beyond the classic pinot noirs and chardonnays the region is best known for – as well as the region as a whole.

You can head to the Budburst Wine Festival website to find more details as well as book tickets.