Budburst Festival turns 35: plan your ultimate Macedon Ranges wine weekend this November

Thirty-five years ago, a handful of Macedon Ranges wine producers opened their cellar doors to celebrate the start of a new growing season. That weekend became Budburst, and the invitation is still much the same: come out, meet the makers and discover what’s growing just up the road.

For Melburnians, it’s an easy invitation to accept. Within easy reach of the city by car or train, the Macedon Ranges delivers a change of scenery without a lengthy road trip. Its elevated vineyards and cool conditions produce chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines with bright acidity and elegant fruit flavours. Add boutique, family-owned wineries and you’ve got plenty of reasons to linger.

What’s happening at Budburst Festival 2026?

Returning on November 14–15, from 10am to 5pm each day, Budburst celebrates its anniversary with 26 winemakers across more than 15 venues. Expect tastings, food, live music and art, with winemakers on hand to talk you through what’s in your glass.

The drawcard is access. Small producers who don’t usually welcome visitors join established cellar doors for the weekend, giving you a chance to discover wines you might otherwise miss. “Budburst is the perfect excuse for a weekend away, great wines, great mates – we love coming back every year,” said one attendee in 2025.

Macedon Ranges wineries to discover

Curly Flat returns this year, joining regional favourites including Hanging Rock Winery, Granite Hills and Midhill Vineyard. Newcomers Boulder Fields, Limestone Track and Pirio bring fresh discoveries to the program. Around Lancefield, Lyons Will Estate offers pinot noir, chardonnay, gamay and riesling alongside Japanese street food and sweeping vineyard views. 

Several venues host multiple producers, making it easy to explore without constantly getting back in the car. Wilimee, which isn’t normally open to the public, welcomes Northern Hope and Lane’s End. Ask winemaker Ben Ranken about his underwater pinot noir ageing process. Plus, at Paramoor, taste alongside Passing Clouds and Shadowfax Winery in the setting of a historic barn cellar door. Kyneton Ridge welcomes Merth and Limestone Track, while Mount Monument hosts Attwoods Wines and Boulder Fields.

There’s plenty between tastings, too: sculpture trails, vineyard views, woodfired pizzas, Japanese street food and live music. Families are welcome, with room at many venues for children to explore. “Such a great festival and atmosphere at each of the wineries we visited,” said another attendee in 2025.

A suggested Budburst itinerary around Woodend

For a day combining wine, art and a scenic drive, take inspiration from the suggested Woodend Wander itinerary:

A $55 weekend pass includes wine tastings, a festival passport and a keepsake Plumm crystal wine glass.

Budburst 2026 tickets and transport

Festival passes start at $39, with weekend passes $55. Each includes a keepsake Plumm crystal wine glass, festival passport and wine tastings. Designated drivers and children under 18 attend free.

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? The Woodend Bus Loop is sold out on both Saturday and Sunday, however tickets are still available for the Lancefield Loop, with pickup from both Woodend Train Station and Lancefield town centre. One-day bus passes cost $70. Get in early, because tickets are selling fast.

Visit macedonrangeswineandfoodfest.com.au to book tickets and plan your weekend.