Hike to the summit for great views over the ancient volcanic landscape. Northeast is Mount William, famed by indigenous people throughout all of eastern Australia for the quality of its flint stones which were traded up and down country. Not a walker? Tables are scattered through the parklands next to the famous Hanging Rock racecourse. Also top-notch is Curly Flat www. Cobaw Ridge www. Here Shiraz and Lagrein grapes are kings of the castle. Cobaw Ridge specialises in long lived wines, full of character and finesse.
Zig Zag Road Winery www. Their website www. A number of boutique guesthouses are listed in addition to other dining options I've not mentioned below. West of Mount Macedon is a scattering of small villages and two large towns: Kyneton and Daylesford.
Their relative close proximity to Melbourne attracts tree-changers, folks bent on escaping the trials of the big city for a more relaxed back-to-nature country lifestyle. That many end up working harder than they ever did in the city should surprise no one toiling in the hospitality industry.
See www. Pennyweight is my favourite cellar door. One of only two open daily in and around Beechworth. Top picks are the Chardonnay, the Bordeaux red blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot and a very good Shiraz, all from the vineyard outside the lovely cellar door. Their Muscat from Rutherglen grapes is very fine as well.
If time is short or the formality of the tasting is too much, ask to sample the wines at the bar instead. Amulet Wines is the last of the three that boasts a cellar door open to the general public without appointment. Under new owners, Steve and Irene, Barnsley House continues to raise the stakes in superlative accommodation. The Hotel Nicholas has two large rooms for overnight accommodation. Best of all, the hotel operates a terrific restaurant on its upstairs balcony.
