After a long and challenging year, the winemakers of the Macedon Ranges are finally seeing the approach of vintage 2023, just around the corner.
It has been a very wet year for most wine regions but with any luck Macedon producers might get their way with another good year – assuming that the weather holds up its end of the bargain.
“I don’t remember ever spending as much time on a tractor in the vineyard like I have this spring and summer,” said Oliver Rapson, winemaker and owner of Lyons Will Estate in Lancefield.
“It’s been a tricky season that’s for sure. That being said, there is some really great fruit on the vines and I see some real potential should we get a little luck this autumn.”
Due to being the coolest wine region in mainland Australia, the Macedon Ranges is one of the last regions to harvest.
So, while the likes of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are now deep in winemaking mode, most local wineries here are just gearing up for the harvest ahead.
“It’s been a slow season due to some crazy weather. Obviously the rain played a part, along with some unusually cool days throughout the peak of summer,” Rapson said.
“The extra rain definitely also helped in setting some great fruit and our vineyards have never looked so green and healthy. I’m sure in a few years time I’ll be wishing for the rain to come back!”
