Macedon Ranges winemakers and vignerons celebrated the best wines of the region at the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibition.
The 2025 Shadowfax Midhill Chardonnay claimed the Laurie Williams Trophy for Best Wine of the Exhibition and Hesket Estate won the Gordon Knight Trophy for Best Winery.
Judging was conducted under wine show conditions, by an expert panel, this year chaired by renowned wine writer Jane Faulkner. Wines were submitted across five categories from wineries located across the region.
Chief Judge, Jane Faulkner praised the freshness, balance and complexity of the wines, commenting that the cool climate and topography of the Macedon Ranges made it perfect “sparkling territory”.
Jane was also pleased to see a great showing of alternative white and red varietals.
Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association president, Ollie Rapson, was proud to see the depth and breadth of the wines on show.
“For a relatively small region, we punch well above our weight in terms of the quality, complexity and range of wines we produce,” Ollie said.
“Our cool climate pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Australia based on what I’ve tasted today!”
This year’s event gathering was held at Mount Monument Winery on October 15.
Passing Clouds NV Sparkling Chardonnay won the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine, 2026 Hesket Estate Sarah’s Riesling won the Label House Trophy for Best White Variety or Blend, and the 2025 Shadowfax Midhill Chardonnay won the Muirs Trophy for Best Chardonnay.
The 2025 Mount Monument Pinot Noir won the Classic Oak Products Trophy for Best Pinot Noir, and the 2025 Lyons Will Greenways Hill Gamay won the Midland Insurance Trophy for Best Red Variety or Blend.
Chief Steward, Renata Morello of Lyons Will Estate encouraged local residents to get out and taste the incredible wines the Macedon Ranges region has to offer. Budburst Festival, to be held November 14-15, is a chance to do just that.