The major geographic feature is Mount Macedon. It is the most prominent feature on th northern horizon from most parts of Melbouurne and rises to just on 1000m.

Towns in the Macedon Ranges GI include Lancefield and Romsey to the East; Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, Malmsbury and Taradale along the Calder Highway which bisects the region, and the emerging sub-region around Daylesford to the West. These towns act as commuter suburbs to the city, but each is developing as a tourist attraction in its own right as cafes, restaurants, gourmet food outlets attract visitors and a range of quality accommodation options entice them to stay.

The altitude of the vineyards in the Macedon Ranges varies between 300-700m. Thus some of the coolest vineyards on mainland Australia are in this region. There are marked variations in the microclimate, with the northern sections of the region being quite warmer than the southern higher sites. The renowned Shiraz regions of Heathcote and Bendigo are immediately to the north.

With the cool climate it is no surprise that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown here for sparkling wine as well as table wines. Riesling is also grown successfully here, in fact some of the highest rated rieslings in Australia are produced in this region but curiously they are rarely written about or discussed.

Among alternative varieties Gewurztraminer is the most popular. Quite a few wineries have started to use Pinot gris. Alan Cooper at Cobaw Ridge has had great success with the Italian red variety Lagrein.

The region is easily visited as a day trip from Melbourne, but there are many dining and accommodation options in the towns of the region which have well developed tourist facilities based on the region's supply of picturesque villages, heritage buildings and antique shops.

Some Macedon Ranges Wineries using alternative varieties

• Basalt Ridge Pinot gris
• Birthday Villa Vineyard Gewurztraminer
• Cleveland Pinot gris
• Cobaw Ridge Lagrein, Vermentino, Viognier
• Curly Flat Pinot gris
• Ellender Estate Pinot gris
• Fryerstown Road Vineyard Malbec
• Glen Erin Vineyard Resort Gewurztraminer
• Granite Hills Tempranillo
• Hanging Rock Winery Grenache, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Petit verdot, Pinot gris, Zinfandel
• Lancefield Winery Gewurztraminer
• Lane's End Vineyard Cabernet franc
• Midhill Vineyard Gewurztraminer
• MorganField Meunier
• Mount Charlie Winery Malbec, Tempranillo
• Mount Franklin Estate Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Pinot gris
• Mount Macedon Winery Gewurztraminer, Meunier
• Mount Towrong Nebbiolo, Prosecco
• Paramoor Wines Pinot gris
• Pegeric Barbera
• Portree Vineyard Cabernet franc
• Rowanston on the Track Malbec, Viognier
• Sailors Falls Winery Gamay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris
• Sautjan Vineyards Pinot gris, Viognier
• Silver Wings Winemaking Mourvedre
• Straws Lane Gewurztraminer
• Wili-Wilia Winery Gewurztraminer

Each year the regions' wineries show off their wines at the annual Macedon Ranges Budburst Festival

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