Where to Escape This Winter: Marnong Estate
As the temperatures drop, the appeal of escaping the city for rolling vineyards, long lunches and a glass of cool-climate red becomes hard to resist. Just 35 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, Marnong Estate is emerging as one of Victoria's most compelling luxury lifestyle destinations, bringing together award-winning wines, acclaimed Italian dining and boutique accommodation in one picturesque setting.
Perched in the Sunbury wine region with sweeping views across the Macedon Ranges, Marnong Estate offers everything needed for a relaxed weekend away. Whether it's a leisurely Cellar Door tasting, a long lunch by the fire or an overnight stay overlooking the vines, Marnong Estate invites visitors to slow down and embrace the season.
Wine sits at the heart of the experience. At the Cellar Door, guests can build their own tasting experience by selecting five wines from the Estate and premium Single Vineyard collections or explore curated tasting flights that showcase the diversity of the region's cool-climate styles. Cheese and charcuterie boards provide the perfect accompaniment, while grazing boxes and a bottle of wine offer an easy way to enjoy a casual afternoon picnic among the vineyards.
Dining is equally considered at Marnong Estate. La Vètta, recognised with a Chef's Hat by The Age Good Food Guide, celebrates regional produce through a refined Italian menu designed for slow dining, best enjoyed with a glass of Estate wine. For a more casual experience, Cucina 3064 serves comforting Italian favourites inspired by traditional family recipes, while Caffè Vista offers pizzas, light bites and sparkling wine to enjoy outdoors on crisp winter afternoons.
For those reluctant to leave, boutique accommodation offers the perfect excuse to stay a little longer. Architecturally designed cabins with studio or one-bedroom suites overlook the vineyards, while the beautifully restored 1840s homestead provides an elegant retreat for families and groups. Waking up to panoramic views across the Estate transforms a day visit into a true weekend escape.
Beyond the food and wine experiences, visitors are encouraged to explore the wider property. Resident camels and llamas delight families at the on-site petting zoo, while seasonal markets, live music and special events create new reasons to return throughout the year.
For those unable to visit this winter, Marnong Estate has recently released its latest collection of cool-climate red wines. The 2025 vintage includes two Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs (Heart and Weatherstone, sourced from the Marnong Estate’s most central and elevated vineyards respectively), as well as a 2025 Single Vineyard Shiraz, Sangiovese and Montepulciano that have been released alongside a 2025 Pinot Noir and Shiraz from the Estate range. The range showcases fragrant, cool-climate expressions available online via the Marnong Estate website, from RRP $28.
As more Australians seek regional escapes that combine exceptional food, premium wine and immersive experiences, Marnong Estate is proving that some of Victoria's best winter getaways can be found just beyond the city limits.
For more information, visit https://marnongestate.com.au
