Daylesford Macedon Life - Spring 2019

GIN TOUR

Keep in good spirits this spring

PUMP IT UP

Nature’s gift to health

COOLEST OF THE COOL

Our wine makers are doing things differently

MACEDON RANGES GOT TALENT Hot tips from Shane Jacobson

SPRING 2019

volume 2, issue 3 A DAYLESFO RD MACED O N TO U R ISM P U B L I C ATI O N | DAYL E SFORDM AC E DON LI FE .C OM .AU

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PRESENTED BY

POLO

COMMUNITY / ACTIVATIONS / HOSPITALITY

ALL PROFITS TO TLC FOR KIDS

CONTENTS WIN a Gintastic Kyneton Escape for Two

4

Welcome 5 Young Blood

6-7

Where the Best of the Country Meets the Best of the City

8-9

From Slow Flower Tales to Slow Flower Trails

10-11

Beyond the Daily Grind

12-13

A Spring in Her Step

14

Cool Country

15

A Thirst for Life

16

What to Drink this Spring

17

Macedon Ranges Got Talent: an Interview with Shane Jacobson

18-19

Catch the Gin Bug

20-21

Coolest of the Cool

22

Dark Moon Rising

23

High on a Hill a Legend Grows

24-25

Recipe: Mustard and Tarragon Porchetta featuring Harcourt’s Pear Cider Crush

26-27

Pump It Up

29

All Hail the Local Ale

31

What’s on in Spring

COVER

Gin Bug. Big Tree Distillery, Newham.

Distillery Tour p.20-21

Featuring Lisa Holmen & Nilu Noble Q lisaeatworld Q melbourne.escapades

Photographer Adam Neylon Mount Macedon local, Adam Neylon, fell in love with the ‘Ranges’ and developed a passion for photography in hope to capture its incredible beauty. A hobby has led to an advanced skill set and profession. He is highly sought after; providing distinctive images of colour and mood synonymous with the region.

32-33

Classes and Workshops

34

What to Do

35

Fabulous Food & Wine

36

Accommodation 37 How to Get Here and Discover More

37

The Locals Favourite Locals

38 Q adam.neylon K adam-neylon.com

Daylesford Macedon Life

FOLLOW TO WIN

Advertising Enquiries annissa@dmrtourism.com.au 03 5309 2772

We’re giving you the opportunity to win two Anorakkis and an overnight stay at award-winning Clifftop at Hepburn.

This publication is lovingly created by the Daylesford Macedon Tourism Board, because we adore our region and want to share our wonderful stories and experiences with you.

Follow along on Instagram or Facebook for updates.

Here’s how to stay social and get the latest on what’s happening in the region. Share your photos and stories with us by tagging the relevant hashtags on your posts. The most remarkable and beautifully shot pics will be put on our Instagram and Facebook accounts.

@clifftopathepburn @anorakki_thestore @daylesfordmacedonranges

Creative Director Andrea Pribaz Editor Narenna Bloomfield Sales Annissa White Production Sally Towell, Melissa O’Shea-Taylor

Q daylesfordmacedonranges E daylesfordmacedonranges #daylesfordmacedonlife #yourhappyspace

Love our Food and Regional Producers? dmproduce.com.au Q dmpharvest E dmpharvest #dmpharvest Looking for the best place in Australia to get married? daylesfordmacedonweddings.com.au E daylesfordmacedonweddings Q daylesfordmacedonweddings #daylesfordmacedonweddings

daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 3

WIN

A GINTASTIC KYNETON ESCAPE FOR TWO Spring, it’s the best time for a gin fling! Our Gintastic escape will have you based in Kyneton, where you will enjoy picnics, hatted restaurants and cafés.

Then join a guided gin safari around the Macedon Ranges, visiting awardwinning gin distilleries. Our prize also includes some goodies to take home and keep you in good spirits!

This prize includes a two-night midweek stay at The Fox House, coffee and breakfast for two at The Social Foundry, a picnic hamper for two provided

by Piper St Food Co, lunch or dinner with matched wines for two at Source Dining, a gin safari tour presented by The Regional Wanderer, a gin and martini masterclass for two at Animus Distillery. And you won’t leave empty handed. You will also receive two bottles of gin and two t-shirts from Mountain Distilling, and two bottles of Big Tree Distillery gin. Enter now for your chance to win!

Entries close Friday 20th September 2019.

Enter here: visitvictoria.com/DMLifeComp

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: $ 1,880

This competition is presented by Daylesford Macedon Tourism because we adore our region and want to share amazing experiences with you. Photo: Animus Distillery

Daylesford Macedon Life | 4

WELCOME

by Steve Wroe, CEO Daylesford Macedon Tourism You really ‘feel the seasons’ here in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, particularly spring. As we emerge from the chilly shroud of winter, we pause and let the springtime sunshine warm our faces and rejoice at the blossoms emerging on bare branches. The region comes to life and, as our friend and collaborator Shane Jacobson notes in his fantastic article, we feel inclined to pour ourselves a rosé.

The theme for this edition is ‘Drink’ and we showcase the region’s many delicious libations and their makers. Sophisticated wines, delicious craft beers and ciders, world-class gin and, for those ‘morning people’ types, aromatic coffee. You’ll notice that we ‘hero’ the many small wineries and distillers in this issue. I loved this region’s wines long before I moved here and am in awe of our winemakers. I firmly believe that the best pinot noir in the country is made right here and have always enjoyed the area’s minerally rieslings. And if you want to come up and make you own gin, using your own hand-picked botanicals, we’ve got you covered. I should also mention that we have 80% of Australia’s natural mineral springs here. People have

Grab your anorak and go

come up to pump water straight from the earth for over 150 years.

anorakki.com.au

Come up and see us, pop into a few cellar doors, have a great meal at a pub,

Find out more on page 20-21.

winery or cidery and stay at one of the amazing properties we have dotted

Kids from $145 / adults from $265.

about the place. Then, have a lovely fresh-roasted single origin coffee in the morning. Perfect. We look forward to seeing you this spring.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 5

YOUNG BLOOD Richard Cornish

The next generation of Macedon Ranges winemakers are doing things differently

T

here’s a whiff of spring in the air. Bees are buzzing about, seeking the few first flowers of the season. The vines are still dormant, but Passing Clouds winemaker and co-owner Cameron Leith, 33, looks expectantly out the window across his vineyards to the green rolling hills of Musk, just outside of Daylesford. “What defines this region,” he says, looking back inside, “is high altitude and true cold climate. It snowed twice in May!” he says with a warm smile. “This is also a wine region of family-owned wineries where there is a real chance of meeting the owner when you come in and try the wines.” Cameron has taken over winemaking from his father and has changed the way he manages the vineyard. “We now use regenerative soil practices in the vineyard,” says Cameron. “No synthetic fertilisers.

No chemical weed killers. The payoff has been in the quality of the fruit,” he says. Cameron and his family also understand the intricate link between food and wine, serving simple dishes such as roasted free-range

Daylesford Macedon Life | 6

chicken cooked over a wood fire in the winery dining room. Here there are no ovens. No hotplates. Just honest food served with elegant wines.

One of Cameron’s former assistant winemakers is forging a very different path. Brendan Lane, 34, has Musk Lane Wine, an urban winery and wine bar hidden down a laneway in an old timber yard in the heart of Kyneton. Here Brendan makes wine from fruit he buys from small vineyards around Kyneton. “We source small parcels of fruit, around one to two tonnes,” he says. “I try and do as little to the fruit as possible and use natural yeast fermentation,” he says. The cellar door/ wine bar is a shed-like room made from scrounged and foraged materials ‘courtesy of Facebook Marketplace’ jokes Brendan as he pours a glass of his 2018 Macedon Ranges gewürztraminer. Made in the Alsatian style, it is balanced with spicy citrus notes and drinks beautifully.

“The new generation of wine lovers do not want to come to a cellar door and receive a lecture,” he says

flipping the Credence Clearwater Revival LP he has on the record player. “They want to make up their own mind, and if they are interested, they will ask questions,” says Brendan. He has a BYO food policy and suggests you try one of the local restaurants who deliver into the cellar door or go via Piper St Food Co for some charcuterie before you arrive.

A short drive out of Kyneton, in the rugged Cobaw Ranges, Josh Cooper makes wine from other people’s grapes under his own name using his family’s winery at Cobaw Ridge. Josh, 30, grew up on the beautiful family vineyard learning biodynamic farming techniques from his father Alan. Josh is known in the industry as being a hands-off winemaker. “There’s a saying that the wine is made in the vineyard,” says Josh. He works intensively with the owners of the vineyards based in the area, making sure the grapes reach ripeness in perfect condition. “It’s our role as winemakers, to carry the wines through the winemaking process, to

“The new generation of wine lovers do not want to come to a cellar door and receive a lecture” birds and insects that help keep the balance of bugs in the vineyard in check,” says Henry. They were working in Melbourne but fell in love with natural wines, influenced by close friends who owned Bar Liberty in Fitzroy. While they are working on a range of minimal intervention ‘natural wines’ under a second label, they are aware they inherited a loyal following of Zig Zag wine lovers and continue to make good fruit-driven wines for the long-time customers. “We are here to make this vineyard sustainable, make great wine and pass it on to the next generation when it’s time,” says Henry. In the meantime, their cellar door is open for tastings and sales Thursday – Monday 10am to 5pm. let the fruit be what the drinker tastes.” Joshua Cooper Wines have been met with critical acclaim and are only available online, through retailers such as Wine

Nestled into a saddle of a granite ridge, Lyons Will Estate vineyard cellar door looks east out onto the dramatic landscape around Lancefield. Husband and

and the Country in Daylesford, and served in regional restaurants such as The Surly Goat in Hepburn Springs and Midnight Starling in Kyneton.

wife Oliver Rapson, 36, and Renata Morello, 41, bought the vineyard six years ago, inheriting several hectares of pinot noir and chardonnay vines. Soon after they planted riesling and gamay vines into the loam clay soil. “Oliver has a French background, and we wanted to make a wine that we could drink with his family, and gamay is growing in popularity.” The cool climate and easterly aspect determine the way the grapes ripen and Renata – who makes the riesling and gamay – makes exceptionally food-friendly wines with refreshing clean acidity and pleasing mouthfeel. Oliver,

A little further north-west, young English couple Henry, 41, and Harriet, 36, Churchill are quietly reinvigorating an old vineyard first planted in 1972. Zig Zag Winery in Malmsbury is a picturesque vineyard and cellar door. The pair have embraced biodynamic practices to improve the soil and vine health. The grass in every third row remains unmown as “this acts as corridors for

meanwhile, adheres to natural winemaking techniques using naturally occurring yeast, zero filtration and lots of lees exposure for his chardonnay and pinot noir.

The cellar door is open the fourth weekend of every month to coincide with the popular and well-stocked Lancefield Farmers’ Market. “Our recommendation is to buy some cheese, olives, smallgoods and bread from the market and come up and enjoy them at our cellar door with a bottle of our wine,” says Renata. “Or buy a free range chicken or some pork, get some of our wine and cook up a taste of cool climate food and wine at home.” @foodcornish Photography by Richard Cornish Photos: Opposite page: Josh Cooper, Joshua Cooper Wines Left: Brendan Lane, Musk Lane Wine

Passing Clouds, Musk passingclouds.com.au Musk Lane Wine, Kyneton musklanewine.com Piper St Food Co, Kyneton piperstfoodco.com Cobaw Ridge, East Pastoria cobawridge.com.au Joshua Cooper Wines joshuacooperwines.com.au Wine and the Country, Daylesford wineandthecountry.com.au The Surly Goat, Hepburn Springs thesurlygoat.com.au Midnight Starling, Kyneton midnightstarling.com.au Zig Zag Winery, Malmsbury zigzagwines.com.au Lancefield Farmers’ Market vfma.org.au Lyons Will Estate, Lancefield lyonswillestate.com.au

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Daylesford Macedon Life | 7

WHERE THE BEST OF THE COUNTRY MEETS THE BEST OF THE CITY Winsor Dobbin

T

here is something special about Australian country towns. People have time to smile when you walk past them or to offer help if you look lost.

There is fresh local produce, picked from a tree that morning, or plucked from the earth before being served for lunch.

You’ll probably be able to visit a cellar door where the person serving you also made the wine you’ll be tasting, and there will be all-day parking, for free, on the main street in town.

Daylesford, just an hour north of Melbourne Airport, is one such place with a country vibe, but being so close to Melbourne it also offers some of the best elements of the city, including broad-mindedness and an artistic vibe.

Think barista-made coffee served swiftly, a real butcher’s shop, delightful food cooked by serious chefs (no Maccas or KFC) and accommodation options that range from city slick to country comfort.

It means shops that sell the latest fashionable wear – but also op shops with serious bargains (I’m still using my much-loved Vinnie’s scarf).

Daylesford Macedon Life | 8

There are few traffic jams in Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs; I don’t recall having seen a traffic light, and if you hear a car horn it is probably just someone greeting a friend.

Sure, in the country, life moves a little bit slower.

But science suggests that living in the country is beneficial for both your physical and your mental health.

young people train in the city but then return to their own slice of heaven.

You may be troubled deciding which of the many excellent eateries to patronise, which local Macedon Ranges wine to choose, and – for visitors – whether to choose to stay in homely pub accommodation, in luxury selfcatering apartments, or in one of the several world-class gourmet and spa resorts.

“What a contrast to the city, where you can spend considerable portions of your day waiting in a traffic logjam.”

While city and suburb living certainly has plenty of benefits, there’s something about spending a few days in a town like Daylesford that just leaves your mind and body feeling good.

It’s that level of choice that makes DaylesfordHepburn Springs so unique. That, and the beautiful surroundings.

There’s cleaner air, for a start. Life is generally

There can be few better ways to greet the day than with a brisk walk around the shores of the

cheaper out of the big cities, and you have easier access to great dishes with far fewer food miles. There is less crime, too.

lake followed by a hearty country breakfast in front of a wood-fire in winter or alfresco in summer.

With just 2,548 people as of the 2016 census, Daylesford was first established in 1852 as a gold-mining town.

Daylesford is a perfect escape for the spoiled city dweller.

The Daylesford-Hepburn Springs region accounts for more than 80% of Australia’s known mineral water springs.

You’ll find great shops, art galleries, wine bars, regional charm, wellness treatments and other joys of city living without the hassles. Where in a city could you be close to 140 natural mineral springs rich in magnesium, calcium and silica and believed to cure afflictions from acne to arthritis?

City lovers would argue that there are more jobs in the big smoke; that service levels are higher, and public transport is easier to access, but there are no police sirens in Daylesford, and no noisy jet planes overhead.

Throw in the scenic volcanic crater of Mt. Franklin, the many regional bushwalks, and the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and it is hard to imagine anywhere better to escape the hustle and bustle for a few days, or a lifetime.

Today, it pulls in the visitors as one of Australia’s few spa towns – another bonus for locals.

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have no fumes or stress, but the service levels are good. Many

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Winsor Dobbin is a freelance travel, wine and food writer who is based in Tasmania but tempted by Daylesford. @winsordobbin

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Photo: Sault Restaurant. Photography by Adam Neylon

Daylesford Macedon Life | 9

FROM SLOW FLOWER TALES TO

SLOW FLOWER TRAILS Sandy McKinley, Acre of Roses

The officer checked my passport and, in a mono-toned voice, asked, “reason for your visit?”

“Attending a rose farming course, with a little floral therapy on the side,” I replied. He chuckled “Well, that’s the most original response this morning, welcome to Los Angeles and don’t forget to stop and smell those roses.”

has 26,000 garden rose bushes and is one of the most prominent farms in California.

The pivotal point of Grace Rose Farm’s presentation was not the glamour and ethereal virtues that are

We were also privileged to be provided with insights from several flower experts.

Rosarian Dan Bifano, whose skills have

Such was the response whenever there was mention of my trip. When we interact with flowers, there’s an almost primal response that calms us, lifts our mood and refocuses our thoughts. Indeed, any gardener will vouch to this, and that was the purpose at my next port of call. Seattle, Washington State’s largest city, synonymous with the ever-growing slow flower movement.

shaped Oprah Winfrey and Barbra Streisand’s striking Californian Rose Gardens shared his advice. He suggested that with our cool climate frosts, playing such havoc with roses, we would need to provide spring shade cloths and overhead sprayers. This would reduce stress on the roses for the pending flowering season.

“Ok, that’s the budget blown again for this season!” I thought. A harsh reality, indeed.

My quest? To finally meet, face to face, my Instagram pal, who is one of the very few who also practices floral therapy, not only in the USA but globally. Nichole Monjay, of @floratherapie.flowers, is a professional florist and horticultural therapist who weaves mindful therapy and wellness benefits into her floral design practice and workshops.

I was not the only Daylesford Macedon Ranges flower farmer who ventured across the Pacific on a rose-based quest. Also attending was Victoria’s largest paddock grown rose farmer, Kristy Tippett of Dean based Soho Rose Farm. The two of us joined around 20 others from across the United States to learn from a couple who have put their wherewithal, and some serious passion, into creating a successful and sustainable business.

The meeting was of two kindred spirits who bonded over our passion for flowers.

During our time together, we exchanged notes, theories, experiences and hatched a plan to build awareness and help people slow down on both sides of the Pacific using flowers.

Next stop, Grace Rose Farm, situated in the Santa Ynez Valley about 40 minutes from Santa Barbara. It

Daylesford Macedon Life | 10

From vets to lawyers, there is a growing interest and yearning for a different lifestyle which is more connected to nature. “Well, don’t give up your day job, just yet,” was Grace Rose Farm’s advice. The reality is, working with Mother Nature, can be harsh.

You have to diversify and be prepared for exceptionally hard work, both physically and mentally.

seen on social media. It was the reality of running a sustainable profit-based business in an industry that can be occasionally fickle and mostly trend based.

What was brought home through these experiences was how exceptionally rich the Daylesford Macedon Ranges is. Not only our raw resources of fertile soils and abundant mineral springs which create culinary produce second to none but

the talented floral community whose increasing numbers have created one of the highest concentrations in Victoria.

International author of ‘In Praise of Slow’ Carl Honore said it best, “We encourage you to reclaim time and tranquillity, to make meaningful connections with people, cultures, work, our own bodies and minds. And do this with nature’s bounty – flowers.” Experience the slow flower therapy en masse this spring. Thirteen flower farmers, from the Daylesford Macedon Ranges, will be launching The Flower Farm Trail. A celebration of flower farm workshops, tours, accommodation, quaint road-side stalls and farm gate sales.

“When we interact with flowers, there’s an almost primal response that calms us, lifts our mood and refocuses our thoughts.”

To discover the Flower Farm Trail and all that’s on offer, visit consortiumbotanicus.com.au.

Sandy McKinley is the owner of Acre of Roses: a luxury wellness accommodation and micro flower farm in Trentham, Victoria. @acreofroses acreofroses.com.au Photos: Grace Rose Farm

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Daylesford Macedon Life | 11

BEYOND THE DAILY

GRIND

© Anwyn Stekerhofs

Steve Winstanley

T

he origins of coffee may be the stuff of legend, but today it is very much a part of our everyday reality, with 75% of adult Australians drinking coffee and the industry generating around $10 billion a year in revenue. While global brands like Lavazza and Vittoria may dominate the market, sitting happily on the fringes operate the micro-roasters, small companies or individuals with a passion for the art of creating distinctive, high-quality, small-batch coffee.

Very much like the rise of the micro-brewery and the craft beer revolution, micro-roasters are gaining an ever-increasing market share.

Edmund Schaerf and Elna Schaerf-Trauner operate the Coffee Basics roastery behind their industrial-chic Viennese coffee house, Das Kaffeehaus, in Castlemaine. Edmund sees the micro-roaster as a purveyor of quality: “In the historical context, all bakers, brewers and coffee roasters were originally ‘micro’. The world wars and the Great Depression changed the landscape, certainly in the northern hemisphere and North America. The post-war years saw the ascendancy and growth of large

companies to supply the needs of a growing consumer market. For many years big was better, and people trusted large brands, many of which went global. By the late 20th century, however, an educated and new generation of well-heeled consumers emerged looking for quality, rather than sheer quantity, in what they held valuable, be it what they chose to wear, drink or eat. Thus arose the fertile ground for all things ‘micro’ once again.”

Young entrepreneur Josh Rodgers found his passion for coffee at the Moto Bean Roasters in Malmsbury. He is now a barista at the Social Foundry in Kyneton and in his spare time roasts, packs and ships orders for his own brand, Stay Dialed Coffee. As Josh explains, the quality of a micro-roaster’s coffee is attained through intimate product knowledge: “The art of roasting is about understanding how the bean reacts to the hot air flowing around it. You need to know where your beans are grown, by whom, how they have been dried, stored, packaged; everything plays a role in a great cup. Being the roaster is bringing an understanding to all these elements.”

“small-batch coffee produced by micro-roasters, who place emphasis on superior quality, single-origin sources, sustainability, and subtle flavours.”

Daylesford Macedon Life | 12

The modern evolution of coffee is considered to have gone through three waves: the first wave, the mass commodification of coffee in the early-mid 20th century, is exemplified by the instant coffee revolution; the second wave is exemplified by

Interestingly, while coffee generates spectacular revenues, the overheads of running a successful café or restaurant can quickly erode these returns. Simon Gracie and his partner run Martin Street Coffee Roasters in Blackwood, just south of Trentham. They have helped develop a live roasting technology that could see more businesses adopt small batch production, roasting in real-time on their premises, and in doing so, helping them retain their returns. Simon explains: “Industry-wide margins are very low; we’re talking single digits.

Modern operating costs are very high. There’s often very little left over for innovation, or to pay owners anything close to minimum wage.

This is especially true for regional operators.

Our Live Roast [technology] enhances a venues’ customer experience. The beans are suspended during roasting within a glass tube.

The sight, sound and aromatic combination will have any coffee drinker drooling.”

espresso coffee served at outlets like Starbucks and the current third wave, the production of small-batch coffee produced by micro-roasters, who place emphasis on superior quality, single-origin sources, sustainability, and subtle flavours. The Daylesford Macedon Ranges are home to some of the best small-batch coffee producers in the country, and with most also operating cafés, having wide product distribution and selling online, it is now easier than ever to experience the superior artisanal coffee our celebrated regional roasters have on offer. @calder_western

Das Kaffeehaus, Castlemaine coffeebasics.com Stay Dialed Coffee, Newstead staydialedcoffee.com Martin Street Coffee Roasters, Blackwood martinstreetcoffee.com Moto Bean Roasters, Malmsbury

Photo: Josh Rodgers, Stay Dialed Coffee

motobeanroasters.com

Daylesford Macedon Life | 13

A SPRING IN HER STEP Kathy Douglas

B

rylie Rankine knew she was onto something early on. Working in frontof-house café jobs in Daylesford’s busy hospitality sector, she was repeatedly asked by customers for local mineral water.

Naturally low in sugar, vegan, gluten & stevia free

#Daylesfordkombucha mineralspringsco For more information head to localmineralwater.com

c i n a g r o d e i f i t r e C and g n i l k r a p lightly s

“All I could offer them was Italian mineral water, shipped in from thousands of kilometres away, it seemed crazy that the Mineral Springs capital of Australia wasn’t bottling their own” Brylie recalls.

Fast forward 13 years and Brylie is the head bosslady of one of Victoria’s most recognised drink brands. Daylesford and Hepburn Mineral Springs Co. started in September 2006 with high hopes, and little more than a credit card with a $5000 limit, and is now served in some of the most celebrated restaurants in Australia.

The early days were challenging; Brylie would place her daughter in childcare and race down the highway to Melbourne with bottles of mineral water in the boot of the car. She’d pick a popular café strip like Brunswick Street - and sell direct to cafés and restaurants, then zoom back in time for pick up.

The hard yards were worth it. Such was the popularity of this local mineral water that many of Brylie’s very first clients are still placing orders today.

DHMSCo. were one of the very first bottlers of Australian mineral water and its nutrient-rich mineral properties are well known; people have been coming to the region to ‘take the waters’ for generations.

all as local as possible. The company employs a local team and distributes from Daylesford, even though it would be more economically savvy to despatch from Melbourne. Her passion for the region is integral to the brand.

As well as celebrating the local love by sponsoring home-grown events including Daylesford’s popular ChillOut Festival and Words in Winter, this year the company is strutting its stuff on the big stage – having collaborated with Heidi Museum of Modern Art as part of Melbourne Fashion Week, and being served at Australia’s largest International Women’s Day event: Business Chicks. Our local drop is soon to be seen sparkling once again at the Melbourne International Arts Festival.

The brand now boasts five ranges: their signature sparkling mineral water, still spring water, a popular certified organic range, natural flavoured mineral water range and natural juices.

With the current global focus on health and wellbeing, the most recent addition to the drinks fridge is their own delicious 42-day brew, certified organic kombucha and there are exciting new products currently in development at Mineral Springs HQ. DHMSCo. products can now be found in fridges all around Australia. This refreshing local drop is loved by everyone, from hipsters perched on milk crates in hidden laneway haunts to CEOs sitting at crisp white linen tables at award-winning restaurants. @katherine_douglas_art

NEW

FORMULATION

Daylesford Macedon Life | 14

It is reported that the early Swiss Italians in the area protected the springs from mining in the gold rush days, as this water resource was seen as more precious than gold. Brylie gives back to the town that has supported her business and young family by sponsoring community events and keeping it

Facebook @localmineralwater Instagram @mineralspringsco localmineralwater.com Photo: Brylie Rankine, Owner DHMSCo.

COOL COUNTRY Oliver Rapson

T

here is something very earthy and natural about the Macedon Ranges; it’s kind of untouched, yet so accessible. It’s possibly one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets, and in a way, this bleeds through to the artisan ways of the winemakers of the region. A road less travelled, yet there are still 40 wineries with over 18 cellar doors to visit, all with their own character and nuances. And this region enjoys the reputation of some of the most awarded and recognised wines in the country.

The region has grown from strength to strength in recent years, swelling to over 40 wineries, all with their own take on cool climate wine. All are looking to create new and vibrant wines, including some exciting new varietals such as pinot blanc, gruner veltliner, gamay, and lagrein. Each impressive expressions of their own ‘terroir’.

“The region has grown from strength to strength in recent years, swelling to over 40 wineries, all with their own take on cool climate wine.”

If ‘unique’ is what you are looking for then why not try some wild barrel-fermented riesling? Or have some fun with a sparkling made from chardonnay and nebbiolo. Or try something new to Australia, like pinot

There’s a personalised, funky approach to wine in the region. Harriet and Henry at Zig Zag Winery are living their dream, creating premium minimal intervention wine. Hunter-Gatherer Vintners, just out of Kyneton, is an old music venue transformed into an awardwinning winery with views to die for. Try some barrel tasting at Lyons Will Estate, where owners Ollie and Renata can walk you through their cellar door. Or you can enjoy a glass of sparkling in the historical surroundings of Parkside Winery Estate. It is a 1860s

blanc.

Clydesdale barn converted to their cellar door.

because it ours – earthy and natural.

Despite being overshadowed by more famous wine regions, the Macedon Ranges has been producing some of Victoria’s best chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir and sparkling wines for well over 50 years. Some iconic names have been forged in this beautiful part of the world too, Llew Knight at Granite Hills, Alan Cooper at Cobaw Ridge, Michael Dhillon at Bindi Wines, and the list goes on.

Maybe you just want to see the generational shift, where fathers have passed on their expertise and knowledge to sons who are now crafting their own tales. Cameron Leith at Passing Clouds or Rob Ellis at Hanging Rock Winery are all future stars of the region.

For more information about the Macedon Ranges wine region and its cellar doors, visit:

So, the question shouldn’t be – “why or whom should I visit?” but in fact “What surprises am I in for?”

a little miserable, have a drink at the underground cellar door at Cleveland Winery, the only one of its kind in our region. Or maybe you just want to go down memory lane and try the latest vintages from iconic wineries such as Curly Flat, Granite Hills or Cobaw Ridge.

There is something for everyone here, it’s unpretentious, independent and most of all passionate

macedonrangeswine.com.au @macedonrangeswine

If it’s outdoors you want, grab a picnic basket at Hanging Rock Winery and take in the views, or if it’s

Big Tree Distillery are opening their distillery door to visitors during Spring and leading up to Christmas.

So come and taste our award winning gins!

Friday to Monday 11AM - 4PM m. 0400 998 943 307 Hennerbergs Rd Newham,VIC

Big Tree distillery

www.bigtreedistillery.com.au Follow us on

#bigtreedistillery

*Please check our website for any last minute event changes or call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Farm Crafted. Small Batch. Australian Gin. Daylesford Macedon Life | 15

A THIRST FOR LIFE Danielle White, Crofters Fold Estate

I

n the spring of 1836, on a cold, dark, and stormy night a baby boy was born aboard the Barque Africaine – a 317-Ton ship bound from England to Australia. Tossed upon the seas, the mother and her newborn survived a further two months in grim, overcrowded conditions. On reaching land, the baby became the first to be baptised in the new colony and, bearing the middle-name ‘Africaine’, he grew up to carry on his family’s trade farming pastoral lands north of Mount Macedon.* The baby was my great, great, Grandfather.

That same spring, Sir Thomas Mitchell returned to Sydney from an expedition through the cultural landscape of Kulin nation country guided by Wiradjuri man, John Piper, a diplomat and translator. Having traversed the Campaspe River, stood atop Mount Macedon and observed “rich soil, flowery plains and green hills fanned by the breezes of early spring,” Mitchell referred to the region as ‘Australia Felix’

Daylesford Macedon Life | 16

(Lucky Australia) – later named ‘Victoria’. Villages and waterwheel flour mills soon popped up on the banks of the Campaspe while pastoral runs, homesteads, crofters’ huts, and wheat stooks hugged its creeks and tributaries.

Today, six generations on, Ashley and I feel lucky to call the Daylesford Macedon region home. Crofters Fold Estate, our small holding in the hamlet of Pipers Creek, is just a few minutes’ drive east of Kyneton nestled among ancient granite tors with views across grassy woodlands peppered with majestic eucalypti.

The seasonal Pipers Creek, said to be named after one of the district’s earliest European pastoralists William Piper, is a silvery-blue life force that meanders its way from our paddocks through spectacular granite country to the back of my family’s Merino wool farm in Sidonia and on to eventually join the Campaspe.

So, when wanderlust has you journey to this part of the world, be sure to drink in the history and beauty of

“Ultimately, we are all travellers; each of us seeking the kind of soul food that gives us reason to connect, to restore, to put down our roots and stay a while.” the cool climate country that has inspired the human thirst for the good life for millennia.

Crofters Fold Estate is an award-winning artisanal, bee-friendly rose and peony farm and small-batch sparkling wine vineyard. Their Farmhouse Lodge provides a perfect getaway for two. Relax and restore or venture out and experience all that the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region has to offer; from the culture and charm of its villages to its tranquil bush walks, wildlife and dramatic biodiverse landscapes. * The Wurundjeri people’s original name for Mount Macedon is Geboor @croftersfold Photo: Ashley Wren & Danielle White.

Photography by Chloe Smith

WHAT TO DRINK THIS SPRING Tips from Robin Wilson, Beverage Director of Lake House Daylesford Lake House Founder & Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker’s vision – to be surrounded by producers and a sustainable food community - has also extended to wine. And, it’s fair to say, wine of foremost quality.

Robin Wilson, Beverage Director and caretaker of Lake House’s Wine List, which coincidently is in the Hall of Fame for Australia’s Wine List of the Year, shares his advice on what to drink this spring.

WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING AT THE MOMENT, ROBIN?

We are surrounded by great local producers, and I’m enjoying the high-quality wines produced. Place of Changing Winds, Passing Clouds, Bindi Wines, Curly Flat and Eastern

Peake, to name a few, are all coming out with some incredible premium wines that are well worth splurging on for a special occasion. With the top wines from Burgundy becoming more and more expensive, seeing winemakers from the Macedon Ranges, pushing the boundaries and dedicating themselves to quality is inspiring.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL ON THE SCENE?

I’ve been impressed with many wines, it’s hard to choose just one.

Owen Latta is hitting his straps with his label Latta Vino. He’s achieving a great focus in his wines now. Others of note are Melanie Chester at Sutton Grange Winery, Ben Ranken from

Wilimee Wines and Joshua Cooper who has started making wines under his own name, independent of his parents at renowned Cobaw Ridge.

WHAT WILL PEOPLE BE DRINKING THIS SPRING?

Classics. There are stellar examples of riesling from Granite Hills in Kyneton or Jasper Hill and Tellurian in Heathcote. Some crisp, delicious chardonnay from any number of these regions great producers are always spot on. Quality sparkling wines are readily available and can be enjoyed at any time. Well-made wine never goes out of fashion.

Robin Wilson, Beverage Director of Lake House

@lakehousedaylesford The cellar at Lake House

The cellar at Lake House is home to more than 13,000 bottles and sits below the main dining room; itself a unique space for small group tastings and indulgent private celebrations for up to 16 guests. The wine list featured in the Hall of Fame for Australia’s Wine List of the Year; a perfect pairing for the renowned restaurant with 2 Chefs Hats from the Good Food Guide. In 2019 Lake House has continued to be showered in awards including Australia’s Best Regional Hotel in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide and Australia’s Best Food & Wine Property in the Luxury Travel Gold List. True food and wine lovers should keep an eye out for regular events within The Cellar Series and at The Cooking School at Lake House. lakehouse.com.au

Escape to Lake House this spring 3 Night Seasonal Escape $768 per person Includes accommodation, a three course a la carte dinner in the award winning Lake House Restaurant and breakfast daily.

Available Sunday - Thursday, subject to availability. Price based on 2 people.

Two Chefs Hats | Luxury Travel Gold List | Australia’s Regional Hotel of the Year

lakehouse.com.au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 17

MACEDON RANGES GOT TALENT An interview with Shane Jacobson, words Narenna Bloomfield He’s the larger than life larrikin with whom you’d love to natter the day away. Shane Jacobson is the guy you wish lived next door, and we’re lucky enough to have him in our neighbourhood.

W

hen we caught up with Shane, he had 13 projects on the go, both here and abroad. The Macedon local is the busiest man in Australia, he values the time he gets out and about, and today he’s sharing favourite neighbourhood discoveries and tips for the best spots to grab a drink or two.

work together on their block. Every time I came up here, though, I felt they had some kind of bliss that was theirs and not mine. And then when we had kids, we realised that we could find that bliss and provide that lifestyle for our kids, and it was just a matter of moving.

DO YOU HAVE ANY VINEYARDS THAT ARE YOUR KEEN FAVOURITES?

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE REGION?

The truth is that friends moved up here many, many years ago. I used to come up with them and we’d

Daylesford Macedon Life | 18

We love Bindi Wines. We love Passing Clouds. We’ve been fans of Passing Clouds for over 20 years and will go to the cellar door and also have a regular delivery

of their beautiful wine. Curly Flat is another local wine that we adore. Oh, and there’s also Mount Towrong Vineyard. George, the owner, is such a character. One day while visiting, we saw a grubby gardener pop up out of the bushes and wandered up to the car. We said ‘Hey, we’re just here for a quick look. Are you open?’

He responded ‘Um nah, no, it’s not open no, but it will be, sorry.’ After chatting for a while, it took him about 3 minutes to unveil himself as the owner. Decent human, humble and authentic to the core.

IF A VISITOR COULD HAVE JUST ONE WINE, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST THEY DRINK?

Awe too tricky! I’m going to fight between Passing Clouds and Bindi. No. I would tell them they’re wrong and they should have two. Try a Bindi and then go for a drive to Passing Clouds. Oh, and grab a bottle of Curly Flat on the way home!

WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND VISITORS GO FOR A MEAL AROUND MACEDON?

We would go to Baringo Food and Wine Co. No question about it. The food there is fantastic, and the team is brilliant, and there’s a really great wine selection too. That’s my go-to.

It can also depend on who you’re with and the food they like. The other place we go to is Kuzu Izakaya in Woodend. I don’t think you can find better Japanese food in Australia. I love it, and it’s off the beaten track.

If you didn’t know where it was, you wouldn’t find it. A hidden treasure.

There are so many places, though, without going

to a restaurant. Riddells Creek Hotel is one of those hot spots. Every second person tells me to go there. The great thing about the area is that you can do a restaurant or pub food and have a great meal regardless.

like we’re going to do it for the first time, but we’ve just been trying a little rosé for about 4 years. So, I think that makes us officially rosé drinkers!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CRAFT BEERS? ARE YOU A WOODEND HOLGATE MAN?

WHAT TYPES OF WINE DO YOU LIKE?

I’d like people to think that I’m the bold shirazzy guy, but the truth is, I keep grabbing pinot noirs. I keep my hand firmly planted around the cup so people can’t see the shade of what I’m drinking! So yeah, guilty confession, I’ve become the pinot guy, and it’s just happened over time. There are so many beautiful local pinots, and I’ve fallen victim to their allure. I assure you; I was the bold wine drinker. Honestly, I was. Absolutely!

AND WHITES?

Oh, oh dear, here we go, so um confession time. I was the sav blanc guy and then um, once the sun comes out, and as we know when it comes out in Macedon it comes out strong, I became the rosé guy. My wife and I convince each other to have a drink, and it ends up being a rosé, time and time again! We keep saying it

In the area, yeah Holgate, love them. There is also a new co-op, the Rock & Ranges, that we’re about to become a part of. Named after Hanging Rock and the Macedon Ranges. The locals are coming together to brew together. And what’s admirable is that Holgate, who could see them as competition, are big supporters. I can’t think of anywhere else where we would see the community coming together as they have in Woodend. I love supporting local business here because local businesses are great at supporting the community. It’s a charm about the area. People do it here by default, not by force, and that’s what I love about living here.

Shane Jacobson moved up from Melbourne and has been in the region for 5 years. He’s never looked back, no that’s a lie, he quite often looks back, and he laughs. @theshanejacobson

Only 45 minutes from Melbourne

Plan a day or getaway to the Macedon Ranges visitmacedonranges.com/itineraries @macedonrangesnaturallycool Daylesford Macedon Life | 19

CATCH THE GIN BUG Lisa Holmen Move over winery tours, gin distillery hopping is the latest trend to hit Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges with craft distillers making waves across the globe with their award-winning gins.

W

hether you’re looking to sip an aromatic gin on the rocks or linger with a gin-inspired cocktail, here’s a guide to some of the best distilleries in the region to go on the ultimate gininspired road trip.

Want to go on a gin road trip but don’t want to drive? Let Shane from The Regional Wanderer do the hard work for you. The Gin Safari is designed as an adventure through the Macedon Ranges gin wonderland with visits to Big Tree Distillery, Mountain Distilling and Animus Distillery. Go behind the scenes

Big Tree Distillery is the lovechild of Gary Jago and Catherine Crothers, a husband and wife team who loved gin so much they decided to make their own, naming it after the ‘Big Tree’ at their property, under which they were married. Their award-winning gin is created from fresh rainwater collected from Jack Springs Farm and a unique mix of fresh and dried botanicals that are either imported, locally foraged or farm-grown. Perch at their newly opened cellar door and try their full range, including the traditional Elegant Dry or Claude Navy Strength, which packs an extra punch of native Australian botanicals and a touch of Southern Sassafras foraged from the Victorian

The impossibly picturesque Mountain Distilling is nestled in the heart of Mount Macedon. Founders George Cremasco and Michael Harris, produce the gin on-site using their own copper pot stills. New growth pine needles and mountain pepperberry are locally foraged and teamed with fresh orange zest and lemon to craft a gin reminiscent of fresh mountain air and the aroma of tall pines. Their gin has just won Gold in the 2019 International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Venture up to the cellar door’s upper deck to breathe in the (actual) fresh mountain air and take in the spectacular views over the vineyard and the ranges beyond. Mountain Distilling hold spirit tastings every

of life at a distillery to find out how gin is made while tasting an impressive range of award-winning local gins. Feast on a shared ‘European style’ lunch at the picturesque Mount Towrong Vineyard, home of Mountain Distilling. Finish up by learning how to make the perfect martini by watching the masters at work then have the chance to make your own and marvel at the master you’ve become!

mountains. Don’t miss their zesty cumquat-infused seasonal gin and Ruby’s elderflower gin liqueur which is made using hand-picked elderflowers foraged from the farm’s elderberry trees in spring. Go behind the scenes of the distillery and meet ‘Beryl’, their Australian copper pot still to find out how their farm-crafted gin is made. Better yet, sign up for their distilling course where you will learn to make your own.

weekend at their shared cellar door with Mount Towrong Vineyard. Don’t go home without trying their new gin and tonic cans, the perfect drink for spring.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 20

From the humble beginnings of four best friends brewing small-batch spirits in their Fitzroy North garage, Animus Distillery has scaled up their operations a notch, moving into Piper Street in

Kyneton - a foodie hot spot. This sustainably-minded ‘cocktail bar meets working distillery’ uses the highest

It would be wise to eat while touring the region’s gin havens. Set on a spectacular 125-acre estate, Sault

Photos opposite: gin cocktail, Sault Restaurant, Big Tree Distillery

grade of 100% Australian grain spirit, which is triple filtered to create the purest base for capturing the soul of their botanicals. Sink into one of their chesterfields and soak in all the aromas of a working distillery as fresh botanicals are prepared on-site, and the gin flows generously from their still. If you prefer things straight up, enjoy a gin tasting, starting with their classic Macedon Dry Gin infused with lemon myrtle and mountain pepperberry, followed by the South East Asian-influenced Ambrosian and finishing with the Arboretum - a complex herbaceous gin with hints of strawberry gum leaf and native bush tomato. Or linger with one of their signature gin cocktails, martinis or an Animus Gin Flight, a must for gin and tonic fans.

Restaurant is one of the region’s finest restaurants with a modern Australian menu, which showcases produce fresh from the kitchen garden. Here you can enjoy a spectacular tasting menu crafted by head chef Hugh Maxwell matched with sumptuous gin cocktails. The Berry Bramble, showcasing Animus Gin is a herbaceous melody of cassis, lemon juice, hibiscus and tonic, studded with mixed berries, while the Animus Classic combines the distillery’s award-winning Arboretum Gin with fresh lemon and rosemary finished with pink peppercorns and limes to create the perfect palate cleanser. Kick back, relax and sip on one of their gin cocktails while enjoying the breathtaking views over the lake and the Wombat State Forest beyond.

Photos (clockwise L-R): Terra Australis, Mountain Distilling, cocktails at Sault

Further west, you can transport your senses to a bygone era at Herbal Lore and the Terra Australis Distillery. Housed in the back streets of Daylesford in the Old Buttery Factory, the building has been transformed into a cellar door and distillery dedicated to creating memorable, ‘life-enhancing’ concoctions.

Here the staff can guide you on a comprehensive tasting of their range of herbal liqueurs and elixirs made with medicinal herbs crafted by their master blenders, each having their own personality and style.

Terra Australis produce three gins - Sweet Jennifer, Lady Susanne and Navy Strength which are expertly crafted with rare and specially chosen botanicals which are top secret.

Follow the adventure on #catchtheginbug @lisaeatworld @melbourne.escapades Sault photography by Adam Neylon Big Tree Distillery photography by Marnie Hawson Mountain Distilling photography by Scott Boelsen The Regional Wanderer theregionalwanderer.com.au Mountain Distilling, Mt Macedon mountaindistilling.com Big Tree Distillery, Newham bigtreedistillery.com.au Animus Distillery, Kyneton animusdistillery.com Herbal Lore Liqueurs herballoreliqueurs.com Terra Australis terraaustralisdistillery.com Sault Restaurant, Sailors Falls sault.com.au

GRAB YOUR ANORAKKI AND GO

Anorakkis are beautiful Scandinavian jackets designed to accompany you on your outdoor adventures. They are built to last, made from high-quality, durable cotton, and their Aquatx coating makes them stain, water and wind repellent while maintaining a natural softness and breathability.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 21

COOLEST OF THE COOL Patrick Eckel

THE OLD AUCTION HOUSE 52-56 Mollison ST, KYNETON

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hen people drink wine, the link is often missed between what’s in the glass and the unique site from which it was produced. You can travel the world and talk to countless winemakers and any producer, worth their salt, will talk about wine being made in the vineyard and not in the winery. The greatest vineyard sites around the world have an affinity with specific grape varieties that produce compelling, conversationworthy wines.

The Macedon Ranges is the coolest wine-growing region on mainland Australia with snow not uncommon during winter, something akin to cool climate regions like Burgundy and Alsace in France which are only marginally cooler. It is this genuinely cool climate that allows the production of some of Australia’s best pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling.

Matt Harrop is the winemaker at Curly Flat and Silent Way, and Harrop has experience across Australian and international regions.

He describes viticulture in the Macedon Ranges as needing to be ‘precise’ with the cold, long vintages requiring meticulous care that can only be done by hand, meaning costs are high, yields are low, but quality can be quite exceptional.

It is this genuinely cool climate that allows the production of some of Australia’s best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Llew Knight is one of the pioneers of the region, with his vineyard Granite Hills nearing its 50th vintage, both Knight and Harrop agree that the definitive quality and differentiator of the area is the stunning natural acidity afforded by cool growing seasons, meaning acid is not added to wines, unlike most other Australian regions; giving the wines of Macedon Ranges their structure, freshness and longevity.

The most extensive plantings in the region are pinot noir and chardonnay which is no surprise given both varieties express themselves best in cool locations; Harrop also describes riesling from the region as a superstar with the best examples world-class, no doubt a nod to the classic wines produced by Knight at Granite Hills.

When talking about the future of the region, Harrop describes its ‘altitude as its insurance’, as vineyard sites warm around the world, it will be harder and harder to produce exceptional pinot noir. Knight has plantings of both grüner veltliner and gamay that are producing some exciting results with the latter having the potential to produce structural, long-lived wines reminiscent of Crus sites in Beaujolais.

OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 5PM M-F, 10AM - 4PM S-S FREE ENTRY. PRAM / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE GIFTSHOP INDEPENDENT

STUDIOS HANDMADE

GALLERY AUSTRALIAN

WWW.THEOLDAUCTIONHOUSE.COM.AU

The Macedon Ranges may not be significant in terms of volume, but with established producers like Curly Flat, Bindi Wines, Domaine Epis and Granite Hills as well as a raft of new producers there is a lot to be excited about.

Patrick is a skilled wine appreciator and has spent a majority of his life pursuing his passion for wine. His site, winereviewer.com.au, provides independent reviews, over 3000 in fact, of the wines he discovers. It’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about wine! @winereviewer_au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 22

DARK MOON RISING

A

ustralia is known the world over for its wine, with over 150 grape varietals grown commercially around the country, but it’s very rare that you’ll find Refosco.

However, Mitch Duncan, owner of Daylesford institution ‘The Farmers Arms’ did just that in 2016, when he saw some vines, not far from the pub, owned by local Farmer Eddy Comelli. With some care and a lot of pruning, it took Mitch less than a year to produce his first vintage of intense ruby red ‘The Moonchaser’ Refosco in 2017.

Refosco, meaning ‘of the red stem’ is grown and consumed principally in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in northeast Italy and the nearby Venezia and Treviso provinces of the Veneto region and has been celebrated since the Classical era. Notably, the infamous Casanova wrote in his memoirs that the Refosco ‘made me forget all my troubles…’ of which he was known to have a few…

The Refosco vine cutting was brought to Australia by the Comelli family, who came in search of a better life

Mitch Duncan, The Farmers Arms, Eddy Comelli and Tristan Comelli

Crag Carrick

in the late 1960s. Eddy’s father, who was nicknamed Losk, meaning ‘man who looks at the moon’, settled his family in Preston before buying land in Daylesford in 1969.

The Refosco cutting came from a 400-year-old vine in the town of Nimis in northern Italy, where the Comellis still have a working winery that is well known for its Refosco and Ramandolo.

The rooting of the vine was “just one of Dad’s hobbies, mucking around on the pig farm,” says Eddy. Over the years, grapes were picked, and wines were made, but since 2005, when Eddy’s Father passed, the vines lay dormant.

‘The Moonchaser’ name refers to trips made by Eddy’s Grandfather, under cover of darkness, over the border to nearby Communist Slovenia, where tobacco, alcohol and sugar were far cheaper. Moonchaser can be found exclusively at The Farmers Arms, the famous Daylesford hostelry owned by Mitch and known for its

local characters, seasonal menu and now, boutique accommodation.

Mitch says that “having such a rare wine being produced in Daylesford sums up how unique and interesting the area is.

There really is something for everyone in the region and something new to discover around every corner.”

His most recent project is an art gallery in a renovated, 100-year-old house that has been designed to showcase artists from the area and further afield, while offering up and coming artists and designers the opportunity to sell their work. Guests are invited to drink, dine, be treated to a wide range of artworks and sleep in luxurious comfort; all conveniently in the one spot.

So next time you’re exploring the Daylesford area, make sure to try a glass of the rare Refosco under the bright, country moonlight. @farmersarmsdaylesford

A RANGE OF SPIRITS FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT Savour the experience! Visit us for tastings and sales.

TERRA AUSTRALIS DISTILLERY

www.terraaustralisdistillery.com

(03) 5348 1920 Lot 2 Railway, Daylesford, VIC 3460

herbal lore liqueurs www.herballoreliqueurs.com

Daylesford Macedon Life | 23

HIGH ON A HILL

A LEGEND GROWS Nadine Hartnett

I

t is very quiet and still on the craggy hilltop until a biting wind whips the gum leaves from their ghostly limbs and newly quenched grass starts a frenzied jig.

Around 500 metres below, a fox appears, more handsome than cunning and in considerably less of a hurry than the blue-tongued lizard darting beneath the lofty granite rocks.

This place, devoid of fanfare and not on any tourist map, demands pause for reflection. Unknown to even the most dedicated historians, it is linked to Australia’s most famous folk legend.

Ned Kelly is believed to have used this spot as a lookout. And it is easy to see why. “He would use it to understand the movement of the troops in and out of town, and to make his paths

Daylesford Macedon Life | 24

around this knowledge,” said Jan Clark, whose family has owned the 273-acre property on the Lancefield-Kilmore Road since 1975.

The view from the hill is vast, sweeping over verdant pastures, dams and vineyards towards mountains to the north and the townships of Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour on the eastern side. Sunrise, in particular, is a sight to behold. And in the evening, it is intoxicating to sit beside a campfire gazing up at the impossibly starry masterpiece of a sky.

The Kelly family was well known to the police, and sympathisers continue to argue that Ned and various kin were persecuted. Although the Kelly Gang of four did not become outlaws until 1878 when Ellen was jailed for the attempted murder of a policeman, it is reasonable to accept that Ned would have tried to stay ahead of the police from a young age.

“When Ned was a young teenager living in Beveridge, his father was put in jail,” said Jan. “Ned used to hang out at the lookout because it is the most elevated piece of land in the area.”

In 1866, Ned’s father John “Red” Kelly, an Irish born convict who completed almost seven years of imprisonment in 1848, was sentenced to six months of hard labour for stealing a calf despite maintaining his innocence. Ned’s mother Ellen, her brothers and other family members also had criminal records.

Ned became “head of the family home” before his twelfth birthday. Within a couple of years, he was stealing horses and cattle with the bushranger, Harry Power, and by the age of 16 was serving his first jail term.

The Kelly history involves the Macedon Ranges due to Ned’s appearance at the Kyneton Courthouse when he was 15, while on remand over two robberies. A letter he wrote to a local police sergeant who showed him kindness is on display at the Kyneton Museum.

If only the wind blowing over Spring Hill Estate by Lancemore talked instead of whistled, it could add at least one more chapter to a story that is reportedly referenced each week, on average, somewhere in the world.

Ned Kelly lookout is a spot that needs to be seen to be believed. Visitors can stand where he once stood at Spring Hill Estate by Lancemore, award-winning boutique accommodation and function venue. lancemore.com.au/spring-hill-estate Nadine Hartnett is a freelance writer and the founding manager of the Macedon Ranges Art Trail. macedonrangesarttrail.com Photos: Ned Kelly’s Lookout. Photography by Kara Rosenlund

Daylesford Macedon Life | 25

- RECIPE -

MUSTARD AND TARRAGON PORCHETTA WITH POTATOES

FEATURING HARCOURT’S PEAR CIDER CRUSH

by Ollie Hansford, Head Chef of the Stokehouse St Kilda - Serves 6 -

Stokehouse St Kilda is known to celebrate food and wine from the Macedon Ranges region. Their ‘What Grows Together Goes Together’ dinner series have explored regional Victoria, meeting with our passionate local producers, understanding how their unique growing conditions and traditions ultimately determine tastes and flavours like no other.

EXPERIENCE OUR LOCAL CIDERS Our climate and conditions are just right for apple orchards.

More than 40 varieties are grown across the region. Look out for the following brands and visit a cellar door: Harcourt Cider, Harcourt (used in this recipe) harcourtcider.com.au @harcourtcider Daylesford Cider, Musk (open 7 days) daylesfordcider.com.au @daylesfordcider Bress, Harcourt (open Fri-Sun) bress.com.au @bresswinecider Henry of Harcourt, Harcourt (open 7 days) henrycider.com @henrycider Captains Creek, Blampied (open Sat-Sun) captainscreek.com @captainscreekwinery

Daylesford Macedon Life | 26

Also try Daylesford Cider’s Yarlington Mill - a full bodied cider with tons of heritage fruit character; great with and in food.

INGREDIENTS:

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

2 x bunches of tarragon 200g fine chopped shallots 40g minced garlic 100g wholegrain mustard 1 x lemon (juice and zest) 1 x pork belly – skin on (roughly 4kg) highly recommend Hollyburton Farm 6 x pears 2 x bottles of Harcourt Pear Cider 1 x lemon Salt 3kg baby potatoes 1 x bunch of thyme Oil - highly recommend Barfold Olive Oil

@chef_ollie_ @stokehouserestaurants

METHOD:

Chop up the tarragon, and mix with the fine diced shallots from Mt Franklin Organics, add the minced garlic, wholegrain mustard, lemon and salt, and leave to one side.

Lay the pork belly skin side down. We used free-range organic pork from Hollyburton Farm in Clarkefield. Take a long knife and about half the thickness of the belly, slice lengthways all the way to the other side, making sure to keep the meat still attached to the skin. The idea is you should have doubled the area of the belly meat, keeping the skin the same size.

Cover the entire opened-up pork belly meat with the herb and mustard mix.

Now carefully start to roll the belly lengthways beginning with the meat side and working towards the skin, thus creating a spiral roll effect. The best way to secure this shape is to tie the roll up with butchers’ string/twine in 4-6 rings going down the belly as tight as you can without the filling being forced out. Once this stage is done, then refrigerate between an hour to 24 hours.

Peel and core The Little Red Apple pears then cut into half and cut each half into thirds. In a deep baking tray, add the slices of pear, the Harcourt Pear Cider, a small pinch of salt, and some lemon thyme. Take the pork out of the fridge and lay on top of the pears like a trivet. Then wrap the tray in foil and bake at 180° for an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.

After that time, take the tray out of the oven and remove the pork. Turn the oven up to 220°. While the oven is heating, spoon the poached/steamed pears that would have slightly caramelised into a bowl. Crush with a fork, adding some salt and/or lemon juice for seasoning, then leave to one side.

With a fork slightly crush the baby potatoes (you can grab them from many farm gates in the region). Try Potato Farm Gate Musk for fresh potatoes straight from the rich red soil. Add them to the tray the pork was cooking in, with a splash of oil. Add the Porchetta back to the tray, so it’s not covering the potatoes. Add a couple of crushed garlic cloves, and some thyme and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is golden and crispy.

Take out and slice, serving some crispy potatoes, and a large spoonful of the Harcourt Pear Cider cooked pears.

Looking to match this with a drink? Buy extra ciders and enjoy it together.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 27

shizuka ryokan

Traditional Japan in Victoria’s Spa Country Slip off your shoes and enter a world that is distinctly Japanese. Allow the Zen design and warm, uniquely Japanese hospitality sooth your mind and soul. Feel the tension slipping away with a massage and a soak in a deep bath overlooking your private Japanese courtyard.

w: shizuka.com.au

p: 03 5348 2030

7 Lakeside Drive

Hepburn Springs VIC

PUMP IT

UP Richard Cornish

T

here’s a gurgling sound as the water is drawn up from deep within the earth below. The pump gives more

Spring is Soda Spring. The water from this spring has a slightly soft and slippery texture a result of dissolved alkaline minerals

resistance requiring more strength as the water nears the spout. A few drops give way to a vigorous gush of cool, clear, clean mineral water. It has a slightly earthy aroma but is refreshing to taste, with natural effervescence making the water tingle on the tongue. The water comes from Locarno Spring, a natural spring where rainwater has percolated through underground rock. It comes to the surface in a beautiful bush reserve in the heart of Hepburn Springs 6km north of Daylesford. The spring is named after a town on the shores of Lago Maggiore in Switzerland. It reflects the influence that the early Swiss Italian residents had in saving the mineral springs around Hepburn from destruction from gold mining. The Swiss Italians were dismayed that the springs, that were also important to the culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung indigenous people, were now running dry from the effects of mining. They had grown up in a European culture where the health-giving properties of natural spring water were appreciated. And in 1865 a small reserve was established to protect the springs that bubbled up naturally from the ground.

that give the spring its name. This is popular with people from Eastern Europe who collect it as the table water to drink with meals. The path loops a short 1.4 km, linking to Argyle Spring and Wyuna Spring.

Today those springs have been tapped with hand-cranked pumps so visitors can try the waters for themselves. That small reserve set aside by the Swiss Italians has been expanded to cover 30ha of dramatic bushland. Some parts have been tamed with rock walls and bridges made from Castlemaine slate, and the bush is dotted with exotic trees such as towering California Redwoods. A short walk down a well-made path from Locarno

There are almost a dozen pumps in and around the Daylesford and Hepburn townships. They are interlinked by a network of walking tracks, some short, some up to half a day. One of the most spectacular sites is found at Sailors Falls where Sailors Creek drops some 20m down a basalt cliff, surrounded by towering eucalypts. Downstream of this is Sailors Fall Mineral Spring pump. This is very popular with people collecting mineral water for its high magnesium content from the basalt. People believe the magnesium promotes general good mood and staves off muscle cramp, some collecting the water in bottles and drums to take home and drink at their leisure. Further out of town, on the outskirts of Glenlyon, is an isolated little pump under the shade of a massive candlebark gum. This is Woolnoughs Crossing Mineral Spring. Here the water is pleasant, bubbly, tastes slightly of rusty iron but, after rain, tastes like many popular European mineral waters. @foodcornish

For more information head to Parks Victoria for downloadable maps: parkweb.vic.gov.au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 29

FIELDS OF GOLD

Immerse yourself in history and nature.

Positioned between the mineral springs of Daylesford and the old city of Ballarat, RACV Goldfields Resort awaits discovery in the historic bushland around Creswick.

beers, complete with spectacular views over the golf course, and an expansive alfresco area.

Wake up to fairway or forest views and the sounds of the Australian bush. Dine on contemporary cuisine, and quality local produce at the Harvest Restaurant, matched with a selection of awardwinning regional wines.

designed course. The resort also offers a full range of facilities including extensive meeting and function rooms, tennis courts, gymnasium, heated outdoor swimming pool, secure bike storage and a kids playground.

Want to relax and wind down? Springs Bar and Terrace is an ideal location for a morning coffee, a cafĂŠ style lunch or dinner and an extensive cocktail list inspired by the region, local wines and

However you choose to unwind, you’ll find everything you need at RACV Goldfields Resort.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 30

Enjoy a luxurious spa treatment, or play a round of golf at the Tony Cashmore-

racv.com.au/goldfields 03 5345 9600

ALL HAIL THE LOCAL ALE A group of mates like to brew their own beer. They end up being so successful at it that other mates want to buy it too. One mate suggests they should start selling said beer but do it on their terms. They want to give something back to the community by reinvesting the profits. They want to support local jobs, grow tourism in the region, brew beer with environmental sustainability at the forefront of all that they do. Brilliant idea! A few months later the Rock & Ranges Brewing Co-op (R&RBC) is founded.

When you combine ‘mates’ and ‘beer’, most people automatically assume this is a lads thing. And yet three women sit on the R&RBC board. One in charge of the complex legalities. Another is the master brewer and the third a cutting-edge publican who owns the Victoria Hotel in Woodend.

Like the first sip of ale on a hot day, these women are refreshing in how they approach the business of beer.

Uniquely, each woman has two career skillsets that they regularly utilise within the co-op.

Nicola Rivers is the R&RBC board secretary. She’s also an environmental lawyer. Her role is to ensure compliance with all the strict rules and regulations, along with being the secretary.

Then there’s the effervescent Jen Howard, she’s not only an IT consultant and handles the “tech”, but more

Zali Garrety

Collaboration with other craft brewers within the region is a big part of what the R&RBC is about.

Plans are afoot to make the Macedon Ranges from Macedon along the Calder right through to Castlemaine and up into Bendigo - a regional ‘ale trail’.

importantly, she’s a key part of the brew crew. This woman knows her beer.

The ale trail is a big idea publican, and previously marketer, Emily Blades is excited by. Emily is a big supporter of regional producers and tourism. She took over the Victoria Hotel last year and has transformed the venue into a family-friendly gastropub.

“Our first release is a dark mild beer. It’s a mid-strength.

We call this an approachable beer.”

“Trends in beer are changing. People want to understand the story behind a beer and the producers who have made it.”

I’m perched atop a wooden bar stool in the iconic Victoria Hotel in Woodend. I like beer about as much

The story of R&RBC has only begun. With the Mt Macedon Hotel now stocking it, and two new beers

as a kid likes boiled Brussels sprouts. I’m prepared to lick froth from lips and make non-committal noises that could be interpreted as delicious. I am, however, delightfully surprised how mild and smooth this beer tastes. It’s an English style ale I could easily drink.

planned for the next six months, all looks promising.

Nothing better than a product made by a community as passionate about giving back as they are about beer. Best you find out yourself though.

“We currently keg at Shedshaker Brewing in Castlemaine. They make small batches of handcrafted beer. They are very supportive and have played a fundamental part in producing our first batch,” said Jen.

rockandranges.beer @rockandrangesbeer

@zaligarrety_coach

Photo: Emily Blades, Mark Constable, Luke Spielvogel, Nicola Rivers & Jen Howard (co-founders) Photography by Tim Collins Media

Spa Country Escape Package save up to 30% Experience the heart of Hepburn Springs at Bellinzona Resort where heritage architecture meets old world charm style hotel accommodation. The resort offers a regal elegance dining room overlooking English styled gardens, with an indoor pool and spa, wellness treatments and casual wine bar.

Package is $269* for 1 night and includes: 1 night in a Standard Room for two adults | Breakfast for two Two course dinner for two in the Heritage Dining Room Valid Sunday - Friday. Offer valid for bookings between 24 August to 30 November 2019. *Terms and conditions apply. Not valid public holidays. Offer valid for new bookings only. No further discounts apply. $80 surcharge for bookings including Saturday.

Book online bellinzona.com.au/escape or call (03) 5348 2271

Prestige Retreats

| ACCOMMODATION | RESTAURANT | WINE BAR | WEDDINGS | EVENTS |

Daylesford Macedon Life | 31

WHAT’S ON IN SPRING MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY - Wesley Hill, Castlemaine EVERY SUNDAY - Daylesford Sunday Market, Daylesford Farmers’ Market 1ST SATURDAY - Woodend Farmers’ Market 1ST SUNDAY - Gisborne Olde Time Market, Gisborne Miniature & Model Railways Rides, Castlemaine Artist Market, Castlemaine Farmers’ Market 2ND SATURDAY - Ballan Farmers’ Market, Kyneton Farmers’ Market, Kyneton Community Market, Sunbury Farmers’ Market, Trentham Mini Market 2ND SUNDAY - Clunes Farmers’ Market, Maldon Market, Woodend Village Market 3RD SATURDAY - Riddells Creek Farmers’ Market, Creswick Market, Trentham Farmers’ Market

SEPTEMBER Every Sunday this month – Post Office Farm Hellebore Open Day, Ashbourne 4 - 6 5 - 15 6 7 7 7-8 7-8 14 14 14 15 20 20

25 27 27 28

Kyneton Antique Fair Kyneton Daffodil Festival The Pikemen at Holgate Brewhouse, Woodend Flappers Ball at the Palais, Hepburn Springs The Silver Streak, Food, Wine & Music Train, Daylesford MCO A Feast of Music, Daylesford Kyneton Spring Flower Show Bindi Wine Lunch at Lake House Daylesford Meet the Buttlejork Artists at the Old Auction House, Kyneton VGR Ales on Rails, Castlemaine Goat Shearing at Creswick Woollen Mills Swinging on Broadway at the Kyneton Town Hall Shedshaker Brewery’s Spring Beer tastings at Blue Bean Love, Hepburn Springs Daylesford Railway School Holiday Rides Run the Maine, Castlemaine Nina Rootsey live at Daylesford Cider Clunes Ceramic Award

Sept 21 - Oct 6 Kryal Castle School Holiday Program Sept 21 - Oct 6 Creswick Woollen Mills School Holidays Animal Farm

Daylesford Macedon Life | 32

OCTOBER 2 4 5 5 5-6 26 12 - 13 13 19 - 20 20 20 20 25 26 27 27 27

Daylesford Railway School Holiday Rides Sapphires at the Kyneton Town Hall Raindance Tour at Palais, Hepburn Springs The Silver Streak, Food, Wine & Music Train, Daylesford Garden Lovers Fair, Mount Macedon Mandy Connell live at Daylesford Cider Kings of Kryal Castle, Leigh Creek Everything in its Right Place, Lo Fi Wine Festival, Daylesford Kryal Castle Timeline Festival, Leigh Creek Oktoberfest Holgate Brewhouse, Woodend Food + Fire + Wine at Hanging Rock Winery Lancefield Agricultural Show Kyneton Music Festival Hanging Rock Makers Market La Primavera Festival at Lavandula, Hepburn Springs Sheep Shearing at Creswick Woollen Mills Paws in the Park, Gisborne

Oct 26 - Feb 23 Art in the Vines, Hanging Rock Winery

NOVEMBER Lavender – November is the best time of the year to visit Sault Restaurant in Sailors Falls and Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm in Shepherds Flat 1 1 1-5 2 2 2-3 3 9 9 9 - 10 16 - 17 17 17 15 15 - 16 16 16 16 - 17 23 23 23 30

Castlemaine Show Maldon Folk Festival Second Annual World Circus and Cabaret Festival, Hepburn Springs Tour de Bress, Harcourt Bacchus Marsh Makers Market Duneira Open Garden, Mount Macedon Carlsruhe Fire Brigade Food & Wine Festival Daylesford Craft Market Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend Budburst Wine & Food Festival, Macedon Ranges Baroque Horse Festival, Kryal Castle Leigh Creek Malmsbury Village Fayre Targa Florio Tour, Macedon Ranges Bacchus Marsh Strawberries and Cherries Kyneton Agricultural Show Clunes Show VGR Race the Train, Castlemaine Bank House Open Garden, Newlyn Daylesford Show Rock & Roll at the Farmers Arms Creswick Art in the Vines Long Lunch Hanging Rock Winery The 5K Foam Fest, St Anne’s Vineyard Myrniong

Daylesford Macedon Life | 33

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Home to a broad and rapidly growing range of classes and workshops, the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region provides those wanting to explore their creative side with plenty of options to choose from. Whether it’s a cooking class, learning the skills of dry stone walling or making your own chair, there is literally something for everyone! Keep in mind that many of these classes book out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance.

BUILD AN ECO-AWESOME FLORAL WEDDING & EVENT BUSINESS - NEWHAM

BIG TREE DISTILLERY DISTILLING COURSE – NEWHAM

Join sustainable floral designer Aga Jones Flowers, bee-friendly flower farmers Crofters Fold Estate and eco wedding hub Less Stuff - More Meaning for a full day’s mindful living workshop focused on how to eco-fy your floral wedding and event business. Special guest eco-florist, stylist and small business mentor for over 30 years, Nadine Brown of Wild Flora Studio, NSW.

Learn to distill at award-winning Big Tree Distillery. Each participant will use an alembic still to make their own bottle of gin. Workshop includes; botanical selection, distillery tour, gin tasting and distilling.

lessstuffmoremeaning.org/mindfully_wed_workshop COLOUR FLOW – WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP - BULLARTO

From inside to outside, spend the day learning the art of watercolour and en plein air painting (Painting outdoors). Working from the stunning base at Bullarto gallery, awarded watercolourist Phillip Edwards will share the basics of watercolour techniques. After morning studio sessions, the workshop will venture into the region for an afternoon of field painting. phillipedwards.net/art-workshops-bullarto-gallery DAYLESFORD MACEDON FLOWER FARM TRAIL

Discover the diverse offerings of the region’s sustainable bee friendly flower farms with the newly launched Flower Farm Trail. Experience workshops, gourmet picnics, wellness experiences, a Lavender Festival and more. consortiumbotanicus.com.au/daylesfordmacedonflowerfarmtrail GOLD STREET STUDIOS – TRENTHAM EAST

Offering a range of workshops which attract local, interstate and international participants wishing to understand and enjoy the art, craft and science of creating handmade photographs from professional instructors. goldstreetstudios.com.au/workshops

Daylesford Macedon Life | 34

bigtreedistillery.com.au/gin-making-classes CRAFTSPIRATION SESSIONS AT KYNETON CRAFTERY - KYNETON

From polymer clay, to paper crafts, or jewellery making. Craft, chat, and caffeinate while you brush up on an old favourite or learn the new craft your life is missing. kynetoncraftery.com INK WASH, SKETCHING AND CARTOONING WITH LINDA NEWTON - KYNETON

Discover a world of drawing and creativity with Castlemaine artist Linda Newton.

Individual sessions will cover working with watercolour, ink, and graphite, as well as cartooning and illustration techniques. theoldauctionhouse.com.au/classes MILLROSE QUILTING & GALLERY – BALLAN

Located in an old masonic hall, just an hour west of Melbourne, classes are held with many exciting, talented and inspiring teachers to provide education and a fun day of stitching. millrosecottage.com.au/quilting/classes REDBEARD HISTORIC BAKERY – TRENTHAM

RedBeard’s founder, John Reid, will take you inside the historic bakery where you’ll have a hands on chance to learn about the science and art of breadmaking. redbeardbakery.com.au/workshops

WHAT TO DO

ALICE’S JOURNEYS

CRESWICK NATURAL FIBRES

ENDOTA SPA

Walking Tours of Daylesford facebook.com/AlicesJourneys | 0455 519 111

79 Vincent Street, Daylesford creswickwool.com.au | 03 5348 2936

Cnr Vincent Street & Central Springs Road, Daylesford endotaspa.com.au/daylesford | 03 5348 1169

KRYAL CASTLE

MUSK LANE WINE

SPARKLING WINE LOVERS’ TRAIL

121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek kryalcastle.com.au | 03 5334 8500

1 Turner’s Lane, Kyneton musklanewine.com | 0415 890 850

Macedon Ranges Spring Itinerary visitmacedonranges.com/itineraries/sparkling-wine-trail

MUST HAVE The Lou Lou Cross-body Bag is a new SARAH CONNERS classic, an everyday wardrobe staple, great for work, a busy day or the weekend or even the races. Handmade from butter soft leather in our Daylesford studio the Lou Lou features a magnetic clasp closure and 3 internal pockets for your phone, keys and cards. The bag also has an adjustable shoulder strap and features our beautiful exclusive silver buckles.

THE OLD AUCTION HOUSE ARTISAN GIFTS

52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton theoldauctionhouse.com.au | 03 5422 2047

THE LOU LOU CROSS-BODY BAG Store by SARAH CONNERS 5 Howe Street Daylesford Phone 03 4343 1373 sarahconners.com.au/lou-lou-pink

$325.00

Daylesford Macedon Life | 35

FABULOUS FOOD AND WINE

BLUE BEAN LOVE

DAS KAFFEEHAUS

DAYLESFORD CIDER

115 Main Road, Hepburn Springs bluebeanlove.com | 03 5348 2297

The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine coffeebasics.com | 03 5470 6270

155 Dairy Flat Road, Musk daylesfordcider.com.au | 03 5348 2275

HANGING ROCK WINERY

SAULT RESTAURANT

WOMBAT HILL HOUSE CAFÉ

Wine tasting, picnics, cheeseboards hangingrock.com.au | 03 5427 0542

Freshest regional produce sault.com.au | 03 5348 6555

Entry Cnr Central Springs Rd & Stanhope St, Daylesford wombathillhouse.com.au | 03 7017 5999

MUST TRY

MUST EXPLORE

Living in France for 5 Years, Matt Carnell developed a love for the Bocaux. A way of preserving lovely tasting food. He found a French recipe for Pâté and made it his own, it was a huge success at his restaurant Bistro Terroir and since then he has taken that love for Duck Liver Pâté and other items and recreated it for you to enjoy at home.

In the 1850s, every Victorian town in our region wanted a botanic garden to elevate its status. Among these is the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens which has a collection of established native and exotic trees, some of which are registered through the National Trust. Take some time out to enjoy the beautiful ornamental lake, children’s playground and picnic area.

$19.50 (100g) If jar is brought back you will receive $5 off your next purchase of Pâté.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 36

BOCAUX DUCK LIVER PÂTÉ BY BISTRO TERROIR 6 Howe Street, Daylesford bistroterroir.com.au

CASTLEMAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ Castlemaine_Botanical_Gardens

ACCOMMODATION

ACRE OF ROSES

CARRICK AT KYNETON

CASTLEMAINE BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION

5 Blue Mount Road, Trentham acreofroses.com.au | 0405 032 566

Private luxury accommodation carrickatkyneton.com | 0410 123 070

Bespoke and beautiful homes castlemaineaccom.com.au | 0427 721 196

L’ATELIER DAYLESFORD

L’PAPILLON DAYLESFORD

THE ORCHARD DAYLESFORD

Boutique apartment Daylesford abnb.me/asHuJ7ib1U | 0408 589 520

Cottage accommodation Daylesford thehousesdaylesford.com | 03 5348 2008

Luxury accommodation surrounded by beautiful gardens daylesfordcountryretreats.com.au | 0407 810 576

BUSES AND TRAINS

HOW TO GET HERE AND DISCOVER MORE Journey times are approximate only. Full details on train and coach details can be found on vline.com.au

GISBORNE - Southern Cross Station to Gisborne Station (45 min) MACEDON - Southern Cross Station to Macedon Station (55 min)

CRESWICK - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Creswick Station (1 hr 40 min)

LANCEFIELD - Southern Cross Station to Sunbury Station, coach from Brook Street Sunbury to High Street, Lancefield (1 hr 5 min)

DAYLESFORD - Southern Cross Station to Ballan Station, coach to Bridport Street, Daylesford OR Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station, coach to Bridport Street, Daylesford (1 hr 55 min)

BACCHUS MARSH - Southern Cross Station to Bacchus Marsh Station (50 min)

CLUNES - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Clunes Station (2 hrs 15 min)

WOODEND - Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station (1 hr)

TALBOT - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Talbot Station (2 hrs 30 min)

KYNETON - Southern Cross Station to Kyneton Station (1 hr 5 min) CASTLEMAINE - Southern Cross Station to Castlemaine Station (1 hr 25 min)

DRIVING TIMES AND DISTANCE

Daylesford Macedon Tourism is not responsible for changes or delays to scheduled services running in our region.

TRENTHAM - Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station, coach to Market Street, Trentham (1 hr 30 min)

Daylesford Macedon Life | 37

THE LOCALS FAVOURITE LOCALS Zali Garrety You can always tell a ripper pub by the number of locals who go there. Our pubs are the lifeblood of our villages. We unwind sipping on a glass of pinot from the winery down the road and celebrate the local footy club win over a few pints. We support our pubs through thick and thin and expect only the best in return - way more than a good parma and a nice cold beer.

741 Bungaree Wallace Road, Wallace 03 5334 0322 wallacehotel.com.au

1. WALLACE HOTEL

3454 Midland Highway, Blampied 03 5345 7006 swissmountainhotel.com.au

2. SWISS MOUNTAIN HOTEL

3. DAYLESFORD HOTEL 2 Burke Square, Daylesford 03 5348 2335 daylesfordhotel.com.au

4. FARMERS ARMS HOTEL

1 East Street, Daylesford 03 5348 2091 farmersarmsdaylesford.com.au

Q E $$

Q E $$

Q E $$

Q E $$

5. THE RED HILL HOTEL

6. THE MALMSBURY HOTEL

7. TOOBORAC HOTEL & BREWERY

8. MACEDON RAILWAY HOTEL

Q E $$

Q$

Q E $$

E$

9. THE VICTORIA HOTEL

10. HOLGATE BREWHOUSE 79 High Street, Woodend 03 5427 2510 holgatebrewhouse.com

705 James Lane, Trentham East 03 5424 1213 pigandwhistlehotel.com

11. PIG & WHISTLE HOTEL

12. THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL

Q E $$

Q E $$

Q E $$

Q E $$

Traditional pub grub is not good enough. We like seasonally-based modern menus made with our produce, just like they serve at The Farmers Arms in Daylesford and The Victoria Hotel in Woodend.

We demand great beer, preferably brewed onsite. Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend and the Tooborac Brewery are two prime examples. These fine establishments have beer that would make the most loyal VB drinker convert.

A great pub must also ripple with history, like the Red Hill Hotel in Chewton. This hotel has been around for 165 years. Then there’s the Swiss Mountain Hotel in Blampied. It is one of the oldest weatherboard pubs in Victoria. Not to mention the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham, where the old stables are now the bar, and an acre of gardens forms the perfect backdrop for sipping on your cider.

163 Main Road, Chewton 03 5416 1133 redhillhotel.com.au

85 Mollison Street, Malmsbury 03 5423 2322 malmsburyhotel.com.au

5115 Northern Highway, Tooborac 03 5433 5201 tooborachotel.com.au

33 Smith Street, Macedon 03 5426 3233 macedonrailwayhotel.com.au

If a pub’s not filled with tales from years gone by, it has to have a unique charm and a big personality.

You’ll find exactly that when you have a pint at the Macedon Railway Hotel or the Wallace Hotel.

21 High Street, Trentham 03 5424 1516 thecosmopolitanhotel.com.au

LDE

CA

Castlemaine

ENE

Y

CA

Y

FWY

@zaligarrety_coach

Malmsbury 6

Kyneton

Woodend 9 10

Y

F

HW

Blampied

MID

LA

12 Trentham

LOCAL PRODUCE ON MENU Blackwood

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Gisborne

FW Y

Ballarat

1 Wallace

WE

ST

ER

N

FWY

Ballan

Daylesford Macedon Life | 38

Macedon

ER LD

TOURS/BUSES ALLOWED

8

CA

LIVE MUSIC

11

HWY

ND

4

ER FWY

Creswick

CALDER

3 2

CALD

Daylesford

LOCAL BEER AVAILABLE LOCAL WINE AVAILABLE

Lancefıeld

Hepburn Springs

BEER GARDEN

HW

Tooborac 7

ER LD

HW Y

Y

RN HE RT

HW

Chewton 5

NO

ES

R

PYR

HW

So, next time you’re on your way to one of our local watering holes, throw your expectations of pub grub and beer out the car window. Soak up the view and set that ‘bar’ high, as you sit in an establishment filled with charm and country hospitality, regaled with tales from years gone by, eating some of the best modern pub food ever and sipping on a local glass of our finest.

67 High Street Woodend 03 5427 2721 thevictoriawoodend.com.au

MIDLAND

Regardless, of beer, tucker and atmosphere, every pub must have excellent country hospitality. You should grin with pleasure on arrival and leave longing to return. Visiting pubs like the Daylesford Hotel, the Malmsbury Hotel and the Pig & Whistle in Trentham will feel like coming home.

Melbourne

Sunbury