The BudBurst Festival made a vibrant return, bringing together more than 20 winemakers across 15 locations to celebrate the Macedon Ranges as a distinctive wine region. Organized by the Macedon Ranges Vigneron Association, the event highlighted the area’s unique cool-climate wines and winemaking processes.
Held on November 16 and 17, the festival welcomed attendees from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, offering an immersive journey into the world of local viticulture. Guests boarded festival buses to explore up to five wineries on one of two routes, where they engaged with winemakers, sampled premium wines, and enjoyed a variety of experiences, including local produce tastings, art exhibits, and live music.
The celebration extended beyond the wineries, as Macedon Ranges hospitality providers partnered with the event to offer special deals and discounts throughout the weekend.
Andrew Wood, president of the Macedon Ranges Vigneron Association and co-owner of Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery, emphasized the festival’s mission to connect people with the region’s winemaking heritage.
“BudBurst is about putting that wine in context, an opportunity to meet the winemakers,” Wood explained. “This is the coldest wine-growing region in mainland Australia, and we want visitors to experience the environment that shapes our high-quality cool-climate wines.”
The Macedon Ranges is renowned for its pinot noir and chardonnay, which account for 70% of local wine production. Wood described winemaking as a unique blend of craftsmanship and environmental stewardship, offering visitors a glimpse into the creation of what he called a “primary product.”
“It’s about caring for the land and plants, and ensuring that the site’s character is reflected in the final product,” he said.
Beyond promoting local wine, the festival aimed to create a sense of community and shared experiences. “The BudBurst offering has always been about bringing people together—having a glass of wine and a bite to eat with friends to create a memorable experience in the Macedon Ranges,” Wood added.
With its focus on quality, context, and connection, the BudBurst Festival reaffirmed the Macedon Ranges’ reputation as a premier destination for cool-climate wines.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Can White Wine Be Stored at Room Temperature?
- How to Make Homemade Wine: A Comprehensive Guide
- How Much Alcohol is in Sangria Wine?
