Macedon Ranges & Daylesford Breweries and Cideries
With pure spring waters, rich volcanic soils and passionate locals ready to turn their hands to artisan production, it's no surprise that the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is home to a growing assemblage of top-notch breweries and cideries.
With over 20 years minding the barrels and kegs, Holgate Brewhouse + Taproom in Woodend can perhaps be considered the great-grandparent of the region's ever-burgeoning craft-beer scene. The brewery is still 100% independent, and their tasting paddle is an iconic taste of the area. With numerous other hops-focused names to look out for, you're sure to find the malty amber, approachable pale, or chocolatey porter of your suds-filled dreams.
Daylesford Brewing Co. has also been on the scene for a few years now, and has a wide range of brews. Visit their taphouse in the heart of Daylesford to sample the range and enjoy some excellent bar snacks and small meals. The buzzing, eclectic town of Castlemaine is also home to some excellent breweries like Shedshaker and Love Shack. Not far away, Old Slang Brewing in Chewton is doing some cool things too.
In the north east of the region, Tooborac Hotel is also famous for its brewery; and its pies! Not a bad classic Aussie combo.
New to the scene is Lancefield Brewery, known as the Lost Watering Hole. Sip on their premium range of craft beers as you discover Lancefield's unique history as one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.
If you fancy a change from beer, there is always the option to warm your heart with a warm, spiced cider (in winter) or a crisp cider over ice (in summer). Organically farmed heirloom apple and pear varieties, combined with a true dedication to quality, sees some of the country's best craft ciders and perries produced right here in the region.
Daylesford Cider is a firm favourite, in a beautiful garden setting just outside of Daylesford, backdropped by orchards. Work your way through their core range by trying one of the popular tasting paddles at the cellar door before settling in for lunch at the casual and welcoming restaurant.
Further north, Harcourt is Victoria's apple centre and home to some brilliant cider producers, including Henry of Harcourt and Harcourt Cider.
The team at Darraweit Valley Cider House in Darraweit Guim have quickly established themselves as true craft cider makers. They pride themselves on doing cider differently. Their long list of awards is testament to just how good their cider is. You can sip on flavours such as Pulp Friction or Fully St'Oaked at their Cider House as you tuck into tasty homemade fare and kick back to the sounds of live music.
