By Jessica Micallef
A Macedon Ranges winery owner is having a very vine time.
Wilimee Wines has made it to the final 12 of the Young Gun of Wine award for its chardonnay and pinot noir.
Winery owner Ben Ranken said he was honoured his business would be representing the state.
“It’s pretty awesome,” he said. “We’re really excited – we’re thrilled that we’re one of the four wineries in Victoria in the finals and I feel really proud.”
The wine enthusiast said it was the first time his winery had progressed to the final 12 of the award. They made it to the top 50 in 2018.
Mr Ranken has been at his Macedon Ranges winery since 2013.
“I’ve been making wine for 20 years,” he said. “I grew up on a vineyard as a kid.”
He said he was looking forward to showing off Macedon Ranges wines.
“It’s just exciting that we’re a very small wine region and we’ve got representation in the final,” he said.
“It’s great for the region because people in Western Australia and Queensland are learning about the Macedon Ranges.”
The winner will be announced on Monday, June 3, in Adelaide.
