Celebrating Macedon Ranges wine

Cameron Leith of Passing Clouds and Helen Pelpola of MCC Labels- sponsor of the best chardonnay trophy (supplied).

Macedon Ranges winemakers and vignerons recently gathered at Mount Monument to hear the announcement of the 2023 wine exhibition winners.

With local vineyards having now hung up the secateurs after another winter pruning season, it was the perfect lull in activity to gather and celebrate the Macedon Ranges wine industry.

Chief Judge Michael McNamara from the Prince Wine Store led the intense day of judging, with many trophies up for grabs.

Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association (MRVA) president Renata Morello said she was thrilled with the results and the representation from the region.

“The calibre of wines entered into the 2023 Macedon Ranges wine exhibition is a testament to the ever increasing reputation and quality of wines produced in the region,” she said.

“We had a great number of representation from the region with about 40 wineries and wine makers. It’s great to see such a strong… diversity of the region.

“On the day the chardonnay was the standout bracket… but all the wines were stunning and a brilliant representation.”

Passing Clouds had an outstanding show with its 2022 Passing Clouds Estate Chardonnay being awarded the best chardonnay trophy and the best wine of exhibition.

Relative newcomer Glenhope Vineyard was also very successful with its 2022 Glenhope Vineyard ‘Granitic’ Shiraz taking out best red variety or blend (other than pinot noir) trophy.

It was also awarded the best winery of exhibition after taking home two gold, three silver

and two bronze medals.

Midhill Vineyard continued its domination of the best sparkling wine trophy after winning the trophy with its 2017 ‘Macedon Brut’ Blanc de Blancs.

Lyons Will Estate was awarded the best white variety or blend (other than chardonnay) trophy

for their 2023 Lyons Will Estate Riesling.

Curly Flat Vineyard took out the trophy for best pinot noir with its Curly Flat’s 2022 Curly Flat Pinot Noir.

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