There’s something about autumn and the countryside that’s magical. Mount Macedon Winery in Woodend Victoria is tucked away in the midst of the beautiful Macedon Ranges where the changes in seasons is celebrated. With rolling hills and wide open spaces, it’s hard to believe that the city of Melbourne is less than an hour away.
We visited the restaurant on a Friday lunch and the place was bustling. You would think that views of the vineyard and rustic interiors would detract from what’s on the plate. But the deceptively simple dishes are a match to the beautiful surroundings. Take the starters for example. I had the quail and pine mushroom pie with braised lentils and tarragon.
Best pie I had in a while with the perfect pairing of succulent quail and earthy pine mushroom. The added braised lentils was a wonderful surprise. I could have happily eaten a bigger portion. We also tried the Charcuterie plate with rillette, duck terrine,kangaroo pastrami and pickled vegetables. Beautifully presented and everything on that plate was exceptional. The chamomile cured kingfish with fingerlime dressing was fresh and zesty. If they were going for the bush meet the sea vibe, then it was a success!
For mains I couldn’t go past the Eye Fillet served with Pressed Potato Cake and Black Garlic Butter. There’s nothing better than a perfectly cooked and seasoned steak and this was one of the best! One of us had the Sticky Lamb Shoulder which was served with Shank Croquette and Chimichurri. It was pronounced delicious. I would have loved to try the Pork Belly with Blood Plums, but we were having Pork Belly for dinner the next day, so maybe next time. We paired the mains with the house Shiraz and Rosé. I’m not a wine connoisseur by any means, but I swear I could detect hints of lavender and plums in that rosè. Or was it the lavender hedge by the window that I could smell? I now wish I got a bottle to take home.
We all thought we didn’t need sides, but let me tell you about the chargrilled pumpkin. It was served with Zhoug and Pepitas. Zhoug or bisbas is a green sauce made of coriander and olive oil. This was particularly delicious with the sweet grilled pumpkin. The hand cut fat chips with black garlic aioli was no less outstanding. Crispy salty with mushy insides. Everything we tried was exceptional except perhaps the broccoli which could have done with more of that whipped tofu sauce, but I’m just nitpicking here.
On to desserts..
The desserts were the perfect finish to an outstanding meal. If I had to pick one, I’d say the creme brûlée. Honey and nutty wattleseed with the pistachio ice cream was just about perfect.
Venue Details
While we stumbled unto this gem by accident, Im so happy we did and I hope I pass this way again. Everything we tried was just exceptional, the service was friendly and brisk and the surrounds highlighted by the floor to ceiling windows was just beautiful. There’s an outside sitting on the deck and I can imagine it would be lovely sitting there when the weather is warmer.
Mount Macedon Winery would make a gorgeous venue for a function or a wedding or a slow country lunch, just like we had. I would have liked a take home bottle of the 2019 Rosé( it was that good), or the 2018 Pinot Grìs, but I was so happy and content that I completely forgot. Maybe the next time I’m in these neck of the woods.
Dining Details:
$75 for the Three Course Meals, $65 for Two Course. Six Diners
Serves GF and Vegetarian Options.
Mount Macedon Winery Woodnend
433 Bawden Road, Mount Macedon Victoria 3441
