The Ultimate Winter Weekend Escape for Wine Lovers

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

With winter well and truly here, there’s something especially appealing about swapping the city for rolling vineyards, long lunches and a robust glass of red.

Enter Marnong Estate, an award-winning winery in the Sunbury region conveniently located just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD (and 15 minutes from the airport). This luxury lifestyle destination offers a dreamy winter escape that blends award-winning wine, Italian dining and boutique accommodation – all set against sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges.

Here’s how to wine, dine, stay and play at Marnong Estate for the ultimate winter weekend.

WINE: Begin at the Cellar Door, where guests can build their own tasting experience with a curated selection of five Marnong Estate wines across the approachable Estate and premium Single Vineyard ranges, or explore more structured flights such as a Pinot Noir tasting.

Enhance your experience with optional cheese and charcuterie boards for a perfectly paired wine and cheese moment. Visitors can also opt for a casual picnic on the lawns of the Estate with a bottle and grazing box, taking in the vineyard views.

DINE: For those after a hint of indulgence, La Vètta offers Italian dining that has been recognised with a Chef’s Hat by The Age Good Food Guide. The winter menu leans into seasonal dishes designed for slow dining that are best enjoyed with a glass of Estate wine.

For something more relaxed, Cucina 3064 is a family-friendly Italian eatery offering comfort classics such as lasagna just like Nonna used to make. The Estate’s Italian street kitchen, Caffè Vista, offers alfresco eats perfect for a sunny winter afternoon such as pizza and a glass of bubbles.

STAY: For the ultimate weekend escape, Marnong Estate offers boutique on-site accommodation overlooking the vineyards. The property includes architecturally designed cabins with studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a beautifully restored 1840’s homestead ideal for groups getaways. Waking up among the scenic Estate grounds makes it an easy choice to turn a day trip into a full winter weekend.

PLAY: Visitors can also meet the Estate’s resident camels and llamas at the on-site petting zoo, enjoy live music, markets and seasonal events, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the expansive grounds and taking in the views across to the Macedon Ranges.

The Estate regularly hosts special experiences, meaning there’s always something new to discover with each visit. Check out the website for the latest updates.

TAKE IT HOME: For those unable to visit this winter, Marnong Estate has recently released its latest vintage red wines, with the collection featuring two 2025 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir’s (Heart and Weatherstone, sourced from the Marnong Estate’s most central and elevated vineyards respectively), as well as a 2025 Single Vineyard Shiraz, Sangiovese and Montepulciano that have been released alongside a 2025 Pinot Noir and Shiraz from the Estate range. The range showcases fragrant, cool-climate expressions available online via the Marnong Estate website, from RRP $28.