When the temperature drops, so does our desire to rush.
Winter is the season for lingering over long lunches, pulling up a chair by the fire and swapping the city skyline for vineyard views. And just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD (or 15 minutes from the airport), Marnong Estate delivers exactly that.
Perched in Victoria’s Sunbury wine region with sweeping views across the Macedon Ranges, this award-winning destination is much more than a winery. It’s a place where chef-hatted Italian dining, cool-climate wines, boutique accommodation and memorable local experiences come together, making it the perfect excuse to disappear for a weekend.
Here’s how we’d spend 48 hours at Marnong Estate this winter.
Start with a wine tasting
No visit is complete without a stop at the Cellar Door.
Build your own tasting by choosing five wines from Marnong Estate’s Estate and Single Vineyard collections, or opt for one of the guided tasting flights, including a dedicated Pinot Noir experience that showcases the elegance of the region’s cool-climate fruit.
For the full experience, add a cheese or charcuterie board and settle in. If the winter sun makes an appearance, grab a bottle and a grazing box and head out onto the lawns overlooking the vineyards.
It’s the kind of afternoon that reminds you some of life’s best moments are the simplest.
Settle in for an Italian feast
After working up an appetite, it’s time to head to the table.
La Vètta, recognised with a Chef’s Hat by The Age Good Food Guide, serves refined Italian cuisine that celebrates the season. Expect beautifully crafted dishes designed to be shared, savoured and perfectly paired with a glass (or three) of estate wine.
For something a little more casual, Cucina 3064 delivers generous Italian comfort food, from rich lasagne to crowd-pleasing classics inspired by family recipes. If you’re chasing sunshine on a crisp winter afternoon, Caffè Vista serves pizza, light bites and sparkling wine with vineyard views.
Whichever you choose, don’t expect to be in a hurry to leave.
Turn lunch into a weekend away
One of the best things about Marnong Estate is that you don’t have to drive home once lunch is over.
The estate’s boutique accommodation invites guests to stay amongst the vines, with architecturally designed studio and one-bedroom cabins offering a peaceful retreat after a day of wine tasting.
Travelling with family or a group of friends? The beautifully restored 1840s homestead combines heritage charm with plenty of space, making it ideal for celebrations, reunions or simply gathering your favourite people for a weekend away.
Wake up to vineyard views, wander to breakfast and enjoy the luxury of having nowhere else to be.
Discover more than just the vineyard
While the wine alone is worth the trip, Marnong Estate also makes an ideal base for exploring Melbourne’s north.
Play a round at nearby Growling Frog or Mandalay Golf Course, meet retired champion racehorses at Living Legends, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight with Microflite or test your surfing skills at URBNSURF before returning to the estate for dinner and a glass of red.
Back on the property, you’ll also find friendly farm animals, expansive grounds perfect for a leisurely wander and a calendar of seasonal events that includes live music, markets, workshops and special dining experiences throughout the year.
It’s the kind of destination that rewards repeat visits, with every season offering something a little different.
Bring a taste of Marnong home
If you can’t make it to the estate this winter, you can still enjoy a taste of the vineyard from home.
Marnong Estate’s latest vintage showcases a collection of cool-climate reds, including the 2025 Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, Heart and Weatherstone, alongside Single Vineyard Shiraz, Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The collection is rounded out by the Estate Range Pinot Noir and Shiraz, with bottles starting from $28.
Perfect for pairing with a slow Sunday lunch or your next cosy night in.
The ripe Verdict
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a leisurely lunch with friends or simply looking for an excuse to escape the city for a day, Marnong Estate makes slowing down feel effortless. Great wine, exceptional food, boutique stays and plenty to explore beyond the vines prove that some of Victoria’s best winter escapes are hiding closer to Melbourne than you might think.
