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History of the Budburst Wine FestivalThe idea of holding a regional wine festival in the Macedon Ranges was discussed by the Macedon Vignerons back in 1990. An open wineries weekend was first held in October 1991 with Knight Granite Hills, Hanging Rock, Portree, Mt William, Cleveland, Cobaw Ridge, Cope-Williams and Mt Macedon. The winery weekend gained momentum in 1992 and 1993 and by 1994 was named 'Budburst'. Several other wine regions throughout Australia were keen to use the name 'Budburst', promoting the Macedon Vignerons Association to register the name as a trademark. Since 1996, the Budburst Festival has been characterized by the new releases of regional wines. Budburst Facts...Wines that are featured over the Budburst Festival must contain a minimum of 85% Macedon Ranges fruit. Held annually, the Budburst Festival celebrates the 'birth' of a new vintage. Now in its sixteenth year, Budburst provides an excellent opportunity to experience the best of the Macedon Ranges - wines, food and lifestyle. Wines in the Macedon RangesThe vineyards of the Macedon Ranges are spread across what must be one of the most geographically diverse but beautiful wine regions in Australia. Centred on The Great Dividing Range, the topography, soils and microclimates of each vineyard vary greatly, with the unifying factors being relatively high altitude (at elevations between 400m-700m) and consequently cool to ultra-cool climates. From the southern fringe of the region extending from Gisborne through Riddells Creek to Monegeetta, the relatively drier and milder conditions are more favoured for white and red table wines including Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet varieties. Over Budburst try:
Straddling the Divide from Trentham through Mt Macedon and across to Mt William in the east, the generally higher altitudes give rise to the coldest sites in the region. Here you will find Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown for the production of some of the finest sparkling wines in Australia, generically known as sparkling Macedon. Over Budburst try:
On the warmer sites of this central area however, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have made a solid impact on the Australian market. Trophies awarded to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay table wines at the Melbourne and Victorian Wines Shows have re-inforced this impact. Small parcels of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc are also a feature of this area and newer plantings of Pinot Gris and Riesling are showing great promise. Over Budburst try:
As the region continues north over the Dividing Range, the countryside opens up to a span of undulating hills and ranges, running from Glenlyon in the west through Kyneton and up to Emu Flat in the east. The northern boundary of the Macedon Ranges borders the Bendigo and Heathcote wine regions, where red wine varieties are more prevalent. In fact the region's oldest vineyards are in this northern area where plantings of Shiraz and Cabernet related varieties are well over 30 years old. Here, too, we claim the birthplace of the peppery Shiraz. This revelation in the early 80's rekindled much interest in Shiraz throughout Australia, adding a new spicy third dimension to the variety. Over Budburst try:
Significant plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also found in the northern region and are principally used in the production of premium red and white table wine. Pinot from this area in particular receives high accolades from wine critics. Don't forget the aromatic varieties. Some of the finest examples of cool climate Riesling in Australia are produced in this area. Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris are also starting to make an appearance. Over Budburst try:
Finally, the relatively unknown Italian red variety Lagrein has also fared well from this area, winning the top award for the Best Italian variety last Year. Over Budburst try:
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