A new reason to take a trip to Woodend

Woodend is a small town in regional Victoria - a lovely spot for a day trip from Melbourne. 

Located halfway between Melbourne and Bendigo in the Macedon Ranges, the town of around 6,000 people has a new drawcard with the opening of The Rock and Wombat bar.

This stylish looking spot is showcasing premium local wines, spirits and brews.

 

The Rock and Wombat Bar is located in the landmark Victoria Hotel, helmed by innovator Emily Blades. 

The list features cocktails including Moscow Mules, French-style martinis and the specialty Victoria Cocktail. 

“It’s great to see so many people coming in,” said Blades. “We’ve only been open a few weeks, and already I’ve had people saying we’re their new 'go-to' spot.

 

“It’s been such a tough few years. Not just for venues but the local wineries, distilleries and breweries who rely on them. We really wanted to create a destination for people to immerse themselves in all the region has to offer.”

The dog-friendly Victoria Hotel has slaked the thirsts of locals since 1861.

 

The ‘Rock’ refers to the nearby Hanging Rock formation and The ‘Wombat’ to the furry natives that populate the region.

See www.thevictoriawoodend.com.au/

A wine weekend with a serious but fun difference

Do you love a glass or two of wine? Fancy the idea of a gourmet weekend? But cringe at the idea of being lectured on clonal variations and diurnal rhythms. 

Two of the most knowledgeable wine people in Victoria are planning a special wine weekend in September. They promise it will be both educational and fun. 

Join Caroline Bailey & Dr Kimberley Pearce in the Macedon Ranges for their Wine Retreat from September 10-12 at Lancemore Macedon Ranges (above). 

The duo wanted to develop a wine retreat combining the best parts of a wine industry trip without the pretense. 

They have created guided tastings and course notes, wine games and discussions, local produce-focused menus, and made time to relax in a de luxe setting to immerse their guests within the Macedon Ranges. 

Local wine pro Caroline Bailey (below) opened Woodend Wine Store in 2011 having earlier worked as a winemaker at Bass Phillip and Hanging Rock and in the trade at Jimmy Watson’s Wine Bar and Florentino’s. 

Kim Pearce started her wine marketing practice Wine Brain in 2014 and has worked for Levantine Hill, Royal Melbourne Wine Show and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival as well as several vintages at her family’s Domaine Levin in the Loire Valley. 

The duo will guide tastings of over 20 wines valued at $3,000+ and compare chardonnay, pinot noir and Champagne with wines from local producers including Bindi Winegrowers, Curly Flat, Granite Hills, Mitchell Harris and Wilimee. 

Imports will include Domaine Leroy, Bernhard Huber, Taupenot-Merme, Heymann-Löwenstein, Jacques Prieur, Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon, and Bollinger.

The duo promise a lively wine panel discussion, followed by a five-course tasting menu dinner with local winemakers Michael Dhillon and Ben Rankin and importer Patrick Walsh (Cellarhand), as well as a barrel tasting at Lyons Will with Renata Morello. 

The weekend (two-nights, three-days) of wine immersion includes accommodation at Lancemore Macedon Ranges with all meals. It is limited to 30 guests with early bird pricing until June 30 at  $1,975 per person. 

See www.woodendwinestore.com.au/wine-retreat