With stunning views of the Macedon Ranges, Marnong Estate is a haven where the art of winemaking meets culinary delight. Bringing Melbourne locals a taste of Italy from the heart of Mickleham, under the guidance of a new management team, the Estate now shines with a renewed sense of passion and innovation.
Since the appointment of Carl Forrest as General Manager in 2023, bringing an illustrious career that spans restaurants, hotel chains, wineries, and regional venues, Marnong Estate has experienced continued enhancement and vision for the future. Alongside him, Kennii Hee, also with extensive hospitality knowledge and experience, serves as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Together, they have continued to enhance the Italian-inspired oasis just 35 minutes north of Melbourne’s CBD.
Marnong Estate’s impressive culinary acclaim is led by Executive Chef Greg Feck, boasting over three decades of culinary expertise. Greg’s influence at Marnong Estate extends to skilfully pairing his dishes with the estate’s wines. Whether it’s weddings, events, casual dining, or elevated dining at La Vetta Ristorante, Greg’s menu celebrates seasonal, sustainable ingredients, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience infused with his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to pleasing the palate.
Winemaker and candidate in the ‘Master of Wine Program’ Alex Beckett heads the winemaking team alongside Carl Duncan, Vineyard Manager. Alex’s passion for winemaking began in the Hunter Valley where he sold wine by the glass and bottle at Tyrell’s Cellar Door, eventually leading him to pursue studies in viticulture and oenology at the University of Adelaide.
After working with wine producers in Germany – where his love of Riesling grew, he joined the team at Marnong Estate. Alex and Carl are committed to sustainability and innovation while preserving tradition to infuse each bottle with the essence of the terroir and the spirit of the land, especially now with the Estate’s new and impressive winemaking facility set to launch in late October 2024.
Spanning 2,750 square metres and with the capacity to process 250 tonnes of wine annually, this milestone marks the beginning of onsite wine processing for the Estate, which already grows 14 grape varietals and has 22 hectares under vine. With some award-winning wines already under their belt, including the 2022 Shiraz which received a Gold, and 2022 Montepulciano and 2022 Fiano, both of which received a Bronze at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, the future of Marnong Estate’s wine making capabilities is exciting for wine enthusiasts around Victoria. Keep an eye out for the light-bodied and perfumed Pinot Noirs, featuring pure strawberry and wild herb flavours.
What truly sets Marnong Estate apart are the panoramic views over the Macedon Ranges, which visitors can enjoy for a day or an overnight stay thanks to 24 luxurious accommodation options that allow guests to experience the full Marnong Estate ambiance: lush gardens, private dining rooms, dynamic event spaces, dining at two authentic Italian restaurants – the upmarket La Vètta and trattoria-style Cucina 3064, stopping for a coffee and snack at Caffè Vista, or indulging in a vino or two at the Cellar Door.
A place where you can wine, dine, and stay, Marnong Estate promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Check out their transformed offering at marnongestate.com.au