Hanging Rock Winery

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The Hanging Rock Winery is located 3km from the iconic local landmark, Hanging Rock. It was established in 1983 by John & Ann Ellis, who between them came to the region with a wealth of experience and a dream to make Australia’s first traditional method, cool climate sparkling wine. They discovered that the Macedon Ranges was perfect, it is now known to be Australia’s coolest mainland growing region and is just 1 hour from Melbourne.  During the early 80’s they became some of the contemporary pioneers of both the Macedon Ranges and the Heathcote Grape Growing regions.

They settled on a beautiful property in the hamlet of Newham which looked over both Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon. At the time it was a bare block of land but over the last 40 years they have developed it into the largest winery in the region.

Today the winery is run by John & Ann’s daughter and son, Ruth & Robert. Having literally grown up in the same building as the winery they have a deep-rooted knowledge and passion for the winery and the industry.

Although the focus of the winery has always been wines from the Macedon Ranges and Heathcote, the family also brings in some fruit from other regions so that they can offer a wide range of wines covering most styles and price points. Today there are over 20 wines on tasting, including many that are exclusive to cellar door and mail-order customers.

Recently their focus was widened to include Hanging Rock Beef and a Speckle Park Stud. John has taken on breeding Speckle Park cattle on the property, both for stud cattle and cross breads to supply high-quality meat in cellar door. The animals grown for meat and sold in cellar door are 24 months or older, grass-fed and sustainably grown.