TLDR
- Northern Hope is returning to Budburst on 14 and 15 November 2026
- We're back at Wilimee with the brilliant Ben and Sally
- Three wines on tasting - including the brand new 2025 Pinot Noir release
- Food truck on site - come for the morning or stay all afternoon
- More details coming closer to the date - keep an eye on this page or the Budburst website
What is Budburst 2026?
If you haven't been to Budburst before, here's the short version - it's one of the best weekends in the Macedon Ranges wine calendar, and we're not just saying that because we're part of it.
Budburst is an annual open cellar door event across the region where you get to visit vineyards, meet the people actually making the wine, taste things you won't find on a bottle shop shelf, and generally have a brilliant time. It's not a stuffy wine expo. It's not intimidating. It's just good wine, good people, and good vibes - exactly the kind of thing we got into winemaking for.
Previous years have been a huge success and honestly we can't wait to do it all again.
Where is Northern Hope Winery at Budburst 2026?
We'll be at Wilimee, with Ben and Sally - same as before, and we are so happy to be back there. If you've visited us at Wilimee in previous years you'll already know what a special spot it is. If it's your first time - you're in for a treat.
We love welcoming familiar faces who've been with us since the early days, and we love it just as much when someone new wanders in and discovers what we're doing up here in the Macedon Ranges for the first time.
Northern Hope Winery at Budburst 2026 Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November 2026 At Wilimee - 72 Powells Track, Lancefield VIC 3435
What Northern Hope wines will be on tasting at Budburst 2026?
We'll have three wines available on the day, and one of them is a very exciting new release.
- 2021 Syrah - This one has a bit of age on it now and it is drinking beautifully. Savoury on the nose with dusty bitter dark chocolate and cherry pith, and then spice and pepper coming through on the palate. It's not your typical big jammy Aussie Shiraz - this is cool climate, restrained, and genuinely interesting. Come and try it.
- 2023 Pinot Noir - Single barrel. Estate fruit. Everything we love about Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir in one bottle. If you know, you know. If you don't know yet, Budburst is a very good place to find out.
- 2025 Pinot Noir - NEW RELEASE - This is the one we've been waiting to share. Our brand new 2025 vintage - freshly bottled and ready to meet the world. We had a taste or two during bottling and it is genuinely delicious. We only made 600 bottles - that's it. Budburst is your first chance to get your hands on it.
Is there food at Budburst 2026?
Yes - at Wilimee there'll be a food truck on site, which means you have options. Come early in the morning, beat the crowds, get your tasting in while it's quiet, and grab something to eat before it gets busy. Or roll up at lunchtime, settle in, eat well, taste wine, and stay for the afternoon. Both are completely valid approaches and we fully support either.
The Macedon Ranges in November is genuinely beautiful - proper cool-climate spring weather, the vines doing their thing. There are few better ways to spend a weekend.
What are the best tips for visiting Budburst in the Macedon Ranges?
We've done this a few times now so here's what we actually recommend:
- Go early if you can - Saturday morning is quieter and you'll get more time chatting to the winemakers without the afternoon rush
- Wear layers - November in the Macedon Ranges is beautiful but it can turn. Comfortable shoes always a good idea
- Don't try to do everything in one day - it runs across two days for a reason. Pick your must-visits and be realistic
- Sort your transport before you go - drive and nominate someone, or jump on the Budburst bus. The roads are country roads and there's wine involved, so plan it properly
- Bring a cool bag - if you're buying bottles on the day you'll want to keep them happy on the drive home
- Talk to the winemakers - that's the whole point of Budburst. We love chatting about the wines, the vines, all of it. Don't be shy
When will more details be released about Budburst 2026?
More information will be available closer to the date - we'll update this page and share everything across our socials as it comes together.
In the meantime, if you want to know more about the wines you'll be tasting on the day, we've written about the 2025 harvest and what bottling day actually looks like when you're doing it all yourself. And if you're planning a whole weekend in the area, our guide to Lancefield wineries is a great place to start.
FAQs - Budburst 2026 at Northern Hope Winery
- When is Budburst 2026? The weekend of 14 and 15 November 2026.
- Where will Northern Hope be at Budburst 2026? At Wilimee, 72 Powells Track, Lancefield, VIC 3435.
- What wines can I taste at Northern Hope's Budburst stand? The 2021 Syrah, the 2023 Single Barrel Estate Pinot Noir, and the brand new 2025 Pinot Noir - our latest release.
- Is there food available? Yes - there'll be a food truck on site. Come for the morning or stay for lunch and the afternoon.
- Do I need to book? Yes. More details on ticketing and bookings will be available closer to the date - keep an eye on this page.
- How do I get around Budburst? You drive between venues or take the Budburst bus - plan your transport before you go and sort a driver or use the bus if you want to taste properly.
- Is the 2025 Pinot Noir available to buy? Yes - and Budburst is your first opportunity to taste it in person. Limited to 600 bottles so don't hang about.
- What is Budburst 2026? Budburst is the Macedon Ranges Wine Festival - it is an annual open cellar door event - a weekend where wineries across the region open their doors to visitors. It's relaxed, welcoming, and you don't need to know anything about wine to have a great time. Just turn up and enjoy it!
