Passing Clouds Winery

One of the area’s best wineries, Passing Clouds is located about 10 minute drive out of Daylesford in the village of Musk.  Started in 1974 as one of the very first vineyards in the region, the winery focusses on making beautiful Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs with some additional Shiraz and Cabernets.

While Passing Clouds have vineyards in the Bendigo region as well as the Macedon Ranges, their beautiful winery in Musk looks out on the steep slopes on vines and surrounding area.

The cellar door is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm and you don’t need to make a reservation to do a tasting. The main tasting costs $10 per person, which is refunded if you buy a bottle of wine.

During the busy summer months, the kind folks at Passing Clouds have a concerted caravan called the Caravino available that sells take-away glasses (or bottles) of wine and picnic boxes. A perfect opportunity to find a nice spot in the sun for a picnic.

Right next to the Passing Clouds cellar door is their Dining Room. A intimate restaurant that is exclusively open for lunch Thursdays to Mondays. The Dining Room serves a fixed 3 course shared “La Famiglia” style menu that is cooked exclusively over a charcoal fire pit. No stove or modern equipment in sight.

This means that the menu usually consists of charcuterie style starter and a hearty meat dish as a main course.

The 3 course menu is $75 per person and reservations are strictly required. Bookings open 6 weeks in advance and fill up quickly, so if you’re planning a weekend in Daylesford, I suggest you book this one well in advance. Maximum group size is 6 and while kids are welcome, they will also be charged the full $75 per person price.

For more information or bookings, visit their website.

Dog Friendly

Passing Clouds Winery and their cellar door are dog friendly. The cellar door has a beautiful terrace where you can sit with your pooch while you taste some of the most beautiful wines the region has on offer. In summer months, you can also enjoy a picnic with wine and home made goods from the Caravino.