The magnificent Maygars Hill winery - the perfect weekend escape.
Here's a destination where it is physically impossible not to smile. Maybe it's because the winemaker is a woman. Maybe because getting lost in between rows of bursting grape buds and heaving vines is about the nicest thing you can do to your blood pressure ... And just maybe this winemaker knows a thing or two about producing a knockout vintage.
You're going to want to stay a while with Jenny and Ian Houghton.
Her name is Jenny Houghton, and I recommend you don't forget it. What a powerhouse of a personality. Jenny is as excited today as she was 20 years ago to welcome you to her property and share the Maygars story with you.
Give yourself a weekend getaway and stay overnight in her delightful Bed & Breakfast Cottage. You'll be surrounded by six acres of her beautiful vines and the only distant traffic you'll see is a mob of arguably the world's most contented cows.
Located just an hour and a half's drive north-east of Melbourne, you'll find Maygars nestled in the lee of the stunning Strathbogie Ranges. If you have heard the name, it's perhaps because a Maygars Hill red is no stranger to the medal podium in recent years. Their remarkable 2016 Reserve Shiraz flew off the shelves after winning gold; and James Halliday's glowing review endorses the sentiment ... "This isolated vineyard is one of the jewels of the Strathbogie Ranges."
Wine and cheese under the vines anyone?
We are not here to argue with Mr Halliday, and have flown in to their airstrip and spent many memorable occasions at Maygars, laced with standout food and deservedly celebrated Australian wine.
Good times on the menu when the girls fly in to check up on Jenny (above in blue).
Put yourself on the receiving end of some genuine Maygars Hill hospitality and you'll have that smile on your face for a month.