Marnong Estate: Sipping on Heritage, Swirling in Hedonism.

Some wineries are places you go to drink wine. Marnong Estate is the kind of place you go to drink in life. Just a quick 15-minute drive from Melbourne Airport and a breezy 35 minutes from the city buzz, it’s perfectly poised for an impromptu lunch reservation - yet far enough away to transport you into a serene countryside escape.

The estate’s roots run back to the 1840s, when sheep grazed where vines now stand, and its 1,200 acres still hum with that mix of old-world grit and new-world polish. The heritage-listed homestead is all historic charm, while the restaurants, event spaces, and luxury cabins are unapologetically geared toward modern indulgence.

Where vineyards meet vibes - Marnong Wine Estate serving up views as smooth as their Shiraz.

Nestled in Victoria’s oldest cool-climate terroir, the Sunbury region is where Shiraz holds the crown as the undisputed star of the vineyards. But Marnong’s winemakers clearly like to colour outside the lines, planting Italian varietals like Montepulciano and Fiano alongside Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s heritage with a twist - the vinous equivalent of a family heirloom paired with designer sneakers.

The 2022 Single Vineyard Shiraz is elegance with a sly wink - refined, but not afraid to get a little messy over lunch. On the nose, a playful dance unfolds between the sharp spice of white pepper and the rich, savory allure of cured charcuterie, all wrapped in a subtle veil of smoke - as if a nearby woodfire has just been coaxed to life, lending a cozy, rustic charm to the bouquet. The palate is layered - black olive, wood spice, Davidson plum - each note adding to a conversation you don’t want to end.

The tannins arrive with assured confidence - bold enough to make their presence felt but never demanding the spotlight - while the bright acidity injects a refreshing energy that keeps the palate engaged.

And that finish? It lingers with a charming persistence, outlasting even your uncle’s most legendary fishing tales. Serve it with roast lamb that’s been treated to rosemary and garlic, or go left-field and pair it with Dad’s favourite dark chocolate. Either way, it’s the wine equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer - flattering, dependable, and quietly commanding.

The 2023 Single Vineyard Montepulciano, on the other hand, rocks a velvet jacket and owns the room. This full-bodied Italian varietal bursts with cassis and leafy herbal aromas, grounded by earthy undertones.

On the palate, it’s all ripe black plum, baking spice and velvety tannins, wrapped up in a structure that’s bold without bluster. It’s the wine for when you want to impress - aged cheddar or manchego for nibbles, then something hearty like osso buco or slow-cooked beef ragù. It’s unapologetically confident and lingers in your memory like the perfect punchline.

So for Father’s Day, skip the socks. Give Dad something he’ll savour in slow, appreciative sips - the Shiraz for the roast lunch, and the Montepulciano for when the last guest leaves and the good cheese comes out. It’s a double act that’s all about character, depth, and a touch of indulgence - not unlike Dad himself.

—-

Words by AW.

Photos courtesy of Marnong Estate.