A Break with Bean Counting and Board Rooms: Stories Behind the Glass at Budburst

Ahead of the two-day event, we take a look at the stories behind two local wineries, whose journeys speak of the power of a tree change and desire to follow their passion. Take the opportunity to get lost and discover the flavours of these wineries, plus many more, at Budburst.

HUNTER GATHERER WINERY, PIPERS CREEK

When Brian Martin from Hunter Gatherer swapped bean counting for grape pressing in 2003, he didn’t just change careers; he rewrote the script. What began as a backyard experiment with a basket press and a few styrofoam boxes of grapes quickly spiralled into obsession.

The first batch? Undrinkable. Cheekily labelled Sheer Arse Shiraz, the bulk of it was ceremoniously poured down the drain. However, a flame had been sparked.

A persuasive friend (and a few bottles of grape juice) nudged Brian toward wine science at Charles Sturt University. Soon after, the opportunity to try a gruelling vintage in the Yarra Valley saw him trade spreadsheets and a desk-job physique for four months of 12-hour night shifts. The obsession took hold.

From Hanging Rock Winery to a vintage jolly in Oregon’s Pacific Northwest, and 15 years crafting traditional method sparkling at Kilchurn – Brian honed his craft among some of the best, while bit-by-bit scratching the itch to create his own label.

In 2015, he and wife Roslyn unearthed a neglected vineyard in the Macedon Ranges with rich volcanic soils and panoramic views. Hunter Gatherer was born – a nod to recent years spent hunting down standout parcels and gathering grapes wherever he could – all in service of a dream that was slowly fermenting alongside the wines he made for others.

Today, they farm 12 acres of pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, and merlot on 70 rolling acres, nestled beside their 1860s farmhouse and charming cellar door.

Embracing regenerative agriculture, from compost teas and kelp sprays to microbial biofertilisers and multi-species cover crops, the duo approach farming with the same tenacity as Brian’s early foray into winemaking – going all in. A diverse food forest now grows alongside the vines, destined to nourish both body and cellar door.

Hunter-Gatherer is a testament to the power of the tree change, where passion, patience, and a touch of cheek converge to craft wines that speak of place, purpose, and the joy of getting one’s hands dirty.

Hunter Gatherer is located in Pipers Creek, a short drive from either Woodend or Kyenton. The cellar door is open from 12pm to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday.

PARKSIDE FARM & WINERY

At Parkside Farm & Winery, passion proved the spark for effervescent couple Darryl and Jenny Ward.

After two decades in global corporate roles across engineering, finance, and economics, Darryl and Jenny found themselves increasingly enchanted by the elegance of a good glass of bubbles.

What began as casual enjoyment soon evolved into a deep fascination with the quiet artistry of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. The precision, patience, and devotion required to craft a vintage bottle soon drew them in completely.

When Parkside, a historic homestead in Lancefield, came up for sale in 2008, they didn’t hesitate. The property offered sweeping farmland for horses and cattle, a small vineyard planted with classic varietals, and a boutique winery thoughtfully converted from the original dairy. It was the perfect canvas for their sparkling ambitions.

Parkside’s cool-climate slopes and red volcanic soils proved ideal for sparkling varieties like chardonnay and pinot noir. Slow ripening conditions allow grapes to develop vibrant acidity and delicate aromatics, perfect for bubbles with finesse.

What sets Parkside apart is its artisanal approach. Every bottle is handcrafted, single-vineyard, and single-vintage. Grapes are handpicked and basket pressed immediately, with no shortcuts. Each vintage spends a minimum of four years on lees, with some, like the 2014 Fils de Choisir, aging for nine years before disgorgement. The result is sparkling wine with texture, depth, and individuality.

Since acquiring Parkside, they’ve released eight vintages. Each has earned a gold medal, and five have taken home trophies, a testament to the patience and perfectionism behind their sparkling ambitions. Life at Parkside is a far cry from boardrooms and spreadsheets. Nature calls the shots. But the reward of crafting wine from grape to cork pop is unmatched.

Parkside Farm & Winery is located in Lancefield. Closed during the cooler months, the cellar door is set to reopen in time for Budburst – at which time they will unveil their latest vintage, the 2021 Fils de Choisir, alongside a mystery sparkling challenge for curious palates.

Budburst will take place over the weekend 15 & 16 November, 2025. Perfect for the wine enthusiast, culture seeker and weekend wanderer, it is the ideal way to discover the stories and characters of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region.

Discover more and book your tickets at budburst.com