Discover the stories behind Paramoor and Kyneton Ridge and find out what’s happening at Budburst.
Paramoor
In late vintage 2023, Geoff Plahn and Samantha Reid embraced a tree-change, taking the reins of Paramoor Estate from founders Will and Kath Fraser. Once a Clydesdale horse farm, the Carlsruhe property now thrives as a boutique cool-climate winery, located halfway between Woodend and Kyneton. Geoff, a finance professional turned winemaker, and Sam, with a background in healthcare risk management, bring fresh energy and complementary skills to the estate’s next chapter.
Resting 550 metres north of the Great Dividing Range, Paramoor grows Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Tastings unfold in a beautifully restored barn, echoing the site’s pastoral heritage. Geoff’s focus on small-batch, minimal-intervention winemaking honours the region’s character, while Sam curates warm, authentic guest experiences – from weddings to weekend stays.
Life at Paramoor is hands-on and heartfelt. The duo balances tradition with thoughtful change, nurturing the vineyard and welcoming guests with genuine hospitality.
What’s happening at Budburst?
At Budburst, Paramoor will showcase their own wines, along with those from Lord Malmsbury and Passing Clouds. Guests can enjoy live music from Grim Fawkner, join the garden games, enjoy a mouth-watering selection from Muse Events’ smoker and grill, sip cool-climate wines, and soak up the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Kyneton Ridge
When Andrew and Angela Wood left behind an illustrious and globe-spanning engineering career and decades of international living across the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, they weren’t retiring – they were reinventing. In 2019, after five years of searching for the right place to channel their passions for wine, food, and art, they found it in Kyneton Ridge: a small, established vineyard and winery, a short drive from the centre of Kyneton.
Since taking over, the Woods have transformed the property. The vineyard has grown from 6,000 to nearly 20,000 vines, the café and cellar door have been renovated and expanded, and a new winery and barrel hall now support their small-batch, handcrafted approach.
The site’s unique terroir – 550 metres above sea level, with 360-million-year-old ancient granitic soils and a northerly aspect, produces low-yield, high-intensity fruit. Kyneton Ridge is also the first vineyard in the region certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
It’s a true family affair: Angela, an artist with a flair for the gastronomic, directs the café’s seasonal menu; son Patrick, with winemaking nous gleaned in Bordeaux and the Yarra Valley, heads winemaking with partner Greta; while daughter Jordan curates the Ridge Art Space.
What’s happening at Budburst?
During Budburst, Kyneton Ridge will host Metcalfe Valley Winery, feature live music on the deck, and serve tasty dishes from the Ridge Café. Bookings are encouraged.
What is Budburst?
From Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 November, the Macedon Ranges will come alive for Budburst Wine Festival – an annual celebration of cool-climate wine and connection. Over 20 winemakers across 15+ venues will open their doors for tastings, food, music, and storytelling. It’s a rare chance to explore hidden gems and iconic producers alike.
Participating wineries include Attwoods Wines, Cleveland Estate, Cold Acre, Double Oaks Estate, Granite Hills, Hanging Rock Winery, Hesket Estate, Hunter-Gatherer Winery, Kyneton Ridge, Lane’s End, Lord Malmsbury Vineyard, Lyons Will Estate, Metcalfe Valley, Midhill Vineyard, Mount Monument Winery, Mount Towrong, North Wines, Paramoor, Parkside Winery and Farm, Passing Clouds, Red Poppy Estate, and Wilimee.
