From City Life to Vineyard Legacy

In 1973, electrical contractor Graeme Leith and journalist Sue Mackinnon swapped city life for a fertile country plot, where they hand-planted vines and laid the foundations for Passing Clouds Winery. Today, their son Cameron serves as chief winemaker at the cellar door located in Musk, just five minutes from Daylesford. The winery cultivates pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in this cool-climate region, while sourcing warm-climate grapes from vineyards near Bendigo to the north.

A Warm Welcome at the Cellar Door

As you step inside the cellar door, the comforting aroma of woodchips from the fireplace welcomes you, creating a cozy atmosphere. Beyond the tasting room, you can watch grapes being hand-pressed and fermented in French oak or stainless steel barrels. Partially pressed grape bunches have their leftover “must” — the stems and skins — returned to the vineyard to nourish the soil.

A Dining Room with Deep Roots

In late 2015, the cellar door expanded with a dining room addition and a deck crafted from recycled wood taken from the original North Wharf and Rosebud Pier. Under the guidance of chef Cameron McKenzie, the kitchen embraces the winery’s commitment to showcasing terroir.

Estate-Grown Flavours on the Plate

Lunches often feature dishes like charcoal-roasted chicken stuffed with fresh herbs and leafy greens from the estate’s veggie patch, served alongside warm chestnuts. For lighter bites, enjoy local and imported cheeses or charcuterie, ideal companions to a glass of sparkling chardonnay or a rich, spicy pinot noir.

Make It a Daytrip

For those looking to explore more, check out our detailed Out of Town to Daylesford guide.