The ambitious winery hidden 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD

About this episode

Anna Webster interviews Alex Beckett about the ambitious Marnong Estate and its impact on the Sunbury wine region.

What happens when a former linguistics student leaves the Hunter Valley to help build one of Victoria’s most ambitious wine estates from the ground up? In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Anna Webster sits down with Alex Beckett, Director of Wine at Marnong Estate, to unpack the philosophy, ambition, and evolution behind one of Victoria’s most talked-about wine destinations. From cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay to Italian varieties like fiano and sangiovese, Alex explains how Marnong is shaping a modern identity for the historic Sunbury wine region while balancing accessibility, family values, and serious winemaking ambition. Marnong Estate Marnong Estate on Instagram Alex Beckett on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Anna Webster on Instagram Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion   The conversation explores: Why Alex left the Hunter Valley to join Marnong Estate The vision behind building a winery, restaurants, and community destination in Mickleham The evolution of Marnong’s wine program and estate-grown philosophy Cool-climate viticulture in Sunbury and why the region is underrated…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Webster

Guest: Alex Beckett

Topics covered

• winery development
• cool-climate viticulture
• Italian grape varieties
• Australian wine
• wine accessibility
• Marnong Estate

Keywords

• Marnong Estate
• Alex Beckett
• Sunbury wine region
• cool-climate pinot noir
• chardonnay
• Italian varieties
• wine philosophy
• terroir
• accessible wine

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Marnong Estate

Products: 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

Places: Melbourne CBD, Hunter Valley, Sunbury, Mickleham

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