Show Notes
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 Italian grape varieties thriving in Victoria The future of Australian chardonnay and site-driven winemaking Alex’s Master of Wine journey and obsession with terroir Why wine should feel accessible, communal, and exciting Alex also shares insights into Marnong’s expanding vineyard plantings, future hotel plans, and the long-term ambition to create wines that sit amongst Australia’s best, while still remaining approachable and family-oriented. If you’re interested in Australian wine, emerging wine regions, cool-climate viticulture, or the intersection of hospitality and wine culture, this episode is packed with insight.
Australian wine podcast, Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Marnong Estate, Alex Beckett, Sunbury wine region, Victorian wineries, cool climate Chardonnay, cool climate Pinot Noir, Fiano Australia, Sangiovese Victoria, Australian winemaking, wine tourism Victoria, Melbourne winery destination, Master of Wine Australia, Australian wine regions, boutique wineries Victoria, winery near Melbourne, wine and hospitality podcast, terroir driven wine, Australian Chardonnay podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Halliday Wine Companion
What does it take to become Australia's best winemaker? And what happens when you win two of the country's most prestigious wine awards in the same year?
What happens when a love of wine turns into three vineyards, a restaurant and an entirely new way of thinking about the land?
Stephen Pannell is one of Australia’s most influential winemakers and a driving force behind the rise of modern McLaren Vale grenache.
Bruce Tyrrell AM has spent more than five decades shaping Australian wine. As the fourth generation of one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, he has helped transform Tyrrell’s, champion Hunter Valley semillon around the world, and preserve some of Australia’s most important old-vine vineyards.
What really goes into reviewing thousands of Australian wines and selecting the very best for the Halliday Wine Companion?