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

 

What happens when a former linguistics student leaves the Hunter Valley to help build one of Victoria&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.
<a href="https://marnongestate.com.au/">Marnong Estate</a>
<a href="https://marnongestate.com.au/">Marnong Estate on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://marnongestate.com.au/">Alex Beckett on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday&nbsp;Wine Companion on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annawebster_">Anna Webster on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a>
&nbsp;
The conversation explores:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why Alex left the Hunter Valley to join Marnong Estate</li>
<li aria-level="1">The vision behind building a winery, restaurants, and community destination in Mickleham</li>
<li aria-level="1">The evolution of Marnong&rsquo;s wine program and estate-grown philosophy</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cool-climate viticulture in Sunbury and why the region is underrated</li>
<li aria-level="1">Italian grape varieties thriving in Victoria</li>
<li aria-level="1">The future of Australian chardonnay and site-driven winemaking</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alex&rsquo;s Master of Wine journey and obsession with terroir</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why wine should feel accessible, communal, and exciting</li>
</ul>
Alex also shares insights into Marnong&rsquo;s expanding vineyard plantings, future hotel plans, and the long-term ambition to create wines that sit amongst Australia&rsquo;s best, while still remaining approachable and family-oriented.
If you&rsquo;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
&nbsp;

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

 Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
&nbsp;Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Halliday Wine Companion

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.