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Rutherglen

Grapevine

Quick facts

  • Population approximately 2,000
  • 275 kilometres north-east of Melbourne
  • Internationally renowned historic wine region.

Enterprising winemakers have been taking advantage of the fertile land and mild climate around Rutherglen since the early 1800s, making this one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Australia. Rutherglen is renowned for producing robust red wines that cellar well for many years, as well as crisp, modern-style whites. However, the region is best known for its superb fortified wines, especially muscats.

Once a major gold mining town, Rutherglen's history is reflected in the historic buildings now housing antique and bric-a-brac shops, tea rooms and restaurants.

The Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre is the starting point for a great holiday in this region. Learn about winemaking, taste premium wines, relax with a cup of coffee or dine in the gourmet, licensed café. Find out all you need to know about the 20 magnificent wineries that make up the Winemakers of Rutherglen, as well as accommodation, dining and regional highlights.

Activities and attractions

  • Hire a limousine or tour bus to explore the scenic winery circuit, for a  variety of winery and cellar door experiences
  • Wander through the town’s historic streetscape, enjoying the sidewalk cafés and a mixture of friendly shops
  • Cycle along the Muscat Trail past stands of river red gum and secluded billabongs along the Murray River to 10 of the local wineries. The trail starts at the Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre, where bikes are available for hire
  • Enjoy great local dining, matched with some of Victoria’s best wines, a light snack or coffee. Many of the wineries have restaurants at their cellar door or pleasant barbecue and picnic areas
  • Sample delicious local produce such as honey, trout, Murray cod, cherries, berries, nuts, chutneys and preserves. Pick up a picnic hamper or stock up on supplies to take home with you.

Events

  • Tastes of Rutherglen – March
  • Winery Walkabout – Queen's Birthday weekend – June
  • Country Fair – June
  • Wine Show – September
  • Campbell's Riedel Masterclass and Dinner – November
  • Tour de Muscat (cycling) – November
  • Winemakers of Rutherglen Legends Weekend – November

How to get there
Rutherglen is approximately 3 hours from Melbourne via the Hume Highway, in the easterly corner of the Murray River valley plains.