We’ve got so many excellent choices when it comes to winter festivals, and a new contender would like to throw its hat into the ring. Journey up north to Rutherglen for their new festival, the Dark Side of Wine. This festival will light up the region for ten days with immersive experiences, roaring fires and plenty of flowing wine. It’s all happening from Friday August 2 to Sunday August 11.
Dark Side of Wine
Located three hours north-east of Melbourne, the wine region of Rutherglen has over 160 years of winemaking history. Dive into the dark side and sample plenty of Muscat and Durif at this new winter festival. There’s over 30 events to look forward to, ranging from a Muscat Murder Mystery to an unforgettable masquerade ball.
“We are excited to welcome wine explorers to our wonderful region,” said Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Annalee Nolan. “Our winemakers will be on hand to help unlock the secrets and mystery of Rutherglen and its wines with a packed program of events that are sure to warm and delight equally this winter.”
Highlights include:
- Uncasked at the Convent – head to Rutherglen Convent and celebrate the grand opening of the festival with a Masquerade Ball on August 2.
- Speak Easy – say a secret code and enter a speakeasy, filled with cocktails and interactive workshops.
- Legend & Lore – feast on a five-course dinner and celebration of Durif and Mascat at Lake Moodemere on August 3.
- Muscat Murder Mystery – travel back to 1925 and solve a murder mystery in the Stanton & Killeen cellars on August 9.
- Burning of the Canes – visit St. Leonards Vineyards for wine and hearty bites, while the old vine canes are traditionally burned, symbolising the rebirth of the vines on August 10.
- Paint and Sip – at to Pfeiffer Wines for a glow-in-the-dark paint and sip experience on August 11.
Explore the full program here.