If you’ve been craving a weekend getaway filled with exceptional wine, regional food and live music, Tastes of Rutherglen should be firmly on your radar. From 6–8 March, this iconic Northeast Victorian festival will take over wine country with 17 cellar doors, 200+ wines, and the region buzzing at the height of harvest. It’s a choose-your-own adventure through one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, and it only comes around once a year.
When it comes to wine region escapes, Victoria has a secret. Rutherglen is Victoria’s most sustainably certified wine region. It’s also the home of rustic reds, crisp whites, alternate varietals and magnificent world-renowned Muscats. At Tastes of Rutherglen, you’ll be free to explore Rutherglen at your own pace across three indulgent days. Think progressive tastings, boutique cellar door menus, exclusive harvest experiences and live entertainment. From jazz by the lake and sunset soirées to hands-on vineyard adventures and curated dinners under the stars, the festival is the perfect way to discover one of Victoria’s most charming winery regions.
If you’re keen to go beyond cellar door hopping, Tastes of Rutherglen’s 20+ special events and masterclasses are where the magic really happens. Join intimate tastings hosted by the winemakers themselves, dive into unique sessions exploring Portuguese varietals and Muscat blending, or test your palate in a blindfolded tasting experience. Food lovers can indulge in expertly curated food and wine matching events, while evening events include Harvest Glow at Cofield Wines, Sunset & Sangria at Dinah Wines, and unforgettable dinners from acclaimed local favourites like KIN at All Saints Estate and Jones Winery Restaurant. With six generations of family winemakers, there’s certainly a story behind every sip!
Some highlights include:
- Welcome Courtyard Sips & Canapes with Winemakers of Rutherglen, Friday 6 March 5:30pm: Mingle with local artisans, enjoy beautifully crafted canapés by Chef Emma Mills, and explore a thoughtfully curated selection of Rutherglen wines at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate.
- Harvest Glow, Friday 6 March 6:00pm: Experience Cofield Wines after hours, as the vineyard comes alive with music, energy, and golden-hour charm.
- Summer Nights – Lake Moodemere Estate, Friday 6 March 7:00pm: Listen to soulful sounds from the Tony Gardner Jazz Band while indulging in a three-course seasonal menu crafted to highlight the region’s finest ingredients.
- Bridge Bar & Beats by Pfeiffer Wines, Saturday 7 March 5:00pm: Take in the stunning sunset over a serene riverside setting while sipping premium local wines and Seriously Pink Slushies, enjoying live music, and savouring delicious dumplings from the pop-up bar.
- Winemaker’s Sunset Soiree, Saturday 7 March 6:00pm: Enjoy a carefully crafted multi-course menu at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate, each dish paired with exquisite wines and brought to life through personal insights from the winemaker and head chef.
- Harvest Dinner, Saturday 7 March 7:00pm: Visit Jones Winery Restaurant for a five-course degustation that showcases Chef Briony Bradford’s Fair for French approach, with each dish thoughtfully designed around this season’s hero ingredient: grapes.
- Sunset & Sangria Night by Dinah Wines, Sunday 8 March 5:00pm: Toast the end of your weekend than with sunset views, sangria and a selection of Tapas-inspired nibbles.
- Meet the Maker at Morris of Rutherglen, Sunday 8 March 6:00pm: Taste exceptional wines, whiskies and food, guided by Chief Winemaker Madden Morris, while learning about the heritage, passion, and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
- Gather by Kin at All Saints Estate, Sunday 8 March 6:30pm: Dinner in the Vines is reimagined as GATHER BY KIN. An unforgettable dinner in the vines, pairing North East Victorian produce with museum wines, magnums and Muscat drawn straight from the barrel in the Rose Garden.
So, if you want to get in on one of Victoria’s best kept wine secrets, head to Tastes of Rutherglen, only 3 hours’ drive from Melbourne. Park the car on arrival and enjoy the hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus to take you everywhere you need to go for the next few days. Regional buses are available to get you to the festivities from surrounding regiontal towns such as Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Albury Wodonga, Wangaratta, Chiltern and Beechworth.
With family-friendly activities, live music, lawn games and outdoor dining woven throughout the program, there’s truly something for everyone. Festival entry starts from $25 per day, with early-bird tickets available until early February—just don’t forget to add your masterclasses and special events before checkout, as spots are limited!