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.
6 March 2026 10:00 + more dates
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 highlights include Harvest Glow at Cofield Wines, Sunset & Sangria at Dinah Wines, and unforgettable dinners from acclaimed local favourites like KIN and Jones Winery Restaurant. With six generations of family winemakers, there’s certainly a story behind every sip!
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. 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!
Tastes of Rutherglen
6 March 2026 10:00 + more dates