Why you’d rather be in Rutherglen

Posted on 10 February, 2022

Do you need an excuse to get out of Canberra for the March long weekend? We have 17 of the best sort of excuses to pack up and escape to Rutherglen for a change of scene, taste and pace.

Over Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March, the premier wine-producing region of Victoria is celebrating its biggest tourism drawcard, Tastes of Rutherglen—and you’re invited.

Tastes of Rutherglen has been running since 1988 and now draws thousands of food and wine enthusiasts from Canberra, Melbourne, and the surrounding region. The fact it coincides with the Canberra Day public holiday on Monday 14 March really makes it a no-brainer for those wanting a weekend escape.

Campbells Winery

With 17 cellar doors throwing themselves open, guests can prepare for an indulgent opportunity to taste some of the 200 premier wines on offer. The weekend also has a huge focus on food, with each winery offering a gastronomic experience which suits their particular style of wine. This could be anything from a hatted chef cooking fine-dining in the vineyard to the local fish and chip shop pumping out a superior batter.

With masterclasses and a rolling itinerary of special events, including live music, the time to work out a personal program of highlights and book tickets is now.

Rutherglen is located near the Murray River border with NSW, making it a very easy four-hour drive from the capital.

The area has huge variety of accommodation options to make the weekend accessible—from luxury suites, to motels, camping, and everything in between.

The event is planned with families in mind so there will also be plenty of kids’ activities happening over both days, plus a range of great meal options for small eaters. With activities including castle building, turtle feeding, and a stack of outdoor games, parents can relax over a glass of something wonderful as they chat to the vignerons themselves about what makes a great vintage. Even pups are welcome at some events (but you will need to check first before booking them in).

Scion winemaker Rowland (Rowly) Milhinch is the great great grandson of George Francis Morris (the founder of Morris Wines) whose own vineyard is renowned for its experimentation and contemporary leanings in a traditional space. He says excitement is building among the wine-making community as preparations for the weekend gain pace.

Rowly says there was enormous pride in the region which has a seven-generation legacy of making “epic” wines, and sweet wines in particular.

“We have enormous diversity within a 20-minute radius—and access to every wine style, from Moscato to muscat to shiraz to rosé and everything in between.”

“Honestly, if you can’t find something you like then you’re not trying hard enough!”

He says the weekend is an opportunity to understand the interplay of wine and food as well as to discover a part of Australia that is “super humble and friendly.”

Generations of winemakers, their families and teams will be on hand to reveal some of the magic they put into their grapes.

Robyn Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Wines has been a driving force behind the event, having taken part in every one since 1988 (when it launched for the Bicentenary with four wine regions represented).

She too says Rutherglen’s diversity makes it a must-visit region.

“Our Mediterranean climate enables us to grow every single grape variety and a wine to suit everyone’s palate.”

“But I would recommend people read the brochure and research what they want to experience so they can plan the best experience from both a food and wine perspective.”

“The weekend is really like a relaxed outdoorsy progressive picnic lunch, with all sorts of music and entertainment, where people can sit about in glorious autumn sun under the shade of a tree and enjoy the food and wine and being with friends and family in a Covid-safe environment.”

In order to ensure the event is safe, tickets are limited and on sale now.

There are also a range of shuttle bus services to make the event safe for all as participants flit between the vineyards to try and taste as much as they can.