Seven reasons to go (Winery) Walkabout in Rutherglen

Posted on 9 May, 2019

 Your June Queen’s Birthday long weekend could be used for all manner of fun activities.

You could wash the dog, tidy the house, mow the lawn…or get down to northern Victorian wine country to eat and drink your way through a long weekend of festivities.

We know this seems like a hard choice, so we’ve done the legwork for you and found seven reasons why you need to book yourself into Victoria’s long-running wine festival—Winery Walkabout—happening from 8-9 June.

YOU’RE DRINKING HISTORY…IT’S PRACTICALLY EDUCATIONAL

Boasting more than 160 years of winemaking, Rutherglen is just four hours’ drive from Canberra and we promise the road trip is worth it for the, ahem, historical significance alone.

The Walkabout itself has been running for more than 40 years and this year’s line-up features 19 wineries—with something to sample, savour or taste behind each cellar door. Just think of all the history you could drink! We mean learn.

WINE SNOBS, ASSEMBLE

All Saints Estate.

These aren’t just any cellar doors, either. Many of the participating wineries will be offering special back-vintage tastings, behind-the-scenes tours and guided one-on-one tastings with winemakers.

Rutherglen is known for a handful of incredibly delicious varietals that are perfect winter warmers—think Durif, Muscat and Cabernet Franc. Never heard of them? Now is your chance to get acquainted.

THINK WINE EVENTS ARE OLD FASHIONED? THINK AGAIN

Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store.

Do you think ‘wine festival’ and picture grey nomads enjoying a staid tipple or two at midday? This isn’t Winery Walkabout.

Winery Walkabout is all about giving wine lovers a vibrant and immersive experience. Think a three-course burgundy breakfast at Cofield Wines and wine cocktails at #RUTHERGLENONTHEROCKS at Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store.

The Walkabout will be filled with surprises and new events, so even if you’re a Rutherglen or Walkabout regular, there’ll be something new to see and sip.

View the full programme here.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE WINE, EITHER

Rutherglen is also a gourmet hotspot—think modern Australian hatted restaurants and gourmet country café fare. Must-try morsels across the Walkabout include farm-grown duck sausages at Jones Winery & Vineyard, woodfired pizzas at Valhalla Wines and a gourmet BBQ and burger bar at Cofield Wines.

If you’re after something sweet (Rutherglen is known for its fortified ‘stickies’, after all) head to Morris Wines’ baklava bar or Stanton & Killeen Wines for fresh crêpes. Bon Appetit!

GETTING AROUND

Visitors can explore this delicious region with ease and there’s no need to elect a designated driver if everyone wants to enjoy the fruits of the region (literally).

Be chauffeured from one cellar door to the next by TAC winery shuttle buses (at an additional cost) or hop on a bus from several nearby regional cities for an additional cost. 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Winery Walkabout tickets start from $65 per person for both days (up until 31 May, $80 thereafter). Festival tickets include access to each of the 19 wineries while designated drivers will receive complimentary festival entrance and two tea/coffee/soft drink vouchers provided by event sponsor TAC.

Win a fully chauffeured Winery Walkabout experience!

Want to experience the Winery Walkabout in style?  Be picked up from your accommodation in a six-seater limousine ready for a day of wonderful wine tasting around Rutherglen. Choose your preferred wineries to visit from the 19 participating wineries—we recommend visiting three or four during the day.

What’s more, the prize also includes a gourmet hamper for you all to share for lunch.

All you need to do is book your Saturday or Weekend pass before Friday 31 May to go in the draw to win. It’s that simple.

the essentials

What: Winery Walkabout 2019
When: 8-9 June 2019
Where: Rutherglen, Victoria (about a four-hour drive from Canberra)
Cost: From $35 for one day and $65
Tickets and more information: winerywalkabout.com.au

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