Grape Escape – Down to the last drop.
The Victorian wine region of Rutherglen is renowned for its varietals, but is also home to events and experiences that will entice you for a getaway.
In the heart of Murray River Country, during the Victorian Labour Day weekend, the Tastes of Rutherglen (March 7-8) gourmet food and wine festival allows you to travel from winery to winery for samples, offers masterclasses and has a kid-friendly program to boot. For $20, you get entrance on both days as well as a special collectable glass. Visit tastesofrutherglen.com.au.
The Wine Down Pop Up Hotel (May 8 – June 7) is a special limited-time accommodation that will be on the site of All Saints Estate, with designer-appointed boutique cabins powered by solar energy. Book for an eco-friendly vineyard stay at contained.com.au/hotel.
Tickets go on sale this month for Winery Walkabout (June 6-7), a weekend celebration that has been combining live music, entertainment, wine tastings and estate tours since 1974. Visit winerywalkabout.com.au.
Into music? Like wine? Enjoy a little bit of psychedelia on the side? Try Rapture festival (Sept 12) at Mt Ophir Estate, which brings a line-up of downbeat electronic DJs and producers who play their atmospheric music alongside multimedia projections on the winery’s walls for what event organisers say is meant to create the ultimate in “sonic submission”. There is luxury indoor accommodation, glamping and general camping on offer. Visit rapturechill.com.au for tickets.
One of the area’s most popular activities, Pedal to Produce is a great way to get some fresh air and bond with your partner in the pretty Rutherglen countryside. Participants ride bikes alongside mountain streams as they make up to 10 stops at cellar doors and secluded pit stops along the way, with delicious treats on offer to keep you nourished. Visit explorerutherglen.com.au.
The Rutherglen Wine Bottle is otherwise known as the local water tower, and it has stood since 1900 as one of the region’s most noted landmarks. Take a picnic to the crest for gorgeous views across the ranges.
