The climatic conditions
The climatic conditions give the wines of Rutherglen a unique regional character. Protected by the Great Dividing Range, Rutherglen is blessed with cool nights, warm days and gloriously long, dry autumns which provide the ideal conditions for a broad range of varieties and styles.
The mild and sunny continental climate combined with the rich, loamy soils are the perfect ingredients for creating the fortified styles of wine the region is renowned for. These wines are unique to the Rutherglen region and are so rich and opulent they are often referred to as ‘liquid gold’.
Australia's fortified wine capital
Rutherglen has cemented its reputation as Australia's fortified wine capital, with many of its great wines recognised throughout the world. As well as holding the crown for fortified, the region is renowned for Durif, a rare red grape variety brought to Rutherglen from the south of France in 1908. In 1954, Mick Morris, 4th Generation winemaker at Morris Wines made the first Durif table wine which he called Claret. Since then Durif and Morris have become synonymous and this rich, full bodied wine has generated a cult following.
A trip to Rutherglen is like taking a step back in time. Visit revitalised cellar doors and meet generational winemakers drawing on family traditions and combining them with modern techniques to ensure Rutherglen remains on the global wine map.
EXPERIENCE MORRIS OF RUTHERGLEN
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN RUTHERGLEN
Corowa Whiskey and Chocolate
Set in a 1920’s old flour mill, taste some of their organic Belgium style chocolate with a soon to be distillery!
Outdoor Adventures
Pick up a picnic hamper and sample delicious local produce like honey, cherries, nuts and preserves. Cast a line in the Murray, pedal along the riverbanks or cruise the waters in boats, canoes and kayaks.
Murray to Mountain Rail Trail
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a great way to see Rutherglen’s wineries, producers and countryside on a leisurely flat ride. Perfect for families, it’s easy to hire a bike from our Visitor’s Centre, jump on the trail and explore the region.
Below is a list of the places you can visit along the trail.
You can hire bikes from the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre.
Explore nearby towns
Drive from Rutherglen to Beechworth, stopping at Chiltern on the way and discover these well preserved old gold mining towns and their beautiful local shops and eateries.
Parker Pies
Located in the heart of Rutherglen, Parker Pies is a family owned business that has become the home of Australia’s Greatest Pies. Their Passion combined with the freshest local produce around has allowed them to create the most mouth-watering pies available. EAT-LOVE-LAUGH.
Farmers Markets
During some of the local events like Tastes of Rutherglen and Rutherglen Winery Walkabout Weekend the farmers markets are bustling with eager locals and tourists ready to stock up on locally grown produce.
Getting Here
ADDRESS
154 Mia Mia Rd, Rutherglen VIC 3685
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
CAR: 12 minutes by car from Rutherglen.
TRAIN: 20 mins by car from Chiltern train station.