Rutherglen

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS

MORNING:

•       Depart Melbourne for the scenic 3-hour drive to Rutherglen.

•       Arrive in Rutherglen by midday.

AFTERNOON:

•       Check-in at The Victoria Hotel - settle in to your king-sized suite in this beautifully restored historic hotel.

•       Orientation stroll down Main Street, stopping at the Rutherglen Wine Experience & Visitor Information Centre to collect maps and insider tips.

•       Late lunch at Grace Restaurant where Chef Matthieu Miller's "minimal intervention" philosophy showcases the region's exceptional produce.

EVENING:

•       Pre-dinner wine tasting at Campbells Wines (established 1870), known for their worldrenowned "Merchant Prince" Rare Rutherglen Muscat.

•       Dinner at The Victoria Hotel Restaurant - enjoy Head Chef Brendan Anderson's open-flame cooking featuring local ingredients in the 2024 AHA award-winning regional pub restaurant.

•       Nightcap by the fire in the hotel's historic bar (winter) or in the courtyard under the stars (summer).

DAY 2: MUSCAT MILE EXPLORATION

MORNING:

•       Grab a coffee and a sweet treat from little g. coffee window.

•       Visit Scion Winery for a tasting experience with winemaker Rowly Milhinch, focusing on alternative varietals and innovative approaches.

•       Continue to Morris Wines, one of Australia's most iconic fortified producers for a taste of their award-winning whisky.

AFTERNOON:

•       Gourmet lunch at Lake Moodemere Estate overlooking Lake Moodemere.

•       Post-lunch, take a gentle walk around Lake Moodemere's shoreline, watching for native birds and wildlife.

•       Visit All Saints Estate - tour the historic castle built in 1864 and taste their exceptional wines.

EVENING:

•       Dinner at Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store featuring regional produce and an impressive collection of Rutherglen wines by the glass.

DAY 3: BEYOND THE CELLAR DOOR

MORNING:

•       Early risers: Take a hot air balloon ride over the region with Goldrush Ballooning (seasonal, weather dependent)

•       Late breakfast at Pickled Sisters Café featuring local produce

•       Cycle the Rutherglen Loops from Rutherglen to Wahgunyah (bike hire available from Rutherglen E-Bike Hire or Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre).

AFTERNOON:

•       Long lunch at Jones Winery & Vineyard Restaurant where French-trained Chef Briony Bradford creates seasonal dishes matched with estate wines in a historic 1860s barn.

•       Visit Pfeiffer Wines to try their famous Sunday Creek Bridge fortifieds and play a game of "bridge quoits" on their historic timber bridge.

EVENING:

•       Dinner at Tuileries at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate.

DAY 4: FAREWELL TO RUTHERGLEN

MORNING:

•       Breakfast at Caffeine n Machine on Main Street.

•       Final wine tasting at Chambers Rosewood Winery, home to some of the world's highestrated fortified wines.

•       Visit the historic Common School Museum (open weekends) to discover Rutherglen's gold rush heritage.

AFTERNOON:

•       Stop at the iconic wine bottle-shaped water tower for a farewell photo.

•       Final purchases at Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre for regional gourmet souvenirs.

•       Depart for home with memories (and bottles) to savour.