RUTHERGLEN ITINERARY: A TASTE OF FORTIFIED AUSTRALIA

Depart Melbourne.

If travelling via the Hume Highway, stop at Café Mely and Me in Euroa for coffee, tea, cakes or a late breakfast.

It’s back in the car – it will take an hour-and-a-half to drive to Rutherglen.

Arrive at CAMPBELLS WINES, founded in 1870 and one of the region’s most lauded fortified winemakers. First enjoy a vineyard platter of cheeses and charcuterie on the winery’s front lawn. Then it’s time to enjoy a fortified tasting at the cellar door.

STANTON & KILLEEN WINES, where every visitor gets a palpable sense of Rutherglen’s storied history. Seven generations of Stantons and Killeens have produced some astoundingly fresh and fruity muscats and they continue to lead the way in fortifieds.

Drive to your nearby overnight accommodation at Moodemere Lake House. It is situated on LAKE MOODEMERE ESTATE, which is a working vineyard and farm. The self-contained guesthouse enjoys uninterrupted views of the lake.

If you’re treating yourself check out the unique accommodation at MOUNT OPHIR ESTATE. Once the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere, it is now one of Australia’s most incredible luxury accommodation options, giving guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in history.

Take a drive into Rutherglen for dinner at TASTE @ RUTHERGLEN. It’s open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and specialises in modern Australian fare using local ingredients such as Milawa duck, Murray Valley pork and seasonal vegetables from the chef’s kitchen garden.

Head to your accommodation and rest up for your next day of touring.

Have breakfast overlooking the lake before checking out of your accommodation, and then make your way to Rutherglen.

In Rutherglen, pick up a self-guided historical walking tour brochure from the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre that includes the Common School Museum (1872) and Stephen’s Rectory (1864), as well as several gold-rush era Victorian pubs.

Grab a coffee at THE OTHER PLACE on Rutherglen’s Main Street.

Drive to CHAMBERS ROSEWOOD, where they fashion muscats that regularly catch the eye of some of the world’s greatest wine critics. Enjoy a tasting here.

Head to ALL SAINTS ESTATE for a spot of lunch at their Chef’s Hat-awarded Terrace Restaurant. Bask in the amazing architecture, which is a reminder of the region’s prestigious history. You’ll feel like royalty as you head down the impressive drive to enter the stunning grounds. Make sure not to miss the chance to stock up on goodies from the fresh produce store on-site.

Time for more muscat, so head to BULLER WINES. Founded in 1921, this winery remains one of the more evocative cellar door experiences in the region. The excellent Ripe@Buller Wines restaurant overlooks the iconic Calliope Vineyard.

Check in to your accommodation. If you’re treating yourself, head to Mount Ophir Estate. Once the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere, it is now one of Australia’s most incredible luxury accommodation options, giving guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in history.

Dine at THOUSAND POUND WINE BAR & STORE, one of Rutherglen’s hidden gems. Feast on delicious modern cuisine and a bounty of Australian wines.

Alternatively, try Tuileries at DE BORTOLI WINES RUTHERGLEN ESTATE. It offers a range of fine dining options and it’s a short walk from most accommodation in town.

Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your historic accommodation.

Your first stop is JONES WINERY AND VINEYARD, a multi-generational family-run wine producer. Enjoy a cellar door muscat tasting.

Dine French country style at JONES WINERY RESTAURANT, open Thursday to Sunday and recently named in the prestigious Good Food Guide 2020. Picnic hampers can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice and special dinners are offered once a month.

MORRIS WINES offers a glimpse into history as it has barely changed in more than a century. The cellar door features a glass-lined atrium designed by legendary Australian architect Robin Boyd. Complete a magical day with a tasting of Morris muscat.

Depart for Melbourne. It’s about a three-hour drive to the city so you should get back just in time to enjoy dinner at one of the city’s hot dining spots.