Pfeiffer Wines Sunset Wine Down on Saturday night was a hit with plenty of people enjoying the sunset on the Sunday Creek Bridge with a bottle of delicious wine. (Photos by: Chloe Smith Photography.)
With warm autumn weather and plenty of locals and tourists out and about over the long weekend, the 36th Tastes of Rutherglen festival proved once again why Rutherglen does it best when it comes to fine food and wine celebrations.
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More than 2,500 wine connoisseurs flocked to this year’s two-day event over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend, up by 500 from last year, to enjoy award-winning wines, produce and cuisine from 17 Rutherglen wineries.
With more than 200 wines to taste, curated menus at each winery, 22 special events, nine evening events and entertainment all weekend, the 2025 Tastes of Rutherglen offered the unique chance to speak to the region’s winemakers directly, connecting wine lovers’ curiosity with winemakers’ craft.
Cofield’s Flaming Friday night event was well attended with over 200 people sipping on Cofield’s best white wine.
Organisers, Winemakers of Rutherglen were very pleased with the weekend, saying that the welcome event at The Victoria Rutherglen was again a sell-out seeing many returning faces and a lot of new ones for their first time at the festival.
Jones Winery Harvest Dinner and Summer Nights at Lake Moodemere Estate were both sell out events with several free and low-cost events proving to be the most popular.
Cofield’s Flaming Friday night event, Pfeiffer Wines Sunset Wine Down on Saturday night and Chamber Rosewood Vineyards Live and Free in the Winery Garden Sunday night event each had over 200 people in attendance.
Winemakers of Rutherglen events and administration officer Kirsty Crockett said the Harvest Masterclasses once again proved popular with Warrabilla’ s Vintage Tour and Tasting and Lake Moodemere Grape to Glass experiences a hit.
Wine connoisseurs from Canberra and Melbourne in particular enjoyed trying all of the wines on offer at Jones Winery.
“The rise in ticket sales reflects the wineries' collaborative efforts with the region's chefs, the high quality of additional event experiences, the excellence of Rutherglen’s premium wines, and the rich storytelling that showcases the region’s innovation,” Ms Crockett said.
“The widespread appeal of Rutherglen’s food and wine truly comes to life during the event, putting the region centre stage for wine lovers across the country."
Sam and Kelly enjoyed their anniversary with a Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Vintage Graze matched with Back Paddock White or Cellar Rosé.
