Roam Rutherglen this weekend

Roam Rutherglen Winery Walkabout will once again showcase the region’s creative winemakers, progressive varietals and picturesque locations.

Iconic for its relaxed, fun-loving spirit, the new iteration of the festival retains its exuberance whilst allowing festivalgoers to linger longer and explore more of the small but mighty wine region.

Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Annalee Nolan said the festival is constantly evolving.

“Today’s wine explorers appreciate getting under the skin of a winery and its wines, so to speak,” Ms Nolan said.

“We want to slow the festival down and make sure that attendees have a chance to get to know us all and really discover what speaks to them. Stay longer, spend longer at each winery, roam our wonderful region.”

The festival and the region

This year’s program will feature premium tastings, live entertainment and unique sensory cellar door experiences from 16 of the region’s wineries.

There will be something for everyone, from sipping on Muscat cocktails and dancing to live music, to connecting wine lovers and winemakers through new varietals and unexpected winemaking techniques.

The pioneering spirit of Rutherglen is experiencing a renaissance. Originally famed for their reds and Muscats, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are now emerging as Victoria's most progressive artisans for their new style Muscats, Gins, Fianos, Malbecs, aperitifs, Ilberian wines and more.

The new wave of Rutherglen vignerons, and the generations before them serve the perfect blend of tradition and creativity. Meet them at Roam Rutherglen Winery Walkabout.

Saturday Only Events

In 2024, experience the festival like never before with a range of events happening on Saturday, June 8, bringing immersive experiences to festival attendees.

Start your weekend with Bubbles & Brunch at Cofield Wines or at the King’s High Tea, Royal Wine Breakfast at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate.

Paint and sip your Saturday morning away at Pfeiffer Wines, or get to know our region better with a Hidden Winery Tour at Stanton & Killeen, a behind-the-scenes Vintage Tour & Tasting at Jones Winery & Vineyard or a Durif Redesigned masterclass at Scion with winemaker Rowly Milhinch.

Want some fun for the entire group? Try your luck at Lake Moodemere Estate Hole in One Challenge and sink the golf ball on their floating golf green in Lake Moodemere.

Ticket inclusions and transport options

A Festival Lover ticket allows patrons access for the full two-day wine festival entry as low as $65. Demonstrating exceptional value, the price also includes a wine glass, tastings on both days across all participating wineries, a food voucher to be spent at any of the participating wineries and non-alcoholic offering. If you want to experience the festival as a true Wine Lover, A premium VIP Wine Lovers ticket is the ticket you need; offering tastings on core and premium ranges and even more food and drink value, as well as the inclusion of a free freight voucher on takeaway wine purchases of 6 or more bottles. These are but two of the various ticket options, with the full suite available at explorerutherglen.com.au.

Our festival transport is available for festival patrons, that winds through out Rutherglen on a continuous hop-on, hop-off bus experience loop allowing all ‘Roamers’ to explore the entire region visiting participating wineries in their own time, their own way. With more than 40 buses operating and driving throughout the region, this format allows ‘roamers’ to taste the region. Jump on any Festival Shuttle Bus and it will get you where you need to go.

For those travelling from elsewhere in the region, regional bus services will run from Corowa, Howlong, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Beechworth, Albury and Wodonga. All regional bus tickets are inclusive of the Festival Shuttle Bus.

Responsible self-driving is highly encouraged. In fact, festival access is absolutely free for designated drivers. The Designated Drivers ticket provides non-alcoholic options across all participating wineries - think mocktails, cordial bars, non-alcoholic punch and of course tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Festival Currency RFID entry wristbands will allow ‘Roamers’ to prepurchase and preload your Festival Currency onto your wristband for a seamless, fun time with your wallet essentially on your wrist.

Your wristband will also have all your ticket inclusions loaded and ready to use.