Rutherglen

Including Glenrowan and Beechworth regions.

Spectacular scenery abounds as you travel through Ned Kelly country to the Rutherglen on a multi-day tour. Steeped in History, settled by vignerons in the 1840’s. Each of the three regions is unique in its’ climatic and soil conditions and hence the wines produced.

Location and drive-time

Located 200 kilometres north east of Melbourne, the town of Rutherglen is e a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. There is an excellent Freeway and you travel in comfort by Rolls Royce, or another car from our luxury range.

Wine styles

Rutherglen is famous for Fortified wines and Big Reds. 85% of plantings are Red grape varieties that include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Durif, Brown Muscat A Petit Grains, Muscadelle.

Beechworth is the home of the renown Giaconda accompanied by other bright lights that specialise in producing fabulous wines from micro-vineyards of less than 10acres. The labels in this area are found on the wine lists of fine restaurants around the world. Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Gamay wines feature.

Glenrowan offers Shiraz, Durif and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokay and Muscat. They are big, rich wines and have a very long lifespan.

Landscape and climate

Continental climatic conditions, with very hot days in summer and cool nights favour the making of big Reds and Fortified wines grown in the Rutherglen. There are two soil types. The Fortified wines are produced from vines planted on a band of loam that runs through the region while the reds tend to be produced from vines on sandy flat acres.

Beechworth has a range of altitudes and soils types are predominantly ancient sandstone gravel and clay or granitic soil over clay.

Glenrowan is a little warmer than the Rutherglen, experiences less extremes of temperature but with good rainfalls. Soils are well-drained, fertile and red or loamy clay.

Example Wine Tour Itinerary

This itinerary may be varied to suit your interests.

Day one

• Leave Melbourne CBD at 8:30 am
• Morning Tea at Harvest House, Avenel
• Arrive in Glenrowan
• Wine tastings at 2 wineries
• Lunch – a gourmet BBQ on a winery
• Travel to Rutherglen
• Visit 2-3 Rutherglen wineries
• Arrive at Accommodation
• Wine dinner in Rutherglen

Day two

• Depart Rutherglen 9.00am
• Travel to Beechworth
• Tastings at 2-3 wineries 9.30 – 12.00
• Lunch at Milawa Cheese 12.30 – 1.30pm
• Tastings at 2 wineries 2.00 – 3.30pm
• Return to Melbourne around 6:00 pm.

Restaurants, accommodation and other ideas

Gourmet food is a feature of this region, top restaurateurs operate cafes, eateries and restaurants here. The best of fresh, top quality produce is available - with cheeses, berries, nuts, olives, beef, venison, game and lamb all raised locally.

The selection of venues for lunch and diner can greatly enhance your wine experience, by offering you the opportunity to taste the wines of the region matched to fine food. We are able to advise you on establishments where regional wines are well represented on the wine lists, staff are able to guide your wine selection to match your food and, wines can be ordered by the glass allowing you to experience a more than one wine with your lunch.

A Victorian cottage or manor house is a typical setting for a Bed & Breakfast stay.