DAY 2

MORNING

Caffeine N Machine on Main Street is the place to go for a quick pick-me-up brekkie toastie and coffee.

Stay for the vintage motorbike museum, or head straight to Radler E Bike Hire for some leisurely transport across wine country. Tap into the ‘Rutherglen to Wahgunyah’ or ‘Murray to Mountains’ rail trails, or there’s the gourmet-friendly 12.5km Pedal To Produce route (www.pedaltoproduce.com.au), which takes you to local wineries and food producers.

Alternatively, discover the world of Iberian grape varieties, not to mention the odd special fortified experience, at Stanton & Killeen, a winery with a rich history dating back to 1875. The Iberian Wine Experience ($45 per person) looks at the maker’s love affair with Portuguese grapes, but there are a host of other experiences to explore.

Kin is everything a serious foodie could wish for, matched to a wine list that includes some tempting rarities from the cellar.

AFTERNOON

Buy a bottle for the road and head for a picnic at the Big Wine Bottle – aka, the town’s old water tower, which is situated on the top of one of the few hills in Rutherglen. But first, some lunch supplies. Stop by Parker’s Pies

(try the Rutherglen Red, a personal fave), or Savoy Truffle Co. (grazing platters) – both are located on

Main Street.

And talking of pretty settings, one of the most photographed spots for a local tasting or a glass of wine is the Sunday Creek Bridge at Pfeiffer Wines. Reserve a seat, enjoy a glass, take in a Pinot & Picasso art class, an immersive muscat experience, or explore the range of Pfeiffer wines which includes some stunning Aperas.

EVENING

The entrepreneurial Brown family, apart from running two of the best local wineries – All Saints Estate and St Leonards – has created some of the region’s most serious food and wine hangouts at All Saints Estate (Bonnie, Kin) and in Rutherglen (Thousand Pound Wine Bar). Thousand Pound is relaxed, friendly and wine-focused with a menu that looks to local ingredients with a strong focus on mod-Oz cuisine. Kin is everything a serious foodie could wish for, matched to a wine list that includes some tempting rarities from the cellar. ●

TASTES OF RUTHERGLEN

For two days every March, Rutherglen winemakers open their cellar doors for tastings, food and music, masterclasses and special events.

ROAM RUTHERGLEN

WINERY WALKABOUT

Victoria’s longest-running wine festival is held every King’s Birthday long weekend in June. Coincides with the start of winter and you know what that means – it’s perfect fortified time.

RUTHERGLEN WINE SHOW PUBLIC TASTING

After the judging at the Rutherglen Wine Show in September each year, the doors are flung open and keen wine enthusiasts can drop in for a tasting of award-winning wines.

MUSIC ON THE MURRAY

Hosted by St Leonards Vineyard on the first Saturday of every month with live music, antipasto platters and good wine.

COMING SOON ...

The Victoria Hotel: Rutherglen’s oldest continuing pub (since 1868) is set to re-open this summer following a multi million-dollar refurbishment including accommodation, restaurant with a former Stokehouse chef at the helm and an outdoor beer garden.

Rutherglen Silo Art Precinct Project: The new outdoor town centre piece for events, art installations, silo art, markets and more.