Embark on a delightful journey through the historic Rutherglen wine region, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of award-winning wineries and enchanting landscapes. Renowned for its luscious fortified wines, robust reds, and crisp whites, Rutherglen offers a diverse range of wine experiences that cater to both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. Explore the charming heritage facades of the cellar doors, indulge in the region’s signature durif, shiraz, muscat, and topaque wines, and savor the local produce at picturesque picnic spots. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler, Rutherglen’s captivating charm and rich winemaking history will leave you yearning for more. So, raise your glass and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Rutherglen wineries.
Best Wineries in Rutherglen at a Glance
Our list of best wineries in Rutherglen goes like this:
- For a taste of history and tradition: Campbells Wines
- For innovative and progressive winemaking: Scion Wine
- For a blend of old traditions with new approaches: Stanton & Killeen Wines
- For powerful red wines: Warrabilla Wines
- For a wide range of estate-grown wines: Anderson Winery
1. Campbells Wines
Immerse yourself in the rich history of winemaking at Campbells Wines, a fifth-generation family-owned winery established in 1870. Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, just 3km west of the historic town of Rutherglen, this winery offers an unforgettable experience. Campbells Wines is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest dessert wines using the “solera” method, a unique process of blending and maturing new and old wines over a period of years.
Source: Campbells Wines
Source: Campbells Wines
Source: Campbells Wines
Source: Campbells Wines
Source: Campbells Wines
Source: Campbells Wines
The winery is famous for its distinctive Rutherglen wines, including the Rutherglen Muscat and The Merchant Prince Rare Rutherglen Muscat, which has been awarded 99 points in the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the heart of the cellars, surrounded by giant casks holding their famous muscats and topaques. The vineyard also offers platters all day every day for visitors to relax with a glass of wine by the crackling fire in winter or under the shady oaks.
- Address: 4603 Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen, Victoria 3685, Australia
- Website: www.campbellswines.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VkjkaeDtZSW8vAf96
2. Scion Wine
Scion Wine, located just 2km south of Rutherglen, is a progressive winery that offers a creative and modern interpretation of traditional Rutherglen varietals. The winery is known for its handcrafted wines, including aromatic whites, dry rosé, elegant reds, and delicate dessert wines.
Source: Scion Wine
Source: Scion Wine
Source: Scion Wine
Source: Scion Wine
Source: Scion Wine
Source: Scion Wine
Visitors can enjoy a unique cellar door experience, taste handcrafted wines surrounded by beautiful Rutherglen scenery, or enjoy a picnic in the winery’s relaxed outdoor setting. Scion Wine is also known for its Durif wine, which is rich and intense, and pairs well with beef and venison.
- Address: 74 Slaughterhouse Road, Rutherglen, Vic 3685, Australia
- Website: www.scionwine.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zYwq3CEtt9b1kmaG9
3. Stanton & Killeen Wines
Stanton & Killeen Wines is a seven-generation family winery that blends the old with the new. The business is currently owned and managed by the mother-daughter team of Wendy and Natasha Killeen. They focus on alternative Portuguese varieties, flavoursome Rutherglen red wine, and continuing S&K’s long tradition of award-winning Muscats, Topaques, Tawnys, and Vintage Fortifieds.
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
Source: Stanton & Killeen Wines
The winery offers seated tastings and sales, with a $10 tasting fee that is refundable on purchase. Groups of 8 or more are advised to book in advance.
- Address: 440 Jacks Road, Rutherglen, Victoria 3685, Australia
- Website: www.stantonandkilleen.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u7a7buNPTg9V9yrv8
4. Warrabilla Wines
Warrabilla Wines is a six-generation family winery with more than 150 years of family winemaking in Rutherglen. The winery is known for its powerful red wines, particularly its Parola’s Durif, which is a rich, full-bodied red with intense fruit flavors and firm tannins.
Source: Warrabilla Wines
Source: Warrabilla Wines
Source: Warrabilla Wines
Source: Warrabilla Wines
Source: Warrabilla Wines
Source: Warrabilla Wines
The winery was established in 1991 by Andrew Sutherland Smith and his wife Carol. They offer a club membership with exclusive benefits, including member-only releases and generous savings. The winery also offers a cellar door experience where visitors can taste their range of wines and learn about the winemaking process from the knowledgeable staff.
- Address: 6152 Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen, VIC 3685, Australia
- Website: www.warrabillawines.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wfqp25hfRrbf6LhJA
5. Anderson Winery
Anderson Winery is a boutique winery located on the outskirts of Rutherglen. The winery is known for its impressive selection of varietals, including sparkling wines, table wines, and fortified wines.
Source: Anderson Winery
Source: Anderson Winery
Source: Anderson Winery
Source: Anderson Winery
Source: Anderson Winery
Source: Anderson Winery
The winery offers a cellar door experience where visitors can taste their range of wines and learn about the winemaking process from the knowledgeable staff. The winery also offers a club membership with exclusive benefits, including member-only releases and generous savings.
- Address: 1619 Federation Way, Rutherglen, VIC 3685, Australia
- Website: www.andersonwinery.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3udYhCrug3tk77x5
6. Chambers Rosewood Winery
Chambers Rosewood Winery is a family-owned winery with over six generations of winemaking experience. The winery is known for its down-to-earth atmosphere, affordable wines, and exceptional fortified wines, including their world-renowned Muscats and Topaques.
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Source: Chambers Rosewood Winery
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed tasting experience at the cellar door, where they can sample a wide range of wines, including table wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting and share the history and winemaking techniques behind each wine.
- Address: 178 Barkly St, Rutherglen VIC 3685, Australia
- Website: www.chambersrosewood.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6cJkraVNJpALF3d8
7. Morris Wines
Morris Wines is a historic winery in Rutherglen, known for its exceptional fortified wines and a range of high-quality white and red wines. The winery is run by fifth-generation winemaker David Morris, who combines tradition with contemporary techniques to produce outstanding wines.
Source: Morris Wines
Source: Morris Wines
Source: Morris Wines
Source: Morris Wines
Source: Morris Wines
Source: Morris Wines
Visitors can enjoy a tasting experience at the cellar door, where they can sample a selection of Morris Wines’ offerings, including their famous fortified wines. The winery also offers a club membership with exclusive benefits, including member-only releases and generous savings.
- Address: 154 Mia Mia Rd, Browns Plains VIC 3685, Australia
- Website: www.morriswines.com
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j5xH48JAqMvZdevs8
8. Jones Winery & Vineyard
Jones Winery & Vineyard is a historic winery in Rutherglen, dating back to 1860. The winemaker, Mandy Jones, has spent much of her life in the Bordeaux region, and her influence can be seen in the shiraz, durif, and Marsanne wines produced here.
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Source: Jones Winery & Vineyard
Visitors can enjoy a tasting experience at the cellar door, where they can sample a range of wines, including the highly acclaimed ‘LJ’ made from old vine shiraz, and the ‘JW dry red’. The winery also offers a club membership with exclusive benefits, including member-only releases and generous savings.
- Address: 61 Jones Rd, Rutherglen, VIC 3685, Australia
- Website: www.joneswinery.com.au
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Votc2oAouujR3gd6
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Rutherglen wineries?
The best time to visit Rutherglen wineries is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vineyards are at their most picturesque. However, the wineries are open year-round, and each season offers its unique charm.
How far is Rutherglen from Melbourne?
Rutherglen is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Melbourne. The drive takes around 3 hours via the Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway.
Are there guided tours available for visiting Rutherglen wineries?
Yes, there are guided tours available that can take you to multiple wineries in Rutherglen. These tours often include transportation, wine tastings, and sometimes lunch or snacks. You can find various tour operators online or through local visitor information centers.
Do I need to book in advance for wine tastings at Rutherglen wineries?
While many wineries in Rutherglen welcome walk-in visitors for wine tastings, it is recommended to book in advance, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons. Some wineries may also require reservations for special events or experiences.
Are the wineries in Rutherglen family-friendly?
Many wineries in Rutherglen are family-friendly, offering outdoor spaces, picnic areas, and non-alcoholic beverages for children. However, it’s always a good idea to check with individual wineries before visiting to ensure they can accommodate your family’s needs.
