Rutherglen Wine Region

Rutherglen wine region is renowned for sweet fortified wines which are backed by 20 boutique wineries. Rutherglen is the most significant wine-growing district of Australia with notable fortified wines and history. Muscats and Tokays grapes from the Rutherglen wine district are internationally recognized for their unique style and quality. The region focuses mainly on Shiraz, Durif, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region follows the perfect blend of tradition and technology allowing winemakers to produce refined wines in a wide range of styles. The region is home to some of the 1850s' oldest wineries, which have been run by the same family for many years. The region received its own wine-specific Geographical Indication in 1997. 

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Where is the Rutherglen wine region?

Located in the southeastern corner of Australia, the Rutherglen wine region is the heart of the North East Victoria Zone of the state of Victoria. The region is 998sq km and composed of 781 hectares of vineyards between Beechworth and Glenrowan. Vineyards are concentrated in the northern half of the region separated from New South Wales by the majestic Murray river. You can reach this stunning wine-growing district within 3 hour drive from Melbourne. 

History of the Rutherglen wine region

The first vines arrived in the Rutherglen wine region of Victoria during the gold rush of the 1850s which soon became Australia’s capital of Fortified wines. It is believed that Lindsay Brown, regarded as the father of the Rutherglen wine industry,  planted a four-acre vineyard in the late 1850s. Viticulture quickly grew across the region and especially in the northeastern area. With just 30 years of winemaking, the region gained fame across the international wine market. Even during the great depression and Phylloxera infestation, the wineries of Rutherglen still kept the wine culture alive. Many wineries founded during this period are still operational and flourishing. Rutherglen wine also won a gold medal at the Vienna Exhibition and London international exhibition. 

The terroir and geography of the Rutherglen wine region

The region possesses a continental climate with hot, arid summers and cool and wet winters. The cool breeze flows from the foothills of the Victorian alps which helps regulate the temperature. Autumn brings crisp air and golden leaves. The soil ranges from red loam over the clay to sandier soils closer to the Murray river. The terrain of the Rutherglen wine region is relatively flat with rolling hills. The average annual temperature is 23.7 degrees celsius and rainfall are around 330mm. 

Popular grape varieties from the Rutherglen wine region

Muscat and Tokays are the major grape varieties grown in the region that benefit from the diurnal temperature of the region. The Muscat grape that is cultivated in the Rutherglen wine region is dark-skinned Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains which is the backbone of the Rutherglen’s famous fortified sweet wines. Other grapes cultivated in the area are Tempranillo, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Durif. The fortified wines have rich and complex characteristics with notes of caramel, toffee, butterscotch, spices, and molasses. 

Food to pair with Rutherglen wine 

Prosciutto 

Prosciutto is an Italian ham made from the hind leg of a hog and has been a favorite for centuries. Prosciutto can be eaten as an appetizer, as an entree, or even with cheese. It is most often served thinly sliced as part of an antipasto dish. Prosciutto pairs well with figs and melon. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and wine before being cured in salt or sometimes iced water. Prosciutto di Parma is one of the most famous types of prosciutto. Prosciutto di Parma is one of the most famous types of prosciutto. It comes from Parma, Italy. Prosciutto is mainly eaten as an appetizer, but it can also be used in sandwiches and pizza toppings.

Meredith Blue cheese

Meredith Blue cheese is a type of blue cheese made by the Vermont Cheese Company. It is created by adding penicillium roqueforti to the milk before it becomes curds and whey. The pasteurization process is crucial to the production of this cheese. This process ensures that all the bacteria are killed off and the flavor is preserved. Meredith Blue is a cheese made from the milk of sheep and goats. The cheese was first produced in the early 20th century by a farmer named Meredith. The cheese is traditionally made with unpasteurized milk, salt, and rennet. It is aged for at least six months before being sold.

Lamington 

The Lamington is a small sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and coconut. It is named after Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. The cake was originally developed in 1899 by a chef at the Grand Hotel in Brisbane, Australia. It is typically made with two layers of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and topped with desiccated coconut, but variants exist including strawberry, raspberry, pineapple, or banana flavors. The lamington first became popular when it was served at the Australian Pavilion at the Paris International Exposition of 1900.

Places to visit in the Rutherglen wine region

Walk the Main Street

Main Street is one of the major landmarks in the Rutherglen which was built on the site where the gold was found in the 1860s. This part of town flaunts Victorian architecture and countryside charm. The main street offers several retail shops, antique shops, and boutique shops which are great if you are looking for something to take with you as a souvenir. Walk along this historic main street to explore the history and cultural heritage of Rutherglen. 

Big wine bottle

The big wine bottle is a big water reservoir in the shape of a bottle of wine, standing tall at 36 meters. The big wine bottle is just a 15-minute walking distance from Main street. This site used to be the town’s water tower which was closed after the new reservoir was constructed in 1945. This water reservoir was constructed in 1900 and could hold 72000 gallons of water to supply the whole town. The mesh top section was created in 1969 with funds from the Rutherglen wine festival to give the shape of a wine bottle. This amazing place is ideal for picnics, rest, relaxation, cycling, walking, and enjoying the views of Mount Buffalo. 

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Frequently asked questions about Rutherglen