9.00am
Pick up your rental car and depart your Melbourne hotel.
10.30am
If travelling via the Hume Highway, stop for coffee at Café Mely and Me in the charming heritage town of Euroa for excellent coffee, tea, cakes or a late breakfast.
11.30am
It’s back in the car – it will take about an hour and a half to drive to Rutherglen.
1.00pm
Arrive at Campbells Wines, founded in 1870 and located three kilometres west of the Rutherglen township. This is one of the region’s most lauded practitioners of the fortified art. But first enjoy a lunch of a vineyard platter of cheeses, charcuterie, crackers and, of course, a glass of wine. The winery’s front lawns offer a perfect setting for an impromptu picnic.
Alternatively, enjoy lunch at The Pickled Sisters Cafe at Cofield Wines, Wahgunyah, where you can dine alfresco on the deck or inside overlooking the barrel room. Try The Pickled Sisters Vineyard Platter, which includes a unique Muscat of Rutherglen chicken liver pâté with turmeric and fennel pickles, or a more substantial main course if you're hungry.
Time to meet the Campbells Wines’ friendly cellar door staff and enjoy a general fortified tasting, or indulge in one of the many private tasting experiences offered in the heart of the cellars among the giant casks. Learn more about Muscat of Rutherglen with a tutored classification tasting exploring the main tiers of the classification, which was created by Muscat of Rutherglen winemakers, headed by the late Colin Campbell, in 1998.
3.00pm
Explore more on to visit to
Stanton and Killeen Wines, where you'll get a palpable sense not only of Rutherglen but Australian wine history. The Stantons were the original vignerons and the partnership was formed when Norm Killeen married Joan Stanton and in the 1940s. Seven generations of Stantons and Killeens have lived, worked and produced some astoundingly beautiful muscats here. The style is generally fresh and fruity, and impervious to time and trends.
5.00pm
Drive to your nearby overnight accommodation at
Moodemere Lake House. Situated on
Lake Moodemere Estate and Lakeside Restaurant, a working vineyard and farm, the self-contained guest house enjoys uninterrupted views of the lake. Check in and enjoy the sounds of abundant bird species and native wildlife, which are regular visitors to the property. Plus, the sunsets are amazing.
7.00pm
Take a drive into Rutherglen for dinner at
Taste At Rutherglen, open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Taste specialises in modern Australian fare using local ingredients such as Milawa duck, Murray Valley pork and seasonal vegetables from the chef's kitchen garden. The restaurant regularly hosts local winemaker dinners and is also home to the boutique Rutherglen Brewery.
9.00pm
Head back to your luxury accommodation and rest up for your next day of touring.