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Rutherglen recently held the 2020 version of “Tastes of Rutherglen“. As our readers will know, this is our favourite annual event on the AUS wine calendar in one of our favourite wine regions – so warm and welcoming, and always such beautiful wines (at fair prices). Following are our highlights of Rutherglen for 2020 (you really must visit; it’s such a wonderful place!)
(But first, on a more solemn note. We are keenly aware of the extraordinary fear and suffering experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic. We offer this article in the hopes of providing a little glimmer of light and a promise of what we have to look forward to in better days to come.)
Anderson Winery – Who can’t appreciate a father/daughter team still busting their backsides to produce great wines? It’s a touching story of passion and commitment. And wow that 2014 Storyteller Durif! Super smooth, generous but not opulent, a gorgeously restrained “big Durif”.
John Gehrig Wines – Always such hospitality at this cellar door, and the wines just get better and better. Their extraordinary Elizabeth’s Block Bordeaux blend and RG Cab Sav prove powerfully that Rutherglen is so much more than Shiraz and Durif. In fact, it might be Australia’s most versatile region for producing so many varietals exceptionally – and John Gehrig is always one of our favourite stops here.
Pfeiffer Wines – There’s good reason why this winery is always one of the most jammed in Rutherglen! With an extraordinary variety (literally over 30!) of solid wines and such friendly service (often by a smiling member of the family), wine lovers are more than happy to cram into this jovial place and wait their turn to try the goods. It’s an all-Rutherglen good time, guaranteed.
Valhalla Wines must have been one of the best cellar door experiences we’ve enjoyed recently. The incredible staff add the polish that makes Valhalla’s great wines sing. Amanda couldn’t have been more hospitable or enthusiastic – she’s as much reason to visit as the wines themselves! She really lit the experience up. And the winemaker himself exudes passion. Don’t miss a tour of the winery operation!
Chambers Rosewood Winery – No visit to Rutherglen is complete without a stop by this regional mecca (over 160 years old!). Chambers Rosewood is our favourite producer of fortified wines in Australia. Go in with an open mind, and you’ll quickly discover why these are very serious wines of great complexity that reach soaring heights that 99.9% of table wines never could. We love the wines and everything about this place. Must Visit!
Campbells Wines remains one of our three favourite wineries in Rutherglen and easily makes our top 10 list for all of Victoria. If you want incredible wines at incredible prices, we can’t think of a better stop in Australia. Loved the 2017 Malbec, the 2017 Sixties Block (European field blend, the 2016 Barkly Durif, and the stratospheric 2017 Brothers Shiraz. Vintage after vintage, Campbells delivers the goods. Long live Campbells!
Warrabilla Wines has been a trend-setter in AUS wine in recent years, taking their big, brash, but always fruit integrity approach to the masses. We practically live for the vintages in which they produce wines under their exclusive Parola’s label. To our rapture, 2018 was just such a vintage, and if you want to know what Shiraz and Durif (and may as well throw in Cab Sav and Grenache while you’re at it) are meant to taste like, this is the place to go.
Rutherglen, Victoria, its wonderful people, extraordinary wines, and hospitable face to the world are #WhyWeLoveWine
