A new festival is set to uncover the secrets of the Muscat Capital of the World. Held across 10 days in August, The Dark Side of Wine festival will celebrate and reveal the dark arts of Rutherglen in North East Victoria with a series of immersive experiences taking place throughout the famous wine region.
The new festival will be one for the curious and bold to check out, with sensuous wines, crackling fires, stirring music and, of course, incredible wines to discover.
Home to more than 160 years of winemaking history, the Winemakers of Rutherglen is an inspiring collective of 18 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and authentic wine regions, Rutherglen – only a three-hour drive from Melbourne.
With Muscat and Durif the beating heart of the festival program, a new wave of winemakers will share some of the secrets of these deliciously dark wines that have been passed down through the generations.
Expect degustations, bonfires and rare-release tastings among more than 30 events on the festival program. From a clandestine Speakeasy hidden within a cellar to a grand masquerade ball at the historic convent; a Paint and Sip with a dark side difference to a Muscat Murder Mystery, the Winemakers of Rutherglen invite one and all to stray into the Dark Side of Wine.
Dark Side of Wine program highlights include:
- Uncasked at the Convent: a grand opening Masquerade Ball at Rutherglen Convent on 2 August.
- Legend & Lore: a five-course dinner and celebration of Durif and Muscat at Lake Moodemere on 3 August.
- Museum Muscats: a masterclass tasting of rare and aged muscats at All Saints Estate on 3 August.
- Infusion: Enjoy a Durif-infused menu at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate on 11 August.
- Paint and Sip: a glow-in-the-dark edition of the unique painting experience at Pfeiffer Wines on 11 August.
- Burning of the Canes: reviving an ancient tradition at St Leonards Vineyard on 10 August.
- Muscats of Rutherglen: a comparative tasting of 27+ Rutherglen Muscats on 9 August.
- Muscat Murder Mystery: be transported to Rutherglen in 1925 and solve the mystery held deep in the Stanton & Killeen cellars on 9 August.
- Secret Discovery Masterclass: a sourdough bread-baking and wine-making class at Olive Hills Estate on 10 August.
Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Annalee Nolan says the new festival is set to become a much-loved fixture on the winter wine calendar.
“We are excited to welcome wine explorers to our wonderful region and invite them to venture to the dark side,” she says.
“Our winemakers will be on hand to help unlock the secrets and mystery of Rutherglen and its wines with a packed program of events that are sure to warm and delight equally this winter.”.
Dark Side of Wine will take place at Rutherglen from Friday 2 August to Sunday 11 August, 2024. For full festival program and to book tickets: explorerutherglen.com.au
