Last Updated: October 2026
After almost a year without travelling, we were desperate to get back on the road. So when Victoria finally lifted its travel restrictions in 2020, we wasted absolutely no time. In fact, we left Melbourne at 6 am, just six hours and one minute after restrictions ended! Yes, we were that desperate for a getaway!
Our destination was Rutherglen, a charming wine region in northeastern Victoria that we’d been meaning to visit for years.
Famous for its historic wineries, beautiful countryside and exceptional fortified wines, Rutherglen turned out to be the perfect place to escape the city. We spent three wonderful days exploring cellar doors, cycling between vineyards, enjoying long lunches and walking through the peaceful countryside.
And while the circumstances of that first trip were certainly unusual, Rutherglen is somewhere we’d happily return to.
If you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer wine-country getaway, here’s how we spent three days in Rutherglen, including our favourite wineries, walks and places to visit.
- How to Get to Rutherglen
- Day 1: Arriving in Rutherglen and Exploring the Wineries
- Day 2: Cycling, Wine Tasting and Exploring Rutherglen
- Day 3: More Wineries and a Relaxing Country Escape
- Best Time to Visit Rutherglen
- How Many Days Do You Need in Rutherglen?
- FAQs About Visiting Rutherglen
- Where to Stay in Rutherglen
How to Get to Rutherglen
Rutherglen is a charming country town in northeastern Victoria, close to the New South Wales border and roughly halfway between Melbourne and Canberra.
It’s an easy 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne via the Hume Highway, making it a fantastic destination for a long weekend. From Canberra, the drive takes approximately four hours, while Sydney is around six hours away.
If you’re travelling without a car, you can take a V/Line train from Melbourne to Wangaratta or a train to Albury, then connect with local coach services to Rutherglen. Check current timetables before travelling, as connections can be limited.
We recommend having your own car to explore the region, as Rutherglen’s wineries, walking trails and surrounding attractions are spread out. Alternatively, you can book a local wine tour if you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else!
Day 1: Arriving in Rutherglen and Exploring the Wineries
As I mentioned earlier, we left Melbourne bright and early, eager to make the most of our first day away. After a quick breakfast stop in Benalla, we arrived in Rutherglen by 10.30 am, with plenty of time to explore the town before our first wine tasting.
Rutherglen Wine Experience and information centre
Our first stop was the Rutherglen Wine Experience and information centre which is a good place to start. Pick up a map of the region, talk to the locals and get recommendations about upcoming events or where to eat and drink.
The Rutherglen Wine Experience and information centre is also the place to go if you need to hire a bike to ride around town and the surrounding countryside.
Rutherglen Heritage Walk
While in the information centre, we picked up a leaflet for a self-guided Rutherglen Heritage Walk. The leaflet explains the history of the town and the walk it outlines takes you past many of the original Victorian buildings in town, providing a small explanation about each one. The walk takes about 90 minutes and is a good way to start exploring the town.
Visit Pfeiffer Wines
It wasn’t long before wine o’clock arrived, so we headed to Pfeiffer Wines for our first tasting in Rutherglen.
Pfeiffer has an impressive selection of wines, including the fortified varieties that Rutherglen is famous for. With so many to choose from, you’ll have to be selective unless you’re planning to spend the entire afternoon there!
But what we loved most about Pfeiffer Wines was its beautiful setting beside Sunday Creek. You can enjoy a cheese platter or arrange a gourmet picnic to savour among the peaceful surroundings. One of the highlights is the historic timber bridge overlooking the creek, which makes a particularly lovely picnic spot.
We highly recommend the picnic. Ours was delicious, and we loved watching the turtles swimming beneath the bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a platypus too, as they’re occasionally spotted in the creek.
Sadly, we didn’t see one during our visit. At the time, I’d spent 14 years in Australia without spotting a wild platypus. Thankfully, that unlucky streak has since ended, and I’ve finally seen three! Better late than never! 😂
Checking in at the Lakehouse – Lake Moodemere Estate
After visiting Pfeiffer’s, we made our way to the Lake Moodemere Estate where we had rented their Lakehouse for the next three nights. What a beautiful spot! We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the lake with a glass (or two!) of wine. The sky was very clear, so in the evening we even tried our luck at star spotting! It was a perfect way to finish our first day in Rutherglen.
Book your stay at the Lakehouse here.
Day 2: Cycling, Wine Tasting and Exploring Rutherglen
Lake Moodemere Trail Walk
Early morning on day 2, we set off for a walk around Lake Moodemere. It’s a 13-kilometre walk which took us almost three hours. The start of the walk was very close to our cottage, so it was perfect. The first part of the walk involved walking along a pretty overgrown path. It was a little scary as we were slightly worried about snakes. But we stomped our feet and talked loudly and we didn’t meet any along the way!
Halfway through the walk, we arrived at the Murray River which separates Victoria and New South Wales. At the time of our visit, the New South Wales border was still closed to Victorians so it felt strange to be standing across from it, knowing that we couldn’t get there. We did wave though!
We barely came across anyone on this walk (other than lots of birds); it was serene and oh so peaceful.
Pedal to Produce
After our walk, we packed another picnic lunch and set off on a bike ride. Cycling is an ideal way to spend an afternoon in the countryside. We took our time, explored a few wineries, stopped at the iconic Big Bottle and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
Stanton & Killeen
The first winery we stopped at on our cycling trip was Stanton & Killeen. We started with a taste of their really nice wines (they have a pretty big selection too), picked a bottle and enjoyed it with our picnic on one of their tables outside. It was so nice and I could have stayed there all afternoon instead of cycling!
Visit All Saints Estate
All Saints Estate is one of Rutherglen’s most impressive wineries, and it’s worth visiting for the setting alone. Its magnificent castle-like building, surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, makes quite an entrance!
Of course, there’s plenty of wine to discover too, particularly the fortified wines that have made Rutherglen famous.
Since our visit, All Saints Estate has undergone a major transformation and now offers two dining options. KIN is the estate’s elegant restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local produce. For something more relaxed, Bonnie specialises in wood-fired pizzas, sharing platters and estate wines, with lovely outdoor dining overlooking the water.
Whether you’re stopping for a wine tasting or planning a leisurely lunch, All Saints Estate is definitely worth including on your Rutherglen itinerary.
Day 3: More Wineries and a Relaxing Country Escape
Walk around Lake King
Lake King is in the centre of Rutherglen. This short walk is a good way to observe the local birdlife. It’s only a 1.3-kilometre circuit that can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels.
Campbell’s winery
When we visited Campbell’s winery, they were busy bottling their latest Shiraz. We could observe the bottling process through a window. It was very impressive, highly automated and super-efficient.
I loved the cellar door at Campbell’s. It has barrels that are over a hundred years old and still in use. We sat for a tasting and chatted with our host about wine and about how the Covid restrictions had affected the lives of the locals there in Rutherglen. She was so friendly that we ended up chatting for almost an hour!
Lakeside restaurant – Lake Moodemere Estate
We had a relaxing 5-course lunch, paired with wine, at the Lakeside Restaurant in the Lake Moodemere Estate. Three hours of dining on local produce and drinking local wines. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Love exploring Victoria’s beautiful countryside? Why not combine your Rutherglen getaway with a visit to Mount Beauty in the Victorian High Country? With spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful hiking trails and charming alpine villages, it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers. Discover our guide to Mount Beauty in summer for more inspiration.
Best Time to Visit Rutherglen
Rutherglen is a fantastic destination year-round, but autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are particularly lovely times to visit. The temperatures are generally more comfortable for cycling, walking and exploring the wineries.
Autumn is especially beautiful, with golden vineyards and the excitement of the grape harvest. It’s also when the popular Tastes of Rutherglen wine and food festival takes place.
Summer is great for long lunches and relaxing by the river, although temperatures can get very hot. Winter is quieter and perfect for cosy cellar-door tastings and enjoying a glass of Rutherglen’s famous fortified wine.
How Many Days Do You Need in Rutherglen?
We recommend spending two to three days in Rutherglen to make the most of the region. A weekend is enough to visit several wineries, explore the historic town and enjoy a leisurely lunch among the vineyards.
However, three days is even better, especially if you’d like to include some cycling, walking trails and a few lesser-known cellar doors.
We spent three days exploring Rutherglen and found it the perfect amount of time for a relaxing wine-country escape.
FAQs About Visiting Rutherglen
Is Rutherglen Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Rutherglen is one of Victoria’s most historic wine regions, famous for its excellent wineries, beautiful countryside and relaxed country atmosphere. Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, there are scenic cycling trails, lovely walks and charming historic buildings to explore.
What Is Rutherglen Famous For?
Rutherglen is best known for its world-class fortified wines, particularly Muscat and Topaque. The region also produces excellent Durif, Shiraz and other red and white wines. Some of its wineries have been operated by the same families for generations.
Can You Visit Rutherglen Wineries Without Booking?
Many cellar doors welcome walk-in visitors, but some tastings require reservations, particularly on weekends and during special events. We recommend checking directly with each winery before visiting, especially if you’re travelling with a group.
Can You Explore Rutherglen Without a Car?
You can explore Rutherglen’s town centre on foot, and cycling is a popular way to visit nearby wineries. The Rutherglen Loops cycling network connects several cellar doors and scenic attractions.
However, having a car makes exploring the wider region much easier. If you’re planning several wine tastings, consider booking a guided wine tour instead.
Is Rutherglen Good for a Weekend Getaway from Melbourne?
Definitely! Rutherglen is around three to three and a half hours’ drive from Melbourne, making it an excellent destination for a weekend or long weekend. With beautiful wineries, excellent food and peaceful countryside, it’s the perfect place to escape the city for a few days.
Where to Stay in Rutherglen
If it’s just the two of you, we highly recommend staying at the Lake House cottage on the Lake Moodemere Estate. But otherwise, Rutherglen has plenty of other lovely places to stay. Try using the search box below to find your accommodation:
Looking for more adventures in Victoria? From beautiful coastal drives to historic country towns and stunning natural landscapes, there’s so much to explore beyond Melbourne. Check out our best day trips from Melbourne for more ideas for your next getaway.
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