Held over 10 days from August 8 to 17, the festival celebrates and reveals the dark arts of Rutherglen in North East Victoria, with a series of immersive experiences taking place throughout the world-famous wine region.
Rutherglen's vignerons and winemakers will open their cellars, stories, and secrets for an unforgettable celebration of wine, history, and sensory exploration.
Beneath starlit skies and beside glowing fires, discover a new generation of winemakers breathing fresh life into 160 years of fortified and full-bodied tradition.
Whether you're unravelling the code to find the secret cinema, cracking clues in a Muscat Murder Mystery, dancing in history Rutherglen wineries coming alive with performers, or uncovering ancient barrels in candlelit cask rooms, each experience invites you deeper into the lore of this legendary region.
Taste house-style Muscats straight from the source, blend your own bold red, and share in family tales passed down through generations.
This year's program expands the boundaries of storytelling-from secret speakeasys and stargazing to comparative tastings, progressive dinners and trivia nights.
In its inaugural year the event was named Best Wine Themed Event of 2024 at the highly esteemed Wine Communicator Awards in Sydney late last year.
Winemakers of Rutherglen executive officer Annalee Nolan says the new festival has already become a much-loved fixture on the winter wine calendar.
“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,” Ms Nolan said.
For a full festival program and to book tickets: explorerutherglen.com.au
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