Back-vintage tastings, cellar tours, degustations – why you should go to Tastes of Rutherglen this March

Between its heritage-lined Main Street, world-class fortifieds, and the irresistible lure of a freshly baked Parker pie, there's an excuse to visit this Victorian region all year round. But the best time is during Tastes of Rutherglen in March.

One of Australia’s longest-running wine and food festivals, Tastes of Rutherglen began over 40 years ago as a collective open-weekend of cellar doors, but has evolved into a hallmark event on the country’s wine calendar. 

Tastes of Rutherglen takes place between 6–8 March, 2026. 

This year, between 6–8 March, 17 participating wineries will invite visitors into their cellar doors for a range of events, from tastings to masterclasses, food and wine matching sessions, tours, after-dark experiences and more.

“Tastes of Rutherglen is relaxed, generous and genuinely personal,” says Annalee Nolan, executive officer of the Winemakers of Rutherglen regional association who coordinate the event. 

“Unlike large, centralised wine events, this festival invites visitors to move through the region itself, from cellar door to cellar door, meeting winemakers, hearing stories first-hand and experiencing Rutherglen at its most welcoming.”

The festival invites visitors to explore the region from cellar door to cellar door. 

Highlights from the 2026 program include Summer Nights at Lake Moodemere Estate, which sees guests enjoy a three-course menu on the deck with live music from the Tony Gardner Jazz Band; the annual Harvest Dinner at Jones Winery & Vineyard, featuring a five-course degustation built around grapes from chef Briony Bradford; and GATHER by KIN, a celebration of local and seasonal produce hosted by the Brown family at All Saints Estate.

Among the more casual events, there's Warrabilla Wines’ Vintage Tour, Stanton & Killeen’s dog athletics, and Cofield’s blindfolded tasting challenge. There are also plenty of cellar tours, back-vintage and museum tastings, meet-the-winemaker sessions, and much, much more.

“Each day at Tastes of Rutherglen brings different offerings, experiences and must-do activities to the forefront,” says Annalee. 

To view the full program of events, regional food and wine matched menus, and book your tickets, head to the Tastes of Rutherglen website.