Rutherglen

The Rutherglen wine region, in northeast Victoria near the Murray River and the NSW border, is one of Australia’s most historic wine regions. It traces its roots back to the 1850s gold rush era, when European settlers planted vineyards. Today, Rutherglen is best known as the home of fortified wines in Australia, particularly Rutherglen Muscat and Topaque (formerly Tokay), both celebrated worldwide for their richness and complexity. However, the region also produces diverse table wines, thanks to its warm continental climate and varied soils, ranging from loamy flats near the Murray to red volcanic ridges.

 

Key grape varieties grown

• Fortified wines (the region’s hallmark):

  • Rutherglen Muscat (Brown Muscat or Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge): The flagship, producing luscious, amber to mahogany-hued fortified wines with raisin, toffee, caramel, and floral aromatics.

  • Topaque (formerly Tokay, made from Muscadelle): Honeyed, nutty styles with golden hues and incredible ageing potential.

  • Shiraz and Durif: Also historically used in fortified production.

• Table wines:

  • Shiraz: Produces bold, generous wines with ripe blackberry and plum fruit, spice, and soft tannins.

  • Durif (Petite Sirah): Rutherglen is Australia’s heartland for Durif, yielding intensely coloured, tannic wines with blackberry, mocha, and licorice notes.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured, full-bodied reds with blackcurrant and leafy notes.

  • Marsanne & Viognier: Aromatic whites with texture and freshness, showing the region’s ability to diversify.

  • Muscadelle (for Topaque): While primarily used for fortifieds, it can also make delicate dry wines.

 

Major wineries & notable producers

Rutherglen is dominated by multi-generational family-owned wineries, many of which date back more than 150 years. They play a central role in preserving the fortified wine tradition while also innovating with modern table wines.

• Campbells Wines

  • Established in 1870, one of the region’s most iconic estates.

  • Famous for its Rutherglen Muscat & Topaque solera system, producing wines up to 80 years old.

  • Also produces Shiraz, Durif, and Riesling.

• Stanton & Killeen Wines

  • Another historic, family-run producer with Portuguese heritage.

  • Known for Rutherglen Muscat, Topaque, and fortified wines made with Portuguese varieties (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz).

  • Also strong in Durif.

• Morris of Rutherglen

  • Legendary name in fortified winemaking.

  • Their Rutherglen Muscat is considered one of Australia’s benchmark sweet fortifieds.

  • The Morris family tradition dates back to 1859.

• All Saints Estate

  • Iconic estate with a castle-like cellar door (built in 1864).

  • Renowned for fortified wines, Shiraz, and Durif.

  • Recently revitalised by the Brown family (of Brown Brothers).

• Pfeiffer Wines

  • Family winery with strong emphasis on Rutherglen Muscat and Topaque.

  • Their cellar door is set on a picturesque Murray River bridge.

  • Noted for both fortifieds and dry reds.