Rutherglen and North East Victoria Wine Region
I’ve lived near some of the most iconic wine regions in the world. (Yes little old Australia has them). The North East Victoria Wine region is home to some of Australia’s oldest wineries.
The history of these vineyards is an amazing thing to discover. A lot of the wineries date back to the mid-1800s.
The first record of vines in the North East Victorian region is dated from 1851. This is probably due to the gold fields not producing much gold and other means of making a living led to a viticulture opportunity.
All Saints Estate, Rutherglen
This was established in 1864 and is one of the oldest vineyards in Victoria. There were many Chinese immigrants employed to clear the land for the vines as they were considered to be excellent workers.
There is a Chinese dormitory on the Estate that was built over 100 years ago. The Estate offers free membership to their wine club which enables the members to receive home tasting packs every quarter.
The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5-30 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5-3o pm. They produce a wide variety of wines from Sparkling Shiraz, Sangiovese Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc to Chenin Blanc, Moscato, and Chardonnay to name a few.
Campbell Wines, Rutherglen
Established by a Scottish migrant in 1870 and is now operated by the fourth generation of Campbell’s. They produce Shiraz, Shiraz Durif, Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Whites vary from Riesling, Moscato, and Chardonnay.
Sales and tastings are available Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Wine is available for sale from their online cellar door and freight is free upon sales of two bottles or a special order.
Morris Wines, Rutherglen
An amazing fifth-generation winery, established in 1859. It is approximately a three-hour drive along the Hume Highway from Melbourne. Visitors are welcome at the cellar door for a full tasting of their excellent wines.
Their production of wines ranges from Sparkling Pinot Noir, and Shiraz Durif, to the white selection of Chardonnay, Semillon, and reds such as Grenache Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. They also offer Tawny Ports and Muscat’s.
Pfeiffer Wines Rutherglen
Having been a family-owned winery since 1880, this winery covers 64 acres ( 26 hectares).
Pfeiffer wines at Rutherglen offers a Tawny Port that is made from 26 different varieties of Portuguese grapes. As well they produce, sparkling, red white, and dessert wines. They offer an opportunity to buy online and freight is free in Australia on the proviso orders of a dozen bottles are in by June 2015.
Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard King Valley
Founded in 1889 by John Francis Brown, it is a fourth-generation vineyard. Over seventy wines are available to buy online. It is one of Australia’s most well-known and successful wineries. There is a cellar door in Tamar Ridge Tasmania, just 15 minutes from Launceston.
Alternately a visit to the Devil’s Corner cellar door at Apslawn will allow visitors to sample the Devil’s Corner Range.
Giaconda Vineyard Ovens Valley
The Giaconda vineyard is owned by Rick Kinzbrunner, where he planted the first vines in 1982. Rick gained experience in Napa Valley America and Europe. The winery produces chardonnay, Shiraz, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir. These wines are available to buy online from 15th April 2015.
The North East Victoria wine region has some fantastic wineries. It’s well worth the trip.
