RUTHERGLEN WINE REGION, VICTORIA AUGUST 8TH - 17TH
THE WINEMAKERS OF RUTHERGLEN
The Winemakers of Rutherglen is a non-for-profit group of 17 collaborative, innovative and like minded wineries in Rutherglen Victoria. The group bring events and festivals to the region of Rutherglen to promote Rutherglen Wine and the region to current and new audiences.
WINERY MEMBERS
All Saints Estate
Anderson Winery
Andrew Buller Wines
Chambers Rosewood Vineyards
Cofield Wines
De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
Dinah Wines
John Gehrig Wines
Jones Winery & Vineyard
Lake Moodemere Estate
Morris of Rutherglen
Olive Hills Estate
Pfeiffer Wines
Scion
St. Leonards Vineyard
Stanton & Killeen Wines
Warrabilla Wines
The Winemakers of Rutherglen invite you to step into the shadows and uncover the mystery, magic, and mastery behind one of Australia’s most storied wine regions, as Dark Side of Wine returns from August 8 to 17, 2025.
Over ten immersive days and nights, Rutherglen’s vignerons and winemakers 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 brunches, progressive dinners and trivia nights.
Every glass tells a story. Every bottle holds a secret. And every moment at Dark Side of Wine 2025 promises revelation.
Join us. Raise a glass. And discover the depth, character, and charm of Rutherglen like never before
A STARGAZING JOURNEY AT PFEIFFER WINES
@pfeifferwines
6:15pm | Pfeiffer Wines | $50pp
Beneath the unspoilt skies of North East Victoria, Pfeiffer Wines invites you to a magical evening of stargazing and storytelling.
Astronomer Mietta Habets will guide you through constellations, night sky science, and the celestial stories of First Nations peoples and ancient cultures. Begin with a warming cup of casserole and a glass of Dark Skies Durif, then settle among the vines with blankets and telescope views of the stars.
Finish the night with a glass of Pfeiffer Rutherglen Muscat rich, warming, and written in the stars.
MULLED WINE, S’MORES AND MORE. 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Dinah Wines | $40
@dinahwines
Rug up and relax with friends beneath the stars outside Dinah Wines Cellar Door.
Enjoy soft music, mulled wine while creating your own delicious s’mores— sweet, savoury, or both, using our table top fire bowls. Includes Complimentary drink on arrival.
S’mores ingredients – Sweet and Savory. Music
Winter dinner, Mulled wine, wine, beer and soft drinks available for sale
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9TH
THE WINEMAKERS CONFESSIONAL BY ALL SAINTS ESTATE
@allsaintswine
10am -5pm | All Saints Estate | $30pp
Your most scandalous wine moments deserve to be heard. Step into our video booth and confess your wine sins – that time you mixed vintage Bordeaux with ice cubes, your secret boxed wine addiction, or the bottle you definitely shouldn't have opened.
Anonymous confessions. No judgment. Pure wine truth.
Perhaps our fortified flight and food pairing will give you some liquid courage. What will you confess?
BACK IN BLACK AT WARRABILLA WINES
@warrabillawines
12:00pm | Warrabilla Wines | $135pp ($125 members) including masterclass tasting, two course luncheon and accompanying glass of wine. (Limited spots)
Are you ready to take a journey to the dark side? This year we have sought out some of Australia's deepest, darkest and most delicious red wines for our Back In Black Masterclass.
Join Smithy, our very own Master Of The Dark Arts, as he takes you on a guided tasting through some of Australia's most compelling full-bodied reds - iconic wines of immense scale and structure - including (of course) Warrabilla’ s finest releases. Afterwards join us in a shared feast in the cellars, with hearty soup and warming slow-cooked classics from Savoy Truffle (with a glass of wine on us!).
SATURDAY,
BEHIND THE WINERY CURTAINS WITH THE CHAMBERS FAMILY
1:00pm – 4:00pm | Chambers Rosewood Vineyards | $100
Uncover the Chambers family stories, with a behind-the-scenes history tour. With exclusive tastings direct from the ancient casks, step behind the curtains and discover the secrets of Muscat, Muscadelle and Fortified Durif. Sixth generation winemaker, Stephen Chambers, shares over 160 years of knowledge. Soak up the atmosphere among the hundred-year-old casks. Welcome arrival wines, local bite sized delights throughout the afternoon, by the fires, with a Mulled wine in hand and the sweet acoustic sounds of local duo, Tilly and Miller.
Come unravel the mysteries of Chambers World Renowned Muscats and Fortified Wines.
AUGUST 9TH
A STARGAZING JOURNEY AT PFEIFFER WINES
@pfeifferwines
6:15pm | Pfeiffer Wines | $50pp
Beneath the unspoilt skies of North East Victoria, Pfeiffer Wines invites you to a magical evening of stargazing and storytelling.
Astronomer Mietta Habets will guide you through constellations, night sky science, and the celestial stories of First Nations peoples and ancient cultures. Begin with a warming cup of casserole and a glass of Dark Skies Durif, then settle among the vines with blankets and telescope views of the stars.
Finish the night with a glass of Pfeiffer Rutherglen Muscat rich, warming, and written in the stars.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9TH
DEADLY VINTAGE: A MURDER AT GRACERRAY
@stantonkilleenwines
7:00pm – 10:00pm | Stanton & Killeen | $140
Step into the 1950s for a night of wine, whispers, and whodunnit beneath the candlelit arches of Stanton & Killeen’s cellar. As tensions rise between tradition and change, a shocking murder turns the evening on its head.
Dress in your finest vintage fashion and sleuth your way through a night of scandal, secrets, and fortified sips. Includes canapés by Grace, S&K wines, and all the clues you’ll need—if you’re paying attention.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10TH
THE WINEMAKERS CONFESSIONAL BY ALL SAINTS ESTATE
@allsaintswine
10am -5pm | All Saints Estate | $30pp
Your most scandalous wine moments deserve to be heard. Step into our video booth and confess your wine sins – that time you mixed vintage Bordeaux with ice cubes, your secret boxed wine addiction, or the bottle you definitely shouldn't have opened.
Anonymous confessions. No judgment. Pure wine truth.
Perhaps our fortified flight and food pairing will give you some liquid courage. What will you confess?
SECRET CINEMA (THE FAMILY FRIENDLY EDITION)
@debortolirutherglen
4pm, movie (Wonka, 2023 - PG) starts at 5pm| De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate | $15pp
Nestled in our historic winery, enjoy a night of family friendly fun at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate.
Food and beverages available to purchase on the evening
By vine and oak where wines age, A hidden gem on a shadowy stage. Past Muscat barrels, dark and deep, Where whispered tales of Vintage sleep. Through the cellar and hush your tone, This secret screen is set in stone.
MONDAY , AUGUST 11TH
NOIR & NIBBLES
@joneswinery
6:00pm start | Jones Winery | $95pp + drink packages
Step into the shadows of Rutherglen's winemaking heritage at Jones Winery & Vineyard's 1860 Cellar Door. As part of the renowned Dark Side of Wine festival, this exclusive roaming canapé event invites you to indulge in a curated selection of wines and cocktails, complemented by an array of exquisite bites. Enjoy the historic cellar door and our cozy fireplace, savouring each dish in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Rest assured, our generous selection of canapés will ensure no one will leave hungry. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a culinary enthusiast, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH
AN AFTERNOON OF BARREL TASTING WITH ALEX BULLER
@andrewbullerwines
3:30pm | Andrew Buller Wines | $40pp
An afternoon of Barrel Tasting with Alex Buller $40 Thursday 14th & Friday 15th
Experience the family blends and aged wines in barrels at Andrew Buller Wines. Alex (4 generation wine maker) will take you on a journey of exploration. Muscats, Muscadelles, Tawny’s and some newly transformed wines currently in the cellar. Small nibbles and a night of family tales awaits. th
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH
AN AFTERNOON OF BARREL TASTING WITH ALEX BULLER
@andrewbullerwines
3:30pm | Andrew Buller Wines | $40pp
An afternoon of Barrel Tasting with Alex Buller $40 Thursday 14th & Friday 15th
Experience the family blends and aged wines in barrels at Andrew Buller Wines. Alex (4 generation wine maker) will take you on a journey of exploration. Muscats, Muscadelles, Tawny’s and some newly transformed wines currently in the cellar. Small nibbles and a night of family tales awaits. th
UGLY SWEATER SHOWDOWN TRIVIA NIGHT
@cofieldwines
6:30pm arrival for a 7pm start | Cofield Wines | $40pp
Join us for a fun-filled evening of trivia, wine-inspired games, and prizes for the ugliest and most outrageous sweaters! Enjoy shared table nibbles and plenty of laughs along the way.
Booking for tables of 10. Drinks at cellar door prices.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH
BLIND TASTING IN THE S&K SPEAKEASY
@stantonkilleenwines
6:00pm – 9:00pm | $95 per person. Step inside the shadows of the S&K Speakeasy for a night of mystery, musings, and a little friendly competition.
Wendy and Natasha Killeen will be joined by winemaker Adriaan Foot to host an intimate blind tasting where nothing is quite as it seems. Together, they’ve selected a line-up of secret wines to swirl, sip, and scrutinise and you’re invited to uncover what’s really in each glass.
Is it Old World or New? Rutherglen or Rhône? The only way to know… is to trust your senses. Expect good conversation, great wine, and a few surprises along the way. Includes a flight of mystery wines, canapes, and a prize for the sharpest palate on the night.
LEGACY. A COLLABORATIVE FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE
6:30pm | $180.00pp | De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
Andrew Buller Wines, Anderson Wines, Chambers Rosewood Vineyards and De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate have saved you a seat at our table!
Join four of our region’s devoted winemaking families as we present an unmissable celebration of community, creativity and incredible wine.
Indulge in a decadent four-course menu, expertly paired with hand-selected wines that showcase the unique character of each winemaking family.
Hear our stories and share in our passion.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH
@stleonardsvineyard MUSIC SALON SPEAKEASY
5pm-9pm. | St Leonards Vineyard | $50pp.
Dim lights. Dark folk. Deeper stories. Our emerging artist performs intimate acoustic sets between sips and secrets. Hear the songs, then hear the stories behind them – raw, real, unfiltered. Wine flows as freely as the conversation, each glass chosen to match the mood of the music.
Underground atmosphere. Above-ground talent.
@joneswinery L.J. ANNUAL SHIRAZ DINNER
7:00pm | Jones Winery | $220pp
Celebrate the release of the 2023 L.J. Shiraz at this exclusive degustation dinner. Chef Briony creates a stunning menu designed to complement each wine, shared with guests by Mandy, Arthur and Ben Jones
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH
EMBER & ELIXIR
@morrisofrutherglen
5:30pm - 9:30pm | Morris of Rutherglen | $95pp
Ignite Your Senses This Winter at Morris of Rutherglen
Step into a world of fire, flavour and fortifieds at this bold winter celebration. Enjoy smoked whisky cocktails, spiced gourmet canapés, and award-winning MORRIS fortifieds, all served fireside in the glow of our cellar door. Watch flames dance during a live barrel charring demonstration a dramatic and essential part of crafting the bold character of MORRIS Whisky. Feel the heat. Taste the spice. Embrace the spirit.
A night of indulgence, storytelling, and sensory discovery awaits.
FIRESIDE AT MOODEMERE: A DARKLY ELEGANT EVENING
@lakemoodemereestate
6:00pm | Lake Moodemere Estate | $110
Experience the mystique of Lake Moodemere Estate by night. Begin the evening with a glass of Sparkling Shiraz, canapés by the fire and the sultry tones of the Moodemere String Quartet. Take a seat at your table for the main course, perfectly paired with the Farmer's Son Durif. As the night deepens, the Moodemere String Quartet returns while sweet roaming canapés and Moodemere Muscat close the evening.
Part of the Dark Side of Wine festival, this is a night to embrace the rich, bold, and unexpected.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17TH
SECRET CINEMA (18+)
@debortolirutherglen
5:30pm, movie (Murder on the Orient Express, 2017 - M) starts at 6pm | De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate | $15 per person
Nestled in our historic winery, enjoy an evening with us at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate. Food and beverages available to purchase on the evening
By vine and oak where wines age, A hidden gem on a shadowy stage. Past Muscat barrels, dark and deep, Where whispered tales of Vintage sleep. Through the cellar and hush your tone, This secret screen is set in stone.
AUGUST 8 - 17 SPECIAL MENUS & TASTINGS
THE DARK SIDE OF FLAVOUR AT LAKE MOODEMERE ESTATE
@lakemoodemereestate
From Friday 8th August to Tuesday 18th August
Embark on a unique culinary journey showcasing three Moodemere wines, each matched with an entrée-sized dish from our Lakeside Restaurant from youthful and vibrant to deeply aged and complex. Discover unexpected harmonies as the estate wines elevate each dish, revealing the depth and versatility of Lake Moodemere Estate's single vineyard
DARK SIDE BACK VINTAGE TASTINGS
@joneswinery
Dark Side back vintage Durif tasting at Jones Winery – curated tasting of six vintages our very own style of Durif, including the current vintage. Tasting will be a vertical tasting of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 Durif. Available everyday our cellar door is open.
DARK
Venture to the Dark Side with Chef Briony over lunch at Jones Restaurant matched to Jones Winery Durif and Muscats. Briony and Mandy have created a menu and wine match perfect for this style of wines. Think winter favourites made with stylish French panache! Set menu with a choice of dessert or cheese, @joneswinery
SIDE LUNCH MENU