The Dark Side of Wine 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.
Held over 10 days from August 2 to 11, the festival is for the curious and bold. It offers sensuous wines, crackling fires, stirring music and, of course, incredible wines to discover.
Muscat and Durif are the beating heart of the festival program and a new wave of winemakers will share some of the secrets of these deliciously dark wines that have been passed down through the generations.
With degustations, bonfires and rare-release tastings among more than 30 events on the festival program, there’s a world of wine to discover this winter.
From a clandestine Speakeasy hidden within a cellar to a grand masquerade ball at the historic convent; a Paint and Sip with a dark side difference to a Muscat Murder Mystery, the Winemakers of Rutherglen invite one and all to stray into the Dark Side of Wine.
Dark Side of Wine program highlights include:
●Uncasked at the Convent: a grand opening Masquerade Ball at Rutherglen Convent on August 2.
●Legend & Lore: a five-course dinner and celebration of Durif and Muscat at Lake Moodemere on August 3.
●Museum Muscats: a masterclass tasting of rare and aged muscats at All Saints Estate on August 3.
●Infusion: Enjoy a Durif-infused menu at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate on August 11.
●Paint and Sip: a glow-in-the-dark edition of the unique painting experience at Pfeiffer Wines on August 11.
●Burning of the Canes: reviving an ancient tradition at St Leonards Vineyard on August 10.
●Muscats of Rutherglen: a comparative tasting of 27+ Rutherglen Muscats on August 9.
●Muscat Murder Mystery: be transported to Rutherglen in 1925 and solve the mystery held deep in the Stanton & Killeen cellars on August 9.
●Secret Discovery Masterclass: A sourdough bread-baking and wine-making class at Olive Hills Estate on August 10.
Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Annalee Nolan says the new festival is set to become a much-loved fixture on the winter wine calendar.
“We are excited to welcome wine explorers to our wonderful region and invite them to venture to the dark side,” she says.
“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.”.
˃ For a full festival program and to book tickets: explorerutherglen.com.au
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