Rutherglen Wine Region

• Summary
• Weather for Rutherglen Wine Region

The Rutherglen Wine Region is distinctive country with cold winters and hot summers that produces bold reds and superb fortified as well as some subtle whites and highly valued sparkling wines.

Bordered by the mighty Murray River to the north, it is also heartland Australia, where you will find magnificent towering river gums and inviting waterholes for summer dips. The region is often referred to as 'fortified wine country', as it is one of Australia's most prized producers of port, Tokay and Muscat.

Most of the vineyards and wineries in this region were established before the 1900s. This is remarkable as nearly all of Australia's wine regions ceased production in the 1930s when the Great Depression hit. Rutherglen's continued wine production is an indication of how stable this region's viticultural industry is, and its ability to cope with the ever-changing market.

The Rutherglen Wine Region is relatively flat with an altitude of between 150m and 250m above sea level. The alluvial soil is also great for production. It has been deposited over the ages by the Murray River. Climatic conditions are also favourable, being warm and dry through most seasons. Rain often falls in the harvest time.

Grape Varieties:

The long-lasting Rutherglen wineries and vinyards are renowned for the production of heavy, red fortified wines. But due to the changing market, the newer vinyards established since the 1990s are concentrating on the production of sparkling white wines.