100 Wines, 14 Wineries, No Road Trip Required: Rutherglen in the City is back!

Posted on 18 June, 2025

After taking a well-deserved sabbatical in 2024, Rutherglen in the City is back in Canberra – and it’s shaping up to be something winederful!

Mark Saturday 5 July in your diaries, because the Winemakers of Rutherglen are bringing their passion, personality, and premium pours to Old Parliament House for what promises to be an absolutely grape day out. We’re talking tastings with engaging winemaker encounters, gourmet food, and live music, all within one of Canberra’s most atmospheric venues.

For those unfamiliar with Rutherglen, this North-East Victorian wine region is something of a national treasure. Think of it as Australia’s answer to European wine country – steeped in generational winemaking traditions yet boldly innovative. Known for their world-renowned fortified wines and robust reds, Rutherglen wineries have been perfecting their craft for well over a century, creating wines that are as characterful as the people who make them.

Taste the region without leaving Canberra

All the taste, none of the travel. The iconic Members Room at Old Parliament House will be transformed into an intimate wine wonderland where Canberrans can explore over 100 wines from 14 acclaimed Rutherglen wineries.

We’re talking signature styles like the region’s famous Durif and legendary Muscat, alongside exciting new-wave varietals including Alvarinho, Fiano, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good drop, there’s something here to tickle every palate.

Chat with the winemakers themselves

The real excitement lies in the event’s fresh approach to wine tasting. Gone are the days of simply swirling and sipping in silence. This year introduces “Wine Bar, Wine Chats” – complimentary, bookable conversations with the winemakers themselves.

Picture this: you’re settled in with a glass of something delicious while chatting casually about sustainable winemaking practices, perfect food pairings, or the fascinating stories behind each bottle. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend share their expertise, minus any pretension.

Tasting sessions and more!

Two tasting sessions run throughout the day – 10 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm – giving you plenty of flexibility to fit this indulgent experience into your Saturday plans. At $50 per ticket, you’ll receive a beautiful plumm glass to take home, access to all wine tastings, and entry to those exclusive Wine Chat Series experiences.

For the particularly enthusiastic, there’s also a Meet the Maker Cocktail Happy Hour on Friday 4 July from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Think of it as a relaxed warm-up act before the main event – perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the Rutherglen story.

Ready to raise a glass to a weekend of wine?

Find out more and grab your tickets here. Trust us, this is one event that’s definitely worth wine-ing about.