Grab your partner in wine, because Rutherglen in the City is back

Posted on 30 June, 2026

If exploring 17 wineries across two days sounds impossible, let us introduce you to the winter wine event making it a reality.

Rutherglen in the City is back for another year, taking over Old Parliament House to bring the rich heritage, bold flavours, and exciting new varieties of North-East Victoria’s Rutherglen Wine Region to Canberra.

Gathering 17 of Rutherglen’s leading wineries – including Morris of Rutherglen, Pfeiffer Wines and Warrabilla Wines – in the Members’ Room, this year promises to be an even more luxurious experience.

Mark Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July in your calendar, because there will be something for both devoted wine lovers and the wine-curious to enjoy!

Here’s what you need to know – it’s all worth raising a glass for.

More than 100 wines to taste and no road trip required

Rutherglen is known for producing rich and bold wines – and with Rutherglen in the City, there’s no need to travel for a true taste. Serving up hundreds of wines from 17 wineries, alongside regional signatures such as Durif and the world-renowned Muscat, this year attendees will also enjoy a sophisticated line-up of alternative varietals including Alvarinho, Fiano, Grenache, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

Add in some modern twists on the old classics and wine lovers will struggle between choosing between a glass, a bottle, or something to take home for later.

Our suggestion? Go with all three.

Wine Bar Chats, cheese and more

If you thought this would just be a regular tasting session, think again. This year Rutherglen in the City is also hosting a relaxed interactive tasting session with leading winemakers and experts that will appeal to experts and novices alike with their Wine Bar Chats.

Featuring masterclass-style conversations hosted by Rutherglen winemakers alongside acclaimed Australian sommelier Samantha Payne, at just $5 per session it will offer guests the chance to delve deeper into the region’s wines while hearing directly from the makers themselves.

Who wouldn’t want to hear one of Australia’s leading drinks communicators and wine consultants in conversation with Rutherglen producers to explore topics including sustainable viticulture, food pairing, innovation and more?

Wine Bar Chats kicks off on Friday at 5 pm with Pfeiffer Wines presenting their Silken Sip Session. Including a small serve of soft cheese perfectly matched to a glass of Pfeiffer Late Harvest Muscadelle, you’ll sip and savour as you learn about the origins of this much-loved wine.

Then, from 10.30 am on Saturday, Cofield Wines will present Italian Wines in Rutherglen. Discussing what Italian grapes do when you transplant them to Northeast Victoria, they’ll be diving into the details of their Prosecco, Fiano and Sangiovese.

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate closes out the series at 3 pm, when they present The Many Faces of Rutherglen Muscat. But that’s just the beginning of what’s on across the weekend with lots happening in between.

Ready to raise a glass to a weekend filled with wine?

Before you start sipping, here’s some of the nitty, gritty.

On Friday there is only one session running from 5 pm until 7.30 pm, while Saturday will see two: 10 am until 1 pm, and 2 pm until 5 pm.

Early bird tickets are priced at $55 and includes unlimited tastings across all winery pop-ups, plus a take-home tasting glass.

And don’t worry – you won’t go hungry. There will also be gourmet food available on site from the Museum of Australian Democracy to go along with your Rutherglen favourites.

Grab your partner in wine and book your tickets here!

Images supplied.