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Rutherglen Estates’ viticulturalist Matthew Partridge says 2018 is shaping up to be an amazing vintage for the winery.
Partridge and his team are excited by the quality of the harvest, which he says “is looking fantastic”.
Chief winemaker Marc Scalzo agrees: “All our whites are showing good varietal flavours. Fiano is without a doubt the standout at this stage, showing fantastic natural acidity and freshness. We were lucky to have two international winemakers helping our busy team this vintage – Michael Pasquarelli (Sonoma Valley US) and Clement Lavallee (Chablis, France) – both bringing a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the team. And our reds look to have good colour and tannin structure.”
Rutherglen Estates planted its first vines in 1997. With new concepts, management techniques and cutting-edge technology, the winery now has a total of 185 hectares ‘under vine’ on four sites, the largest vineyard development in the region. It intelligently crafts true-to-style award-winning alternative wine varietals.
The winery is encouraging members of the drinks trade – and general public – to explore the vineyard first hand as the 2018 vintage comes together.
The winery has a cellar door, Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery, casual café (open breakfast & lunch), an a la carte restaurant and boutique accommodation overlooking one of its vineyards.
Here’s a guide to its attractions:
Rutherglen Estates Cellar Door & Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery
From humble beginnings as an 1886 cellar and the home of Seppelts Wines for more than 100 years, Rutherglen Estates Cellar Door tells a rich and powerful story of the region’s wine history. This latest incarnation as a repurposed Cellar Door and Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery, starts a new narrative for the iconic winery.
The Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery is a creative collaboration between the winery and Aboriginal arts collector Hans Sip.
The respectful repurposing of the 1880s winery building to house the new cellar door and art gallery, has left the rustic walls, beams and well-trodden floor, mostly untouched. The sympathetic refresh of the historic cellar has allowed the art to breathe new life into the once forgotten space, creating warmth, texture and a perfect backdrop for the significant art works.
The gallery’s current exhibition features internationally exhibited artist and Palm Island Aboriginal elder, Billy Doolan.
“Billy Doolan – Patterns of Life” runs from June 23-September 15 and is a comprehensive look at the symmetry and organic lines, intrinsic to the natural world that Doolan translates to canvas. The exhibition features large scale paintings that continue Doolan’s environmental activism and education message as well as themes including: Aboriginal stories, songs, the seasons, food, sacred places and burial sites.
The new-look Tuileries
A team of culinary and wine professionals has completely transformed Rutherglen Estates’ accommodation and dining partner, Tuileries.
Head of Hospitality, Andrew Doyle is at the helm, driving small, innovative changes to capture the new aesthetic at Tuileries and a reinterpretation of its relationship with Rutherglen Estates.
Nestled between the vines and the village, Tuileries is a curious mix of grand country estate, working winery and Mediterranean-style villas. Its charms are many from the stylish suites with their wrap around vineyards and verdant gardens punctuated with signature date palms, to dining options that range from relaxed to refined.
At the heart of the precinct, is an alfresco courtyard complete with fountain and café. The look is French bistro with a casual country charm, offering a relaxed and easy eating experience. A popular breakfast spot for the locals, the menu delivers trusty favourites with a few local-inspired surprises and plenty of healthy options.
Tuileries restaurant and bar picks up the tempo with its rural cool and timeless glamour. This is where Head Chef, Christoph Nikalaus talents really shine, with thoughtful and inventive modern interpretations of many European classics. Sourcing nourishing home-grown goodness from the bountiful region, as well as his much-loved kitchen-garden, Christoph is a strong advocate of the ‘farm to fork philosophy.
An ‘open-door’ invite for local producers to drop by the kitchen with fresh produce, keeps regional flavours the ‘headline act’ on a star-studded menu.
Tuileries Wine Bar is much-loved by the locals for ‘knock-off’ drinks with its playful cocktail menu, elegant mixes and local, Australian and international wines. It offers an upbeat vibe, where visitors and locals and can kick back and relax, Rutherglen style. The wine list is full of the local legends, as well as some national and international award winners.
The 12 King Vineyard Suites embody the rustic, yet refined character of wine country, featuring private terraces and inspiring views of the undulating neighbourhood vineyards. Historic and modern influences set the style for an elegant conversion of the historic Bonded Liquor Store (circa 1900) into four ‘rustic-luxe’ two bedroom units, ideal for up to four guests.
To find out more about Rutherglen Estates click here.