Set to take place on the King's Birthday long weekend in June, the festival will showcase the creativity and passion of 15 wineries in the picturesque Rutherglen region.
With a focus on slower exploration and immersive experiences, festival-goers will have the opportunity to discover the region's new varietals and unexpected winemaking techniques.
The festival has undergone changes, including a new name and a reinvigorated format that emphasizes "roaming" the region. This will allow attendees to linger longer, explore the small but mighty wine region, and connect with winemakers and the community.
This year's festival also features new ticket options, including two days of festival entry, a premium Wine Lovers ticket with unlimited tastings, and a continuous hop-on, hop-off bus loop taking in all participating wineries.
With more than 20 buses operating and driving in both directions, this reinvigorated format allows "roamers" to taste the region in their own time, their own way.
According to Annalee Nolan, Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer, the festival has evolved to appeal to a new generation of wine explorers who appreciate getting to know a winery and its wines.
"We wanted to slow the festival down and make sure that attendees have a chance to get to know us all and really discover what speaks to them. Stay longer, spend longer at each winery, roam our wonderful region," Ms Nolan said.
This year's program features premium tastings, live entertainment, and unique sensory cellar door experiences from 15 of the region's wineries.
The pioneering spirit of Rutherglen is experiencing a renaissance, with the Winemakers of Rutherglen emerging as Victoria's most progressive artisans for their new style Muscats, gins, Fianos, Malbecs, aperitifs, Ilberian wines and more. The festival offers attendees the perfect blend of tradition and creativity.
Previously, festivalgoers only had access to one day of festivities, but this year's Festival Lovers ticket includes two days of festival entry which includes a wine glass, 15 free tastings per day, a food voucher to be spent at any of the participating wineries, and non-alcoholic offerings.
For those looking for even more value, a premium Wine Lovers ticket offers unlimited tastings and more food and drink value.
Ms Nolan said the changes were intended to set the festival up for another 50 years of success.
"We always want the festival to feel fresh, vibrant, and inclusive to everyone in the community. As society evolves so does our use of language. We feel that the new name which emphasises 'roaming' our great region, as opposed to 'walkabout,' is more appropriate," she said.
“The festival that we all know and adore still continues, even better as the years go on!"
The festival's organisers and winemakers are excited to showcase their new offerings and welcome visitors to Rutherglen.
For those travelling from elsewhere in the region, regional bus services will run from Corowa, Howlong, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Beechworth, Albury and Wodonga. All regional bus tickets are inclusive of the Festival Shuttle Bus, yet another value-driven addition for 2023.
24°C