8 Things we recommend you do in Rutherglen

As a wine tour business, we spend a lot of time chatting with visitors who are planning a trip to Rutherglen.

The question we get asked most often?

"What should we do while we're here?"

While everyone knows Rutherglen for its incredible wineries, there's so much more to the region than just wine tasting. Whether you're visiting for a day, a weekend or longer, these are our favourite things to do in Rutherglen!

1. Spend a Day Exploring the Wineries

You can't visit Rutherglen without visiting a few cellar doors.

The beauty of Rutherglen is that every winery offers something different. Some are steeped in history, others are modern and boutique, and many have been family-owned for generations.

Some of our favourite cellar doors include All Saints Estate, Pfeiffer Wines, Jones Winery, Scion Wines, Buller Wines, Andrew Buller Wines, James & Co & Dinah Wines.

Take your time, enjoy the stories behind the wines and don't be afraid to visit somewhere you've never heard of before—you might just discover your new favourite.

2. Our favourite thing to do in Rutherglen...Book a Wine Tour!

We may be a little biased, but this is one of the best ways to experience the region.

A wine tour allows you to relax, enjoy the tastings and make the most of your day without worrying about maps, bookings or who has to be the designated driver.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning a hens day, catching up with friends or simply wanting a fun day out, it's one of the easiest ways to experience everything Rutherglen has to offer.

3. Put the Rail Trail to the Test

If you're feeling active, hire a bike and explore the Rutherglen loop of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

The trail connects many of the region's wineries and offers a unique way to experience the countryside. Ride through vineyards, stop for tastings along the way and enjoy some of the most picturesque scenery in North East Victoria.

It's a fantastic option for couples, groups of friends or anyone wanting to slow down and explore at their own pace. E-bike hire is available at Rutherglen Caravan Park!

4. Mexican at The Convent Brewery

After a morning of exploring cellar doors, we always recommend stopping in at The Convent Brewery for lunch.

Located in a beautifully restored historic convent, this local favourite is known for its relaxed atmosphere, craft beers and delicious Mexican-inspired menu. Think tacos, nachos, burritos and share plates paired with locally brewed beers, cocktails or a glass of North East Victorian wine.

It's a great option for groups because there's something for everyone, whether you're a wine lover, beer enthusiast or simply chasing a good meal in a unique setting.

We often bring our tour groups here because the food is consistently fantastic, the vibe is relaxed and it's the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a long lunch with friends.

5. Wander Through the Historic Main Street

Rutherglen's main street is full of character and worth taking the time to explore.

Grab a coffee, browse the local shops and soak up the charm of one of Victoria's most historic wine towns.

It's easy to spend an hour or two wandering and discovering little gems you hadn't planned on finding.

6. Experience One of Rutherglen's Signature Events

If you can time your visit around one of Rutherglen's major events, do it.

Events like Roam Rutherglen, Tastes of Rutherglen, Dark Side of Wine and Rutherglen Reimagined showcase the very best of the region's wine, food and hospitality scene.

These events are incredibly popular for a reason and offer a fantastic way to experience multiple wineries in one trip.

7. Stay the Weekend Instead of Just Visiting for the Day

One of the biggest mistakes we see visitors make is trying to fit everything into one day.

Rutherglen is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Staying overnight gives you the chance to enjoy a relaxed dinner, explore more wineries and discover parts of the region that day-trippers often miss.

Trust us—once you've spent a weekend here, you'll understand why so many people keep coming back.

8. Say Yes to Something Unexpected

Some of the best experiences in Rutherglen aren't the ones you planned.

It might be stopping at a winery that wasn't on your list, trying a fortified wine for the first time, joining a local event, chatting with a winemaker or discovering a hidden gem recommended by a local.

Leave a little room in your itinerary for spontaneity.

Rutherglen has a way of surprising people, and that's one of the reasons we love it so much.

Planning a Visit to Rutherglen?

At Sip & Pour Wine Tours, we're passionate about helping visitors experience the very best of our region.

Whether you're joining a public tour, organising a private group or planning a special celebration, we'd love to help you discover why Rutherglen is one of Victoria's most loved wine destinations.

We hope to see you on a tour soon.