Sip wines by firelight, party in wineries and solve a muscat murder mystery at Rutherglen’s Dark Side of Wine festival this August

Rutherglen’s Dark Side of Wine isn’t your usual winter wine festival. Yes, you will be invited to tour the region – sampling fortified and full-bodied wines as you go – but The Winemakers of Rutherglen has curated a totally unique programme of events to go alongside your tastings. 

From August 8–17, visitors are invited to stay up after dark, exploring Rutherglen’s wineries and cellar doors by firelight, under stars, and through a wide array of nighttime experiences that take you far beyond your classic wine festival activities. 

On the first night of the winter wine festival, you can rug up under blankets with durif and a casserole in hand, while you stargaze on Pfeiffer Wines's property. Astronomer Mietta Habetys will guide you through constellations, night sky science and the celestial stories of First Nations peoples and ancient cultures during this festival event. After, you can drop by Dinah Wines’ cellar door for an evening filled with mulled wine, DIY s’mores and live music.

Stanton & Killeen is hosting one of the most unique events – a muscat murder mystery – which sees guests solve a murder while sipping on fortifieds and snacking on canapes. Dress in your finest 1950s fashion and sleuth your way through a night of scandal, secrets and, of course, wine. 

De Bortoli is joining the mystery bandwagon, too, with its secret cinema. Stop by the estate and solve clues to find a hidden screen showing either Wonka or Murder on the Orient Express. Food and beverages will be available to all cinema seekers during the evening. 

For one night only, you can also visit St Leonards Vineyard’s cellar door, which will be transformed into a roaring saloon-style speakeasy. Begin the evening with a signature wine cocktail before sitting back in the dimly lit space listening to live tunes from Luke Dewing. He’ll not only play music throughout the night, but also share the stories behind his songs. 

Prefer a proper feed? Be sure to drop by one of the immersive dinners, like Lake Moodemere’s Darkly Elegant Evening. Kick off the night with a glass of sparkling shiraz and some canapes by the bonfire before heading inside for the main course paired with durif. As the night goes on, you’ll enjoy more canapes (this time paired with muscat) while listening to music from the Moodamere String Quartet. 

These are just a few program highlights, with plenty more going on during the 10-day Dark Side of Wine festival. You’ll also find progressive dinners, barrel tastings, wine blending masterclasses, an ugly sweater trivia night, and a playful confessional booth at All Saints Estate – spill your darkest wine-related secrets to a stranger before eating and drinking the rest of the night away. 

Each experience has been curated to help wine lovers learn more about Rutherglen’s rich history. But it’s not just about looking back. You’re also invited to discover a new generation of winemakers who are breathing fresh life into 160 years of fortified and full-bodied wine tradition.

You can find the full 2025 Dark Side of Wine program (and book tickets to events) via the Winemakers of Rutherglen website. 

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