A new winter festival called The Dark Side of Wine is set to celebrate two of the Rutherglen region’s favourite exports, muscat and durif.

Held across 10 days in August, there will be degustation dinners, bonfires and rare-release tastings among more than 30 events on the festival program.

A new wave of winemakers will share some of the secrets of these deliciously dark wines that have been passed down through the generations. 

Dark Side of Wine program highlights include: 

• Uncasked at the Convent: a grand opening Masquerade Ball at Rutherglen Convent on 2 Aug.
• Legend & Lore: a five-course dinner and celebration of Durif and Muscat at Lake Moodemere on 3 Aug.
• Museum Muscats: a masterclass tasting of rare and aged muscats at All Saints Estate on 3 Aug.
• Infusion: Enjoy a Durif-infused menu at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate on 11 Aug.
• Paint and Sip: a glow-in-the-dark edition of the unique painting experience  at Pfeiffer Wines on Aug 11.
• Burning of the Canes: reviving an ancient tradition at St Leonards Vineyard on 10 Aug.
• Muscats of Rutherglen: a comparative tasting of 27+ Rutherglen Muscats on 9 Aug.
• Muscat Murder Mystery: be transported to Rutherglen in 1925 and solve the mystery held deep in the Stanton & Killeen cellars on 9 Aug.
• Secret Discovery Masterclass: a sourdough bread-baking and wine-making class at Olive Hills Estate on 10 Aug.

Winemakers of Rutherglen Executive Officer Annalee Nolan said: “We are excited to welcome wine explorers to our wonderful region and invite them to venture to the dark side.

“Our winemakers will be on hand to help unlock the secrets and mystery of Rutherglen and its wines with a packed program of events that are sure to warm and delight equally this winter.”. 

For full festival program and to book tickets: explorerutherglen.com.au