Dark Side of Wine: the must-visit Rutherglen festival to add to your calendar this August

Winter has long been one of the best times to visit Rutherglen. Best known as the home of world-class fortified wines and iconic durif, the Victorian wine region is also home to innovative winemakers, historic cellar doors and incredible hospitality.

If you haven't visited the region before, there's no better time to make the trip than this August, when the unmissable Dark Side of Wine festival returns. Running from August 7–16, the festival celebrates everything that makes Rutherglen unique. Across the 10 days, wineries will throw open their doors after dark for exclusive dinners, immersive tastings and one-off experiences that you can't find at any other time of year.

Below, we highlight some of the key events taking place during the festival, however you can also find the full program at explorerutherglen.com.au/dark-side-of-wine.

A fitting festival opener

The must-book event this year is the Opening Night Candlelight Concert at All Saints Estate (Friday 7 August), which marks a Victorian High Country first. As part of the internationally renowned Fever Candlelight concert series, a live string quartet will perform the music of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay inside All Saints Estate's historic Cask Hall, illuminated by more than 5000 candles.

With all 17 Rutherglen wineries represented and just 12 tickets remaining, it's shaping up to be one of the most memorable wine events of the winter. Tickets from $95.

Dark Side of Wine takes places in Rutherglen from August 7–16.

Fireside events

Food and wine take centre stage throughout the festival, with these events providing plenty of reasons to linger by the fire.

Fire & Fizz at St Leonards Vineyard (Saturday 15 August) pairs breakfast tacos cooked over the fire with a flight of sparkling wines in an intimate fireside setting. $45 per person.

For lovers of fortified wine and whisky, Ember & Elixir at Morris of Rutherglen (Saturday 8 August) offers live barrel charring demonstrations, whisky cocktails and roaming canapés, alongside stories from head distiller Darren Peck and chief winemaker Madden Morris. $95 per person.

The ever-popular Legend & Lore Fireside Dinner at Lake Moodemere (Saturday 8 August) combines sparkling shiraz, estate-grown lamb, live string music and muscat beside the fire. $150 per person.

Experiences you won't find anywhere else

Several events lean into the festival's playful side.

Secret Cinema at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate transforms the winery cellar into a hidden cinema for one night only, screening both a family matinee and an adults-only evening session. Tickets are just $15.

History and heritage come together at the Legacy Dinner, where De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate, Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, Anderson and Andrew Buller Wines share wines, stories and a four-course dinner celebrating generations of Rutherglen winemaking. $179 per person.

For something more relaxed, Mulled Wine, S'Mores and More at Dinah Wines is all about gathering around tabletop fire pits with mulled wine, marshmallows and good company. $40 per person.

Stanton & Kileen Wines will be hosting the iconic murder mystery evening on Saturday August 15.

Rare opportunities for wine lovers

Jones Winery & Vineyard is offering two standout experiences centred around its flagship L.J. Shiraz Grenache. The L.J. Retrospective is an intimate vertical tasting of rare back vintages, limited to just 15 guests ($200), while the L.J. Dinner pairs the newly released 2024 vintage with a seasonal menu from chef Briony Bradford. Dinner is $170, with optional matched wines for $60.

Plan your visit:

Whether you're drawn by candlelit concerts, fireside feasts, rare museum wines or simply the chance to experience one of Australia's great wine regions in a completely different light, this is a festival well worth planning a weekend around. Start planning your visit now.

When: 7–16 August 2026
Where: Wineries across Rutherglen, Victoria
Prices: Tickets for events are sold separately, with prices ranging from just $15 to $200
View the full program and book your tickets: explorerutherglen.com.au/dark-side-of-wine