Morris of Rutherglen has completed an extensive renovation to its iconic Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery in the heart of Victoria’s wine country.
The revitalised space now offers visitors an immersive experience to enjoy the rich heritage and craftsmanship that defines Morris of Rutherglen, a brand famous for producing world-renowned fortified wines and premium single malt whisky.
The newly revamped Cellar Door is one of the only in the world where visitors can try whisky expressions alongside the fortified wines that influenced them, in the place they were created, and the place those iconic barrels have called home for decades.
Michael Sergeant, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Morris of Rutherglen, said the renovation highlights the brand’s regional investment and its growing popularity as a tourism destination.
“We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery to the local community and visitors to the region,” he said. “This project represents our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation while staying true to the heritage and tradition that has defined Morris for generations.”
Preserving Morris of Rutherglen’s heritage
With more than 160 years of experience and six generations of dedication, the Morris family has earned global acclaim for their fortified wines and more recently their foray into single malt whisky.
In 2016, Morris revived a dormant copper still, breathing new life into their distillery. What began as an experiment in ageing whisky in their historic fortified casks blossomed into the creation of a premium single malt whisky, boasting flavours as rich and unique as the region itself.
With a commitment to preserving the winery’s long-standing heritage while embracing innovation, the renovation of the Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery marks a significant milestone in Morris of Rutherglen’s journey.
What’s new at Morris of Rutherglen?
The renovation project has transformed Morris of Rutherglen into a modern and educational space for fine wine and whisky enthusiasts alike.
This investment included restoring the original 1930s copper stills and establishing a programme for repurposing local wine barrels that are used to age and finish the whisky.
The redesigned Cellar Door now features interactive exhibits detailing the winemaking and distillation processes as well as a new bar and tasting room and additional landscaping.
At the heart of the renovation is a refurbishment of the atrium-style Cellar Door, designed by Australian architect Robin Boyd and initially constructed in 1972. Offering views of century-old wine barrels, the atrium will be exclusive to guests on tours and those who book a VIP experience.
Visitors to the renovated Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery can currently book and walk in for a tasting. Guided tours, guided tasting flights of Morris of Rutherglen’s award-winning wines and whisky, and a light food menu will be available in the coming months.
“This project represents our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation while staying true to the heritage and tradition that has defined Morris for generations.”
Michael Sergeant, Morris of Rutherglen
Take a look inside the newly revitalised Morris of Rutherglen Cellar Door and Whisky Distillery
