By Rebecca Harris
To mark 100 years since Durif, a rare French grape variety, was first planted in the Rutherglen wine region, Rutherglen wineries will host a celebratory weekend in the first week of August.
The weekend will include a seven-course degustation dinner on 2 August at the site of the region’s first nursery where the Durif cuttings were prepared for planting in 1908. The regionally inspired menu will be matched to a selection of Rutherglen wines, showcasing premium and back vintage releases of Durif and Rutherglen fortifieds and will cost $160 per person.
A two-hour Rutherglen Muscat master class will be held on August 3, showcasing four Muscats, which will also be matched with food. Participants will then be given the opportunity to create their own blend from young and maturing Muscat stocks. The cost is $40 per person, including lunch.
Free tastings will also be available at cellar doors over the weekend.