Vintage 2008 is officially underway in Rutherglen!

Harvest has commenced in Rutherglen for vintage 2008, and the early signs are extremely positive.

In an unusual twist of circumstance, the weather has actually been on our side this year! The uncharacteristically cool February weather has allowed grapes to ripen slowly, and at this early stage all varieties are showing excellent fruit definition. Indeed the winemaking team are ecstatic with the quality of the fruit they have seen so far.

To the casual observer it may not look like much is happening at present, but that is because we do all of our harvesting at night. Harvesting in the cool of night helps us protect the delicate fruit flavours, which is particularly important with aromatic varieties such as Gewurztraminer and Riesling. Machine harvesting normally begins sometime after midnight, and will operate through to daybreak. Not good for the body clock, but quality grapes are always the top priority at Campbells!

At present (early March) we have harvested most of our white wines, with only Trebbiano and Viognier still to come. The red wine harvest will commence from mid March and is likely to carry through until early April.

We are just as busy at Cellar Door, with the event season upon us. This years Tastes of Rutherglen festival (8,9, 15 & 16 March) is shaping as one of the best ever, with 21 wineries participating. Campbells have joined forces The Milawa Cheese Factory Restaurant, headed by renowned French Chef Michel Renoux. Michel is a legend of the northeast food and wine scene, and has prepared two mouth-watering dishes to showcase over the two weekends.

Other highlights include –

  • Our Back Vintage counter, offering aged and rare released from the family cellar.
  • Durif Flight Tastings, matching three vintage of The Barkly Durif to specially prepared gourmet treats.
  • Joanna Lavell and Band will be firing up on the front lawns, bringing their smooth blend of funk, groove and soul to Campbells.
  • Our legendary Vintage Wines Dinners. A five-course degustation matched with specially selected back Vintage wines.
Easter follows just after Tastes of Rutherglen, in what will be an eventful three weeks! At Campbells we will have something on offer for the young, and the young at heart. Once again we will have our Back Vintage counter operating, and visitors can participate in a Muscat the chocolate flight tasting, with handmade chocolates from Diva Du Chocolat. Local restaurant Forks & Corks will be preparing delicious gourmet platters, and also serving decadent cakes and fresh coffee. The kids are well catered for with Easter egg hunts, face painting, traditional games, and ‘Sparky’ the unicorn.

We look forward to welcoming you at Cellar Door soon.