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Rutherglen was only a short hop from Glenrowan but it gave us the chance to fill up with discount fuel in Wangaratta.
The Rutherglen caravan park was another council run spot on the edge of a small lake. At this relatively quiet time of the year we got a lake side position. After setting up we wandered into the main street of Rutherglen to have a look. What we did find was Parkers Pies. This was obviously a well patronised lunch spot and inside there was a whole wall covered with the many awards they had received. Naturally this was just too much – we had to try these pies for lunch. The selection was very promising and the pies totally delivered with rich full flavour.
After lunch we headed out to Morris wines, an old favourite. The winery is located right in the middle of a vineyard so you have to drive past rows of ancient vines. The tasting area is a modern glass box set in the middle of an ancient cask hall. This provides a unique character mix of old and modern.
For this visit to Rutherglen our primary
focus was to better understand the Durif grape variety. Naturally we would also taste Shiraz, muscats and any other wines that caught our eye.
Back in the caravan park and after a walk around the lake, we joined a group that had formed around a happy hour bonfire. This is the sort of spot where you tend to pick up good hints about the district and nearby areas. After sunset the temperature started to plummet so most of us retired to our vans to prepare dinner.
In the morning we put together items for Zoe’s birthday present and headed to the local post office. We discovered that staff in a small post office with few customers, are much more friendly and helpful than in busier places. That task done we headed off to find All Saints near Corowa.
We missed the turnoff and found ourselves over the Murray/boarder in Corowa. While there we decided to explore and ended up with coffee and carrot cake on a corner table in the sunshine. It is a tough life supporting rural economies!
We found the road to All Saints but were
again diverted by a very large “Uncle Toby’s” factory. Reception told us there were no tours due to OH&S but we did find out that this is where most of their Australian products are made, with a staff of over 500. What a strange thing to find in a rural paddock.
Finally we entered the tree lined driveway to All Saints, decked out in all its Autumn glory. The stunning grounds, helpful staff, historic buildings and brilliant wines made this a spot well worth visiting.
Over lunch, back in the caravan, we arranged for our Hot Water System to be replaced on the day we are due to return home. Whew!
The afternoon mysteriously vanished while we tasted the wines at Stanton & Killeen and Campbell’s. Both wineries featured a cellar door cat, much to Joan’s delight. Funny how cats always seem to find the prime spot next to the fireplace.
Tomorrow we leave Rutherglen and the wine focused aspect of our journey. What we have learnt is that Rutherglen has some stunning wines and Durif can show many faces. This has been a well worthwhile visit.
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