Wine, costumes and a King's Birthday weekend in North East Victoria, Roam Rutherglen 2026 is shaping up to be a big one.
Roam Rutherglen is making its return across the King’s Birthday long weekend, with 17 participating wineries across one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions ready to welcome a weekend of bold outfits, great wine and good times.
The festival has built a bit of a reputation for its group costume culture, and 2026 looks to be no different. Whether festivalgoers go all out with elaborate group themes or keep things relaxed, the dress-up element has become a signature part of the Roam experience.
Winery-specific moments are leaning into it too. All Saints Estate is hosting a Best Dressed King & Queen competition, while Stanton & Killeen is putting on the Roam Runway, where festivalgoers can register their best looks for a chance to take home some prizes.
Beyond the fashion moments, the weekend is built around roaming freely between 17 cellar doors via hop-on hop-off buses, each with its own distinct vibe.
Roam Rutherglen
- 6 & 7 June 2026
- Rutherglen, North East Victoria
- Tickets here
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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Morris of Rutherglen is coming in hot post-renovation, with high-energy dancefloors, Muscat espresso martinis and merch giveaways. Lake Moodemere Estate is offering fireside drinks with lakeside views, while Warrabilla Wines is the place to sink into bold reds with a more laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re after something unhurried, Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate, John Gehrig and Olive Hills are all worth a roam through, each with their own character and none of the rush. Stanton & Killeen and Pfeiffer Wines are also strong picks for the weekend.
Across the entire weekend festivalgoers can expect live bands and DJs, sparkling brunches, wine tastings, wine cocktail bars, glühwein, woodfired pizza, VIP tasting zones and lawn games.
There’s also a solid lineup of special ticketed experiences for those wanting to take things up a notch. Bubbles & Brunch at Cofield Wines kicks off Saturday with a three-course sparkling brunch. King’s High Tea at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate pairs a celebratory high tea with wine. Over at Lake Moodemere Estate, Trivia in the Vines is a lakeside three-course dinner by the fire on the Friday night ahead of the main weekend.
For something a bit more exclusive, the Hidden Winery Tour at Stanton & Killeen offers access to a 150-year-old winery and its museum wines. There’s also The Great Lake Moodemere Hole-in-One Challenge and the Cornhole Extravaganza on the Morris Lawns for anyone keen on a bit of friendly competition.
Hop-on hop-off buses run continuously across the region all weekend, with regional connections from surrounding towns, so no designated driver required. Better yet, sort a private bus with your crew, book directly into the wineries and make the whole thing your own. If you can swing it, the full weekend is absolutely worth it or, at minimum, check out Saturday and make a proper day of it.
Lock in your crew, sort your outfit and book some accommodation; you’ll be ready to roam in June.
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with ROAM Rutherglen.
