One of Victoria’s most colourful wine weekends is returning this King’s Birthday long weekend, with Roam Rutherglen bringing costumes, live music and winery hopping back to the region for 2026.
Seventeen wineries across Rutherglen will take part in the annual event, which has become known just as much for its group dress-ups and party atmosphere as its wine.
Over the years, festivalgoers have turned the weekend into a full-scale costume event, arriving in coordinated themes ranging from retro icons to chaotic pop culture references. This year, wineries are embracing the tradition even further.
All Saints Estate will host a Best Dressed King & Queen competition, while Stanton & Killeen is bringing back its Roam Runway, giving attendees the chance to show off their outfits and compete for prizes.
Across the weekend, hop-on hop-off buses will transport visitors between cellar doors, each offering a different atmosphere. Some lean heavily into dancefloors, DJs and wine cocktails, while others focus on relaxed tastings by the fire.
Lake Moodemere Estate is promising lakeside drinks and fireside sessions, while Warrabilla Wines will pour bold reds in a more laid-back setting.
For those after a slower pace, wineries including Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate, John Gehrig Wines and Olive Hills Estate are offering more relaxed tasting experiences across the weekend.
Alongside wine tastings, visitors can expect sparkling brunches, glühwein, woodfired pizza, lawn games, live bands and VIP tasting zones.
There are also several ticketed events running throughout the weekend, including Bubbles & Brunch at Cofield Wines, lakeside trivia dinners and exclusive behind-the-scenes winery tours.
With buses running throughout the region all weekend, Roam Rutherglen continues to be one of Victoria’s biggest winter wine weekends for groups looking to turn a regional getaway into a full-scale festival.
More information and tickets are here.
