Victoria-Beechworth/Rutherglen

The early development of the state of Victoria is tied to the discovery of gold in 1851 and the other finds which followed soon after. The local finds were so prolific that Beechworth soon became the centre of the great Ovens goldmining region. The town has retained its traditional image and is considered to be one of Victoria’s best preserved and most beautiful gold towns. The Beechworth region is renowned for its red wines, and, in particular, for Gamay, a very unusual variety which has already established a considerable reputation. Also looking to the future, Castagna Wines are using a biodynamic system in the vineyard and achieving outstanding results with their wine. Beechworth is also the home of Australia’s most famous folk lore hero, Ned Kelly. Made from the Muscat a’ petits Grouns Rouge grape, Morris’s liqueur muscat is Rutherglen’s most famous fortified wine and conventionally regarded as its greatest. It is essentially distilled essence of liquid raisins and is virtually unique in the world. Morris’s liqueur muscat is considered to be an Australian treasure.