As the evenings draw in, there is no better time to revisit the enduring pleasures of a well-made fortified. And few regions do it better — or with more history — than Rutherglen, tucked into the north-east corner of Victoria near the Murray River.
Rutherglen may be small, but it casts a long shadow in Australian winemaking. Once a gold rush town, it flourished in the 19th century and soon became known for its robust, sun-kissed wines. The climate is ideal for ripening grapes with intense sweetness and character — the cornerstone of fortified winemaking — and the red loam soils over clay give the wines their hallmark richness and depth.
At the heart of this tradition is Morris of Rutherglen, one of Australia’s oldest family-run wineries, established in 1859. With six generations of knowledge behind every barrel, Morris continues to set the benchmark for what a great fortified should be rich in character and full of flavour.
Classic Muscat: Rutherglen’s signature style. Made from late-harvested muscat à petits grains rouges grapes and aged in barrel, this wine bursts with flavours of raisin, fig, citrus peel, and spice. It is voluptuous, velvety, and ideal after dinner.
Classic Topaque: Formerly known as Tokay, Topaque is made from the muscadelle grape and offers a more subtle expression. Expect flavours of butterscotch, tea leaf, malt and burnt sugar, with a long, elegant finish.
Tawny Port: Australia’s interpretation of the Portuguese classic. Morris’ tawny is a masterclass in blending — silky and amber-hued, with layers of roasted nuts, caramel, dried fruit, and spice.
We invite you to explore these remarkable fortifieds in the Dining Room or Members Bar. Whether enjoyed neat in a small glass, paired with dessert, or served with a wedge of aged cheddar, they are an invitation to slow down, sip thoughtfully, and savour a uniquely Australian tradition.
To enjoy this wine alongside a curated selection from our menu, please make a reservation by emailing [email protected]
