We heard you! Following the incredible feedback and insights gathered from our initial VIC Rootlings survey, we realised our community was craving more hands-on experiences, deeper industry knowledge, and genuine opportunities to connect.
That is exactly why we are thrilled to officially announce the Victorian Rutherglen Field Day 2026!
Taking place on November 16th and 17th, this two-day immersive study tour is designed specifically for our Rootlings community. We are heading to the beautiful North-East Victorian Wine Region for a jam-packed itinerary focused on regional education, wine judging, leadership, and most importantly, building our professional confidence together.
Why You Need to Be There
This isn't just another winery tour. This field day is built around three explicit learning objectives tailored for emerging wine professionals:
Education: Expand your palate and your geographical knowledge by diving deep into the unique terroir, alternative varieties, and winemaking styles of the North-East Victorian Wine Regions.
Judging Experience: Ever wanted to peek behind the curtain of a wine show? We are hosting a masterclass to hone your formal judging skills and expand your critical tasting knowledge.
Connection & Confidence: This trip is all about community. You'll network with peers, learn from industry leaders, and leave feeling more confident in your own abilities.
An Unforgettable Two-Day Itinerary
We’ve curated a balance of technical site visits, strategic discussions, and relaxed networking. Here is a sneak peek at what to expect:
Day 1: Innovation, Judging, and Rutherglen Classics We’ll kick things off at 10:00 AM with some community-building ice breakers (including a side-quest to snap a photo with Rutherglen's famous giant wine bottle!).
Industry Deep Dives: Get clarity on the broader industry landscape with our "Who is Who at the Zoo" breakdown, followed by a powerful discussion on Sustainability and Innovation led by Hayley Purbrick.
Leadership Panel: Hear from experts on branding, leadership, and navigating wine committees.
Tastings & Tours: Go behind the scenes at De Bortoli to explore commercial-scale winemaking, then roll up your sleeves for a 9-wine judging masterclass comparing show metrics to regional styles. We will cap off the afternoon with a specialised Fortified Tasting.
Evening Connection: Bring a bottle to share during our casual courtyard drinks with local producers, followed by a dedicated Rootlings dinner catered by the renowned Pickled Sisters.
Day 2: Alternative Styles and Winery Innovation
Morning Exploration: We will also visit regional icons Stanton & Killeen and Lake Moodemere.
Afternoon Innovation: After fueling up with a classic pub lunch at the Milawa Pub, we head to Brown Brothers for a comprehensive tour highlighting innovation in winemaking. We wrap up the event with a collaborative feedback session, officially concluding at 3:30 PM.
The Details & How to Secure Your Spot
To ensure this remains an intimate, high-impact experience where everyone can actively participate, capacity is strictly limited to 22 attendees.
When: November 16th (10:00 AM) – November 17th (3:30 PM), 2026.
Tickets: $50 for attendees that don’t require accomodation | $150 with Monday evening accomodation
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside the next generation of the Victorian wine industry.
