Thousand Pound

Top choice in Victorian High Country


If ever there were a place suited to a wine bar, it's Rutherglen's picturesque main street. Grab a stool at the long tiled bar, by the window or on the communal table to select from 140 local and international family-owned wineries. Its food is also excellent, with charcoal-grilled steaks and roast barramundi among the highlights.

There's a quality bar selection too, with an interesting choice of spirits and beers, as well as wine cocktails. It's a popular spot for all types, and is where many winemakers gather to unwind after a hard week's work.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Victorian High Country attractions

1. Common School Museum

0.09 MILES

Inside an 1872 school, this museum has a replica period classroom as well as historical pieces from the area.

2. Rutherglen Brewery

0.11 MILES

With an atmospheric courtyard and cosy taproom, this craft brewery offers 10 beers and ciders to team with grills, burgers and pizzas. The al fresco fairy…

3. Rutherglen Wine Experience

0.11 MILES

Set up inside the visitor information centre is the centrepiece for the region's wine industry. Here you'll get an overview of the local wineries and a…

4. Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery

0.4 MILES

Opened in late 2017, this Indigenous gallery at Rutherglen Estates presents an ongoing and evolving showcase of work by some of Australia's leading…

5. Rutherglen Estates

0.41 MILES

The only cellar door in the town itself, Rutherglen Estates is set up inside a historic building (1886) and offers tastings of its full range, including…

6. Big Wine Bottle

0.52 MILES

In line with Australia's fine tradition of kitschy oversized monuments (the Big Prawn, Big Pineapple, Big Koala etc), Rutherglen has the Big Wine Bottle…

7. Chambers Rosewood

0.93 MILES

A ramshackle collection of tin sheds, Chambers is one of Rutherglen's originals. Dating to 1860, it's loaded with history, and in keeping with the old…

8. Scion Vineyard

1.02 MILES

This rustic shed opens up to the region's most slick cellar door. Scion prides itself on being a producer of wines that are more contemporary than…