Sweet Buzz entertained the guests at the Rutherglen Convent Masquerade Ball on the opening night of the Dark Side of Wine festival.
The Winemakers of Rutherglen are raising a glass to an extraordinary achievement after their inaugural event, Dark Side of Wine, was named Best Wine Themed Event of 2024 at the highly esteemed Wine Communicator Awards in Sydney.
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The award, presented on November 20 at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, has firmly established the Rutherglen region as a hub for innovation and excellence in wine experiences.
The annual Wine Communicator Awards, hosted by Wine Communicators of Australia, honour creativity, innovation, and impact in wine communication.
Competing in a category filled with impressive nominees, including Into the Vines and the 2024 Australian Cabernet Symposium presented by Coonawarra and Margaret River Wines, Dark Side of Wine emerged victorious thanks to its bold vision, immersive storytelling, and flawless execution.
Judges commended the event for its “slick and stylish execution,” praising its clear objectives, meticulous planning, and a dynamic media campaign that generated significant buzz.
The event’s ability to combine sophistication and warmth created an unforgettable experience for attendees while driving strong ticket sales and widespread engagement.
Celebrating the unexpected and diving deep into Rutherglen’s rich wine heritage, Dark Side of Wine redefined what a wine event could be.
From a captivating Masquerade Ball and an interactive Muscat Murder Mystery to breathtaking stargazing experiences and comparative Durif tastings, the event showcased the unique stories and characters behind the region’s world-class wines.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have Dark Side of Wine recognised as the Best Wine Themed Event of 2024,” Executive Officer of Winemakers of Rutherglen Annalee Nolan said.
“This award reflects not only the creativity and innovation of our members, but also the incredible power of collaboration within our winemaking and broader Rutherglen community.
“Special thanks go to Wine Victoria for their unwavering support in bringing our vision to life.”
The event also featured a cutting-edge digital campaign that amplified its reach, connecting with wine lovers across Australia and beyond.
By blending traditional storytelling with modern technology, Dark Side of Wine resonated deeply with a wide audience, setting a new benchmark for wine communication.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the Rutherglen region, renowned for its pioneering winemaking history and community spirit.
The Winemakers of Rutherglen, a collective of 17 member wineries, have long championed bold and innovative approaches to showcase their wines.
Angus Barnes, Executive Chair of Wine Communicators of Australia, highlighted the importance of the awards, stating: “The Wine Communicator Awards celebrate the evolving nature of wine communication while emphasising its critical role in connecting people to the world of wine. Dark Side of Wine exemplifies the creativity and dedication that our industry strives for”.
Looking ahead:Dark Side of Wine 2025
Buoyed by this success, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are already planning the next chapter of Dark Side of Wine.
Scheduled to return from August 8th to 17th, 2025, the event promises even more innovative experiences, blending wine, art, and culture in new and exciting ways.
Attendees can look forward to fresh takes on immersive storytelling, interactive events, and boundary-pushing celebrations that capture the essence of Rutherglen’s wines.
“The success of Dark Side of Wine proves that when passion and creativity come together, the possibilities are limitless,” Ms Nolan said.
“We can’t wait to bring even more exciting ideas to life in 2025, creating unforgettable moments for wine lovers from near and far.”
