Stanton & Killeen

Stanton & Killeen has been making wine in Rutherglen since 1875, placing it among the region's oldest continuously operating wineries. With nearly 150 years of production behind it, the winery's reputation rests firmly on its fortified wines — Muscat and Topaque — the styles that have defined Rutherglen since the 19th century.

The Wines

Muscat and Topaque are the heart of Stanton & Killeen's offering, and they represent some of the most distinctive wine styles produced anywhere in Australia. Both are fortified wines aged in traditional cellars, where years — sometimes decades — of maturation develop layers of complexity that table wines simply can't replicate. The winery holds stocks of vintage fortified wines dating back many decades, making it worth asking about aged and collectible releases when you visit.

Alongside the fortifieds, Stanton & Killeen produces Durif and Shiraz as table wines. Both varieties perform well in Rutherglen's warm continental climate, developing the rich, full-bodied character the region is known for.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door reflects the age and character of the property — a traditional heritage setting that feels consistent with a winery that's been operating since the Victorian era. Tastings are available and naturally centre on the Muscat and Topaque, though the Durif and Shiraz feature alongside them.

For visitors wanting to go deeper, tours are offered that take you through the winemaking and fortification process. These are worth considering if you're curious about how Rutherglen's signature styles are actually made — the solera-style ageing and blending involved in producing quality Muscat and Topaque is genuinely interesting. Tasting fees and tour availability can vary, so it's worth contacting the winery directly to confirm details and book ahead for groups.

Allow yourself one to two hours here to taste properly and take in the surroundings without rushing.

The Vineyard

Rutherglen's terroir is well suited to the wines Stanton & Killeen specialises in. The region sits in northeastern Victoria and experiences a warm continental climate — hot summers with significant temperature variation — combined with red volcanic soils that drain well and encourage concentrated fruit. These conditions have supported Muscat and Topaque cultivation for well over a century, and the warm, dry conditions also produce the robust Durif and Shiraz the winery bottles as table wines.

History

The winery was founded in 1875, at a time when Rutherglen was establishing itself as one of Victoria's most important wine-producing districts. Fortified wines became the backbone of production early on, and that focus has been maintained continuously through to the present day. The cellar's stocks of aged fortified wine are a direct product of that unbroken tradition — wines that have been slowly developing in barrel across generations of winemaking.

Getting There

Rutherglen is located in northeastern Victoria, around 270 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. The most practical route is via the Hume Highway, then the Wangaratta–Rutherglen road. There is no direct public transport to the cellar door, so a car is essential. The property is accessible for caravans, though it's worth confirming parking arrangements for larger vehicles before you arrive.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead if you're visiting with a group or want to join a formal winery tour
• Allow one to two hours to work through the tasting range properly, particularly the fortified wines
• Travel May to September for the most comfortable conditions — summer visits (November to April) can be very hot, and the region gets busier with tourists
• Ask about aged and vintage releases of Muscat and Topaque; these wines are collectible and not commonly found outside the region
• Stock up when you visit — Stanton & Killeen's fortifieds have limited distribution beyond Rutherglen
• Pair the visit with other cellar doors in the region; Rutherglen has a cluster of historic wineries well suited to a day trip or weekend drive