Last Saturday night, we celebrated our inaugural Burning of the Canes, and it was truly memorable. Guests arrived just before 5 PM, welcomed by Jack and his team with warm soup to kick off the evening. The cozy atmosphere in Harold’s Room was complemented by the crackling fireplaces, while some guests enjoyed their soup outside as the sun set.

The highlight of the night was the cane burning, symbolising renewal. After some effort to get the fire started, it eventually roared to life, marking a collective moment of rejuvenation. Kudos to Yvan, Nick, and the vineyard team for making it happen. The festoon lights added a warm glow to the scene.

Dinner featured delicious Indigo Valley Lamb, served with our signature sauces and flatbreads. The St Leonards Durif, and St Leonards Cabernet Franc were both well-received and paired perfectly with the meal.

As the cane-fire blazed, guests enjoyed the warm evening and the glowing redgum base. It was a perfect night where everything felt just right.

Throughout the evening, Lizzie, Jorgia, and Michele ensured that everyone’s glasses were full, and the atmosphere was welcoming. As the night came to a close and the fire began to fade, guests gradually made their way home, leaving behind the last glowing embers.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the Burning of the Canes. It was a night of simple pleasures—good food, great wine, and shared experiences. We were proud to be part of Rutherglen’s first Dark Side of Wine festival and look forward to doing it all again next year.