Rutherglen Muscat: Australia’s liquid gold

Jane is a proud fifth generation member of her family business, Campbells Wines in Rutherglen, which was established in 1870 by Scotsman John Campbell. Daughter of the late Colin Campbell, Jane is now managing director and works with her sister Julie as winemaker, to continue their father’s philosophy of capturing the full flavours of Rutherglen to create wines of complexity and elegance. Jane oversees the whole estate operation as well as being brand custodian. Her passion is working closely with her team to ensure innovative practices, outstanding wines and a compelling and authentic winery experience. A firm focus for Jane currently is the family vineyards where organic mulch and a reduced spray routine have now become part of their vineyard practice. She has also instigated an ambitious program to further expand the winery experience for visitors by providing tasting experiences in the heart of the cellars and an expanded parkland overlooking the vineyards.

As part of a six generational wine business, Stephen started to help out at Chambers Rosewood Winery from an early age and throughout his schooling, whether it was in the cellar door, winery, vineyard or the farm. After studying Oenology at Adelaide University, he spent some time in the Barossa Valley, Bordeaux and Western Australia’s Great Southern, gaining experience. Returning to Rutherglen in 2000, Stephen set about to maintain the high quality fortified wines being produced, as well as improving the consistency of the table wine offerings.

In her mid 50’s, Wendy Killeen has never been busier, overseeing the Stanton & Killeen wine operation and 330-hectare farm. Returning to the family business in 2011 was essential for the health and longevity of the decade’s old family winery, spanning across two centuries. Managing all aspects of the wine business, Wendy’s skills in marketing, public relations and sales have elevated the winery’s profile and increased profitability. Wendy travels extensively worldwide supporting the growing export market. Wendy and her daughter, Natasha, are the first females over seven generations, managing Stanton & Killeen Wines.  

Jen Pfeiffer is the winemaker at her family winery, Pfeiffer Wines Rutherglen, as well as her own brand, Jen Pfeiffer Rock It Like A Redhead. At aged 30 Jen was awarded the Wine Society’s Australasian Young Winemaker of the Year Sommelier’s Choice Award. She has worked vintages in both France and Portugal, and has also amassed an incredible 1000 medals and 50+ trophies for her wines in the past two decades. Jen is heavily involved in the Australian Wine Show circuit in a judging capacity and has been Chair of Judges at the Daylesford Wine Show, the Geelong Wine Show and the Swan Hill Wine Show. Jen is passionate about fortified wines and aspires to become recognised as one of Australia’s pre-eminent fortified winemakers. 

Sarah Ahmed is a UK-based wine writer, blogger, educator and judge, specialising in the wines of Australia and Portugal. As well as publishing her own blog, The Wine Detective, she also writes for numerous publications and has contributed to many leading wine reference books. Sarah started her wine career with wine merchant Oddbins in 2000, managing their flagship Fine Wine Store in London between 2003 and 2005, before striking out on her own with writing and in education. Sarah was awarded ‘Honorary Australian Woman in Wine’ at the Australian Women in Wine Awards 2017.