Bellingham Estate

Discover the story behind Rusden

The Rusden Vineyard is nestled on the deep Vine Vale sand in the foothills below the eastern Barossa Ranges. The early pioneers carved this area out of cypress, blue gum and wattle woodland, once know as Bethany Sandscrub. Our old vines are traditionally cared for and hand tended to ensure their longevity and benefit for future generations. A minimalist approach to winemaking results in an honest representation of the variety. This is a New World wine made in an Old World style to produce a fruit driven wine with dimension, character and balance. Rusden’s roots stretch back to the first families that settled the Barossa Valley. The Rusden Vineyardis on the eastern side of the valley in the sub-region of Vine Vale, where the Canute family grow, make and sell stunning wines drawing on the knowledge passed down over 8 generations. Rusden’s philosophy incorporates the old Independent Vignerons banner of “Traditional Winemakers” where respect for terroir is paramount. Rusden work and harvest their own vineyards to ensure that traditional viticultural practises are kept alive. The vineyard and winery is 100% family owned and the wines madeon-site. Christian Canutehas over 18 years of winemaking experience including international exposure and stints at some of the most highly regarded wineries in the nation. In 1997 he made the decision to take on the wine making responsibilities for the family business. A strong believer in tradition, Christian’s winemaking philosophies include: hand picking, gentle de- stemming, open air fermentation, basket pressing and ageing in a blend of new and old French and American Oak. Hisaimisto“make wines that refine the power of Barossa fruit, yet highlight the floral aromatics and spice characters so evident in wines made from grapes grown in Vine Vale’s sandy soil”.