An idea as to the Wine Bottle’s size with a glimpse of the beautiful surrounds.
Rutherglen’s famous Wine Bottle, transformed from the old water tower into a tourist drawcard, has celebrated its 125th birthday over the Anzac day long weekend with many locals who contributed to its history and lifespan.
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Thomas Drenen was the original water trust chairman and has his name engraved on the foundation stone of 1900, which is still seen today.
The Drenen family, Thomas’ great great grandchildren, were not able to make the ceremony and sent their apologies.
Gael and Sandy Carracher along with Janice Thomas shared their stories, knowledge, and history of living near and contributing to the work and life of the Wine Bottle as it emerged from the water tower.
“The old film footage of the bottle was shown, and we could see the many locals, which was wonderful history.”
“The old film footage of the bottle was shown, and we could see the many locals, which was wonderful history,” Rutherglen Wine Bottle committee of management chairperson Julie Taylor said.
More than 400 people attended last Saturday and Sunday.
Indigo Shire had kept the public area around the bottle beautifully cared for and visitors and families enjoyed the surrounds, taking in the view and social mood of the event.
The event was to also lend support for Rutherglen Rotary with their Vintage Bike Ride weekend.
Cyclists looped the Wine Bottle into their riding circuit which added an exciting experience for the participants.
“It was a thrill to have so many people and artists support the event, and our deep gratitude is extended to the newly formed Rutherglen Community Choir,” Ms Taylor said.
“Whilst supporting us on the weekend with singing, they recently donated $500 to the Wine Bottle committee which has enabled them to pay for the recently built and much-needed new entrance door.
“This was the committee’s gift to the Rutherglen community.”
Inside the Wine Bottle: Corowa artist Basia Olenjniczak was one of several artists to provide entertainment.
Special thanks to the Rutherglen Wine Bottle committee of management for their tireless efforts breathing life into this grand old tower, the town’s majestic bottle, which is known near and far across Australia.
Future activities are planned across this celebration year, with one up and coming on Thursday, May 15 called ‘An Evening with Rex’.
Rex Humphreys will talk about his long work history and experience as the last engineer at the water tower before it was decommissioned.
