It’s the perfect weather now to explore our amazing region and if you love to sip on a glass of wine every now and then (or every day even) why not get in the car and visit some of our amazing wineries!
Many of us have probably travelled to the Hunter Valley or Barossa near Adelaide – but did you know that Canberra’s wine region is home to a whopping 140 vineyards and more than 30 cellar doors?
With so many choices right near our doorstep and a wine for everyone, grab your friends this weekend and discover some of our incredible local wineries.
Murrumbateman
Just 30 minutes outside of Canberra, Murrumbateman is home to many of the region’s award-winning wine makers and is just the perfect distance away for a day-trip with the pals.
Eden Road is a boutique wine company creating exciting contemporary wines from Australia’s high country.
Must-try wine: The Long Road Shiraz
Cellar door: Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm. Group wine tastings must be booked ahead.
Location: 3182 Barton Hwy, Murrumbateman
Helm is a family-owned winery, opened by Ken and Judith Helm. The winery adopts a minimalist approach to winemaking: what you get in the bottle is as close as possible to what comes out of the vine.
Must-try wine: Try an award-winning Riesling or Cabernet Sauvignons
Cellar door: Thursday – Monday, 10am-5pm
Location: 19 Butts Road, Murrumbateman
Four Winds Vineyard
Four Winds is the perfect cellar door to relax overlooking the vines with a glass of beautiful wine in one hand and some wood-fired pizza in the other.
Must-try wine: The Shiraz Rosé or Sangiovese
Cellar door: Open weekends and public holidays, 10am-5pm
Location: 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman
Celebrated as one of Australia’s best wineries, Clonakilla is a small family business producing handcrafted wines in the Canberra region, in limited quantities.
Must-try wine: The Shiraz Viognier
Cellar door: Open daily, 10am-5pm. Group wine tastings must be booked ahead.
Location: 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman
Lake George
Set against the backdrop of steep hills, and overlooking the expansive views of Lake George sits a few amazing wineries to explore on a weekend trip just 45 minutes from the city!
Visit Lerida Estate for your weekend trip, sampling on the cool climate wines, suiting all tastes and budgets. Lerida offers two winery tour packages for groups of six or more if you want to get the full experience. If not, just enjoy the cellar door experience or lunch at café Lerida, and grab a matching wine to pair with your meal.
Must-try wine: Brut Rosé
Cellar door: Open daily, 10am-5pm
Café Lerida: Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm
Location: Turn off Federal Hwy at Gurney VC Rest Area and follow the signs.
Located uniquely in the Majura area of Canberra, is this dynamic boutique winery and vineyard. Its cellar door features a unique seated tasting allowing for an interactive yet relaxing tasting experience. Why not also try your hand at a self-guided ‘gumboot tour’ through the vineyard for a more active option!
Must-try wine: Tempranillo
Cellar door: Open Thursday – Monday, 10am-5pm
Location: 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura
Other great wineries within an hour of Canberra:
• Lark Hill, Bungendore – Cellar door: Weekends, 11am-4pm. Weekend lunches at set times, bookings are essential.
• Collector Wines, Collector – Cellar door: Friday – Sunday, 10am-4pm. Bookings for groups strictly by appointment.
• Brindabella Hills, Hall – Cellar door/café: Weekends, 10am-5pm
• Capital Wines, Hall – Cellar door: Thursday – Sunday, 10am-5pm
• Pankhurst Wines, Hall – Cellar door: Weekends and public holidays, 10am-5pm
• Lake George Winery, Lake George – Restaurant: Thursday – Sunday, 9am-4:30pm. Bookings are essential.
• Long Rail Gully, Murrumbateman – Cellar door: Weekends and public holidays, 10am-5pm
• Murrumbateman Winery, Murrumbateman – Cellar door: Friday – Sunday, 10am-5pm
• Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman – Cellar door: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm
To ensure you experience a smooth winery trip, make sure you have a designated driver for the day! But why not take the fuss out of the day and ensure everyone’s having a good time by booking a winery tour?
The guys at Canberra Winery Tours will organise everything for you, ensuring you and your friends enjoy a day to remember with comfort, extensive knowledge, great food and, of course, wines you won’t forget!
There are multiple packages available to choose from, whether you want a half day adventure or an all-day wine bonanza. And it doesn’t hurt that they transport you in a comfortable air-conditioned bus right?!
