Canberra has some of the best cool climate wines in the country and with the weather warming up and locals venturing out of hibernation, it’s the perfect time to discover some local cellar doors. If you’re relatively new to the wine tasting scene or just have no idea where to start, here is a list of some of our favourite vineyards and wine venues this season.
Mount Majura Vineyard
88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura
Perhaps one of Canberra’s most accessible wineries, Mount Majura offers cellar door tastings from Thursday to Monday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. This season the vineyard has decided to make a greater contribution to the Canberra society by creating their Nothing In, Nothing Out (NINO) charity wine.
With 100 per cent of proceeds going to Youth Care Canberra, every input to the mission has been donated; from the labels, design, bottle caps, boxes and the wine itself. This is wine in its simplest form and is worth a try to support the nominated charity.
Shaw Vineyard
34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman
After recently being part of the 2016 Australian Wine Grand Tasting in Tokyo, Shaw Vineyard offers cellar door tastings from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
With a fantastic range of cool climate wines, hand-painted pottery and an amazing onsite restaurant, Flint at Shaw Vineyard, is the perfect destination for a Sunday outing. A must-try at the cellar door is Shaw’s 2015 Riesling.
Clonakilla
3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman
Clonakilla is one of Canberra’s most acclaimed wineries and for good reason! With a selection of wines served in first class on Emirates flights and continuing to hold a high reputation after being in the wine making business since 1971, Clonakilla is a must visit.
This season, the winery has two magnificent releases including the 2015 Shiraz Viognier and 2016 Riesling. Boasting some of the best conditions for the famous Shiraz Viognier, critics agree that the 2015 drop is a must try. The Clonakilla cellar door is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
The Canberra Wine House
2 Badham Street, Dickson
Discover the wines of the Canberra region in Dickson at The Canberra Wine House. With a number of local wines and knowledgeable staff to offer you tasting notes, a day or night out at The Canberra Wine House resembles a trip to the cellar door. Sample charcuterie plates with a group of friends and discover Canberra’s local best wines. Our personal favourite for the warmer months is the 2015 Helm Half Riesling.
Make a weekend of it or just opt out of being the designated driver with Canberra Winery Tours. Encompassing some of Canberra’s best winery tours, step onto the bus and discover Clonakilla, Shaw Vineyard, Four Winds, Lerida Estate and much more. This is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply organise a get together with family and friends.
