10 Ways to Enjoy Canberra Wineries
Known as a cool climate wine region, Canberra wines are distinctive, accommodating and part of the unique charm of the region. From premium small batch wines to popular vintage varieties, in Canberra you’re sure to find something to engage your palate. Discover great food, passionate vintners, beautiful countryside and romantic accommodation as you enjoy Canberra’s wine region.
What styles of wine are found in the Canberra Region?
Due to the diverse environments and altitudes, Canberra's wineries produce distinct vintages with varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Tempranillo and Grüner Veltliner. There are plenty of options for enjoying a nice drop in Canberra.
1. Celebrate Canberra Wine Week
Canberra's winemaking history dates back more than 160 years, but it was only in the 1970s that saw a resurgence in the region, largely powered by scientific advancements that make it easier to research optimal vineyard locations.
A full ten day program of wine and food, tasting and matchings will be held across Canberra, Murrumbateman, Yass, Bungendore, Hall and Gundaroo. The program culminates with the annual Harvest Festival over the 8th and 9th of April, where there will be food, drink, music and celebrations across the region.
2. Hire yourself a local guide
For the wine enthusiast who doesn’t want to miss a beat, experienced local guides can offer pick up services from your hotel giving you the opportunity to enjoy the best wining and dining the region has to offer. Contact your accommodation or visitor information to find out more about local winery guides in Canberra.
3. Featured Winery: Mount Majura Vineyard
Established in 1998, Mount Majura is a boutique brand with dynamic selection of wines available at their cellar door. 'Gumboot’ self guided tours allow visitors to explore the spectacular Mount Majura region while learning about viticulture on the vineyard.
Location: Mount Majura Vineyard is only 9km from Canberra Airport, and about 2km from the northern end of Majura road.
Awards: Mount Majura Vineyard has won the Canberra Capital Region Tourism Award for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
4. Go behind the scenes with a Merry Heart Canberra Winery Tour
Discover the best of the Australian Capital’s wines with a Merry Heart Canberra wineries tour around Murrumbateman. Experience the stunning countryside while visiting world-class wineries like Clonakilla, Helm Wines, and Lake George Winery. Enjoy wine tastings, dining and lovely views. Everything is taken care of, so you can have a glass in hand and enjoy yourself.
5. Discover smoked meats at the Poachers Pantry Smokehouse
Located in a lovingly restored 1930s farm cottage on Namina Road, the Poachers Pantry Smokehouse is the perfect place to laden your larder with delicious cold cuts, local delectables and regional preserves, all in the peaceful surrounds of nearby Trout Vineyard.
Located deep in wine country, Poachers Pantry serves breakfast and lunch with a seasonal a la carte menu, or you can just fill up at the pantry and find a nice tree to sit under, passing the day with great food and a quality drop.
6. Fill the home cellar with your favourite drop
If you happen to find that magical pinot noir but can't transport it home, don’t fret. Many wine makers in Canberra can ship anywhere in the world, allowing you to keep experiencing the wineries of Canberra without worrying about your inventory. Wine makes a great gift, gets better with age and it always pays to have some on hand for when friends drop by.
7. Get married!
If you’re planning the big event, what better place to do it then in the idyllic, picturesque surrounds of the Canberra Wine Region? There are a number of wineries and restaurants able to cater to weddings including:
All offering unique settings, great food and an abundance of regional wines. The best thing about planning a wedding in wine country, you get to sample all the winess before you choose!
8. Dine in rustic charm and style at Flint Restaurant
Located in the Murrumbateman region and showcasing the best in mediterranean cuisine, Flint restaurant is a charming and popular dining experience that uses locally sourced produce in a fresh, fun and seasonal menu.
Enjoy mouthwatering mains like the popular pork schnitzel or tagliatelle, try the spiced prawn sausage or enjoy one of Flint’s signature wood fired pizzas. Located at Shaw Vineyard, you’ll be delighted with the range of wines on offer to expertly match your meal.
9. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon
You can’t truly appreciate the sprawling beauty of Canberra’s wine country until you’ve taken to the skies in a hot air balloon. Enjoy a champagne celebration as you drift over the rolling valleys of the region and enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to see our nation’s capital from the air.
10. Masterwork micro-breweries make beer making an art form
Put down the carafe and pick up a pint at one of Canberra’s many excellent handcrafted breweries. Unearth award winning small batch ales and ciders and discover the artists behind the brewing.
Must see breweries include:
- Pact Beer Co – Their 100 Acres IPA is strong and hoppy, while the Brickworks Brown Ale is not to be missed.
- Bentspoke Brewing Co – 18 varieties of award winning beer and cider on on display at this friendly microbrewery and tavern.
- Wig and Pen Brewery – Named best small brewery in Australia at the 2012 Australian International Beer Awards.
- Tortured Gum Brewery – Create your own small batch beer or try one of their signature ales.
The Canberra micro-brewery scene is about more than just great beer. Discover mouth watering food perfectly matched to your lager, and learn more about the brewery process and how your beer is made from the passionate locals in Canberra’s brew scene.
Next time you’re in Canberra, make sure to take a trip to the wine region for a taste of what’s on offer from the 30+ wineries dotted around the area. Whether you want to see the region via hot air balloon or you just want to visit some of the local cellar doors, Canberra’s wine region is sure to impress even the most discerning sommelier.
