Take a 30-45 minute drive through Canberra’s wine region and experience all the different flavours and complexities of amazing award-winning wines. We have put together a list of the top 10 wineries with the best cellar door and tasting experiences on offer!
CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER
Producing cool-climate wines with distant views of the Snow Mountains, single vineyard Contentious Character in Wamboin has a range of different experiences and wines to enjoy. From Thursday to Sunday the vineyard is open for tastings in the cellar door and dining in the restaurant overlooking a charming view of the vineyard. Their Italian and modern Australian menu consists of wood-fired pizzas and fresh regional produce that has carefully been chosen to perfectly complement their wines. The winery is also no stranger to hosting a party, with regular events happening throughout the year, including trivia and pizza nights, Christmas celebrations and yoga in the vineyard.
SHAW WINES
Located in the heart of Canberra’s cool-climate wine region, Shaw Wines has collected over 300 medals and trophies from various Australian and international wine shows. The 70-acre estate produces a vast range of different wines including Riesling, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Open 7 days a week, join them for wine tastings, private group tastings and wine tours, or simply relax in the wine lounge and share a bottle of wine and cheese plate while you soak up the views. The vineyard is also host to Olleyville restaurant, a wood fired dominated restaurant with rustic seasonal sharing plates, open from Thursday to Sunday.
BRINDABELLA HILLS WINERY
Surrounded by hills, Brindabella Hills Winery has the perfect environment for its grapes, leading them to produce award-winning wines. Open for lunch every weekend, find a spot in their vineyard café looking onto the mountain and into the valley, and enjoy a two-course set menu with pairing wines or opt for a grazing package on the lawn.
GUNDOG ESTATE
Boutique winery Gundog Estate is known for producing premium and innovative wines such as Riesling, Semillon and Shiraz that are reflective of modern Australia styles. The cellar door in Gundaroo is open Thursday to Monday and offers a tasting experience that showcases their current vintages, museum releases and award-winning wines, alongside seasonal dishes from their neighbour, the award-winning Grazing restaurant.
YARRH WINES
Join Yarrh Wines in their cellar door from Friday to Sunday for a wine or two and enjoy some locally sourced nibbles over a relaxing afternoon. For those who wish to learn more about the winery, owners also offer a ‘Winemaker’s Tales’ experience, where guests can enjoy a selection of wines and gourmet foods, then take a tour of the winery and learn everything there is to know about how they produce their wines.
LERIDA ESTATE
If Pinot noir is your favourite drop, visit Lerida Estate who specialise and have a passion for the red grape. Although they have a soft spot for Pinot, they also grow a number of other exceptional wines with a range of fruity and bold flavours. Visit the estate and enjoy a glass at their café with a snack, grazing or long lunch of seasonally produced foods.
CLONAKILLA
Arguably producing Australia’s best red wine, Clonakilla is no doubt a must-try in the Canberra region. Visit the estate’s cellar door 7 days a week for a tasting of their range of premium award-winning red and white wines including new releases.
LAKE GEORGE WINERY
Established in 1971, Lake George Winery is one of Canberra’s oldest producing hand-picked cool-climate wines. Not only can you visit their cellar door from Thursday to Sunday and take a tour of the vineyard, but you can also dine at their Westering Restaurant and experience an exceptional four course meal with matching wines.
MOUNT MAJURA VINEYARD
In very close proximity to Canberra lives Mount Majura Vineyard. Open 7 days a week, explore everything they have to offer through a wine tasting experience with a cheese and charcuterie platter, or alternatively, if you have a favourite wine, ask for a glass instead of a tasting.
EDEN ROAD WINES
In the highlands of Canberra’s wine district Eden Road Wines has been growing and producing award-winning wines such as Riesling, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Open Wednesday to Sunday, visit their cellar door for a one-hour wine tasting with a delicious cheese platter while you soak up the sun and friendly atmosphere.
Spoilt for choice? Merry Heart CBR’s custom private tour itineraries can take you all the way from Murrumbateman, to Lake George and Brindabella Hills, providing the perfect balance between self-exploration and structure. These Canberra wine tour options range from half to full days for visits to 3-6 cellar doors, and include everything from multiple course lunches, cheese pairings, snacks, refrigerated cold drinks and air-conditioned vehicles for you and all your pals.
