10 Canberra wineries you need to visit

When you think about Australian wine regions, Canberra likely doesn’t come to mind. But its wineries are beginning to rival some of the top names.

In Canberra’s wine region, it’s all about terroir – a French term that encompasses all the environmental factors of an area that affect a crop. Around Canberra, that means a cool climate, granite and volcanic soils and an altitude range of 300 to 800 metres above sea level.

There are more wineries around Canberra than you might expect – you only need to drive around 30 to 40 minutes outside of the CBD to enjoy award-winning creations and picturesque estates to drink them on. But you might prefer to avoid driving altogether, which is where Canberra’s wine tours come in. Van du Vin, for example, offers half or full-day tours covering some of the best wineries in Canberra, led by a team who know their grapes.

Canberra’s winery culture technically began in the 1840s when the first vines were planted, but didn’t take off until the 1970s, when a few CSIRO scientists saw opportunity in the region’s cool climate and soil types. Now, wineries have been established around the city across Murrumbateman, Yass, Hall, Bungendore, Wamboin, Gundaroo, Lake George and Collector.

Below, find our pick of the best Canberra wineries to visit.

Clonakilla

When acclaimed wine critic James Halliday calls one of your creations “an icon wine, one of the best in Australia”, you’re likely doing something right.

Explore the Clonakilla Wines vineyard on two wheels. (Image: Destination NSW)

Naturally, this praise means you must try Clonakilla’s shiraz viognier, a blend that has won award after award with good reason – its smooth, velvety mouthfeel and complex spice will win over even those not drawn to shiraz usually.

Relish in a tasting of Clonakilla’s finest wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6227 5877

Mount Majura Vineyard

Founded in 1988, Mount Majura Vineyard is one of the few wineries in Canberra’s wine region that isn’t famed for its shiraz but for tempranillo.

One of the quaint tasting areas at Mount Majura Vineyard. (Image: Kara Rosenlund for VisitCanberra)

The full-bodied grape is now grown across three different sites in the vineyard, each developing a distinct tempranillo when bottled. The winery is also fast becoming known for its rieslings too, if you’re more of a white wine enthusiast.

Pair your wine tasting with a cheese platter. (Image: Kara Rosenlund for VisitCanberra)

Address: 88 Lime Kiln Rd, Majura, ACT

Phone Number: (02) 6262 3070

Collector Wines

Winemaker Alex McKay is passionate about Canberran grape varietals and creates his unique, lauded blends at Collector Wines in Collector, around 40 minutes outside Canberra city. With training under Dr Edward Riek, one of the CSIRO scientists responsible for the Canberra wine boom, and at Hardy’s winery in the region, McKay knows his stuff and proves it, bottle after bottle. James Halliday has praised Collector Wines, calling them “consistently excellent, their elegance appropriate for their maker.”

Grab one of the lauded blends at Collector Wines.

Address: Murray St, Collector, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6116 8722

Murrumbateman Winery

One of the oldest wineries in Canberra, Murrumbateman Winery has existed since 1973 and continues to make award-winning shiraz and riesling to this day. You’ll also spot fume blanc, malbec, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo on the wine list here, as winemaker Bobbie Makin loves nothing more than creating alternate varieties and experimenting. Be sure to look out for Mollie, the resident winery pooch, and bring your own if you like – Murrumbateman Winery is dog friendly.

Address: 131 McIntosh Cct, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: 0432 826 454

Shaw Wines

We love Shaw Wines in the winter when you can enjoy the winery’s tastings in its comforting lounge area, complete with a crackling fireplace.

Raise a glass on the spacious balcony of Shaw Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Those visiting in summer will still benefit from this winery’s exemplary tasting space, taking a seat on its spacious balcony overlooking the vines.

Settle in for a tasting at the Shaw Wines cellar door. (Image: Stuart Miller)

On a weekend you can also enjoy lunch at Olleyville, the onsite restaurant.

Swing by Olleyville, the restaurant next door, for lunch. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6227 5827

Four Winds Vineyard

Four Winds might have the most extensive wine tasting we’ve seen at a Canberra winery yet.

Choose from a mix of whites and reds, or stick exclusively to what you love – however you go, you’ll be treated to four generous tasting pours from some of Four Winds’ best bottles.

Pop into the cellar door of Four Winds Vineyard. (Image: VisitCanberra)

You can pair these back with a pizza from the onsite restaurant or a DIY deli board where you can pick up a few cheeses, meats and accompaniments to enjoy on the sunny patio.

The onsite restaurant serves up piping hot woodfired pizza. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6227 0189

Helm Wines

Another historic winery in the Canberra region, Helm Wines was founded in 1973 and has received a five-star rating from James Halliday, who named Helm Wines the top winery in Canberra for nine years in a row, making it a must-visit when in town.

Stroll past verdant grape vines at Helm Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Specialising in riesling and cabernet sauvignon, you can enjoy tastings in the unique cellar door space inside the 1888 Toual Public School building. Open Friday to Monday, bookings recommended.

Head to the cellar door to taste some of their aged wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: 0418 619 186

Brindabella Hills

Just 25 minutes drive outside of Canberra, Brindabella Hills winery is an easy one to visit when in town. Set atop a granite ridge overlooking the Murrumbidgee River gives this Canberra winery one of the best views of the bunch.

Soak up the majestic scenery from the deck at Brindbella Hills Winery. (Image: VisitCanberra)

On the tastings list, you’ll find riesling, sauvignon blanc semillon, chardonnay, cabernet and shiraz; plus there’s an onsite cafe if you want to while away the afternoon.

The tastings list spans from riesling to shiraz. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 156 Woodgrove Cl, Wallaroo, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6188 5405

Eden Road Wines

In 2017, Eden Road Wines went from a boutique Canberra winery to a region leader when award-winning French winemaker Celine Rousseau joined the team, bringing with her world-leading traditional techniques that focused on the terroir of the winery. Since then, Eden Road Wines has also been certified organic in 2020 and developed a beautiful cellar door experience where you can enjoy cheese and wine (it’s also dog friendly).

Address: 3182 Barton Highway, Murrumbateman, NSW

Phone Number: 0466 226 808

Pankhurst Wines

Pankhurst Wines began with pinot noir vines in 1986, which still produce award-winning bottles today. Since then, the winery has expanded to various wines, including chardonnay, marsanne, arneis and pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo and sangiovese. The views from the cellar door are well worth a visit alone.

Indulge in exquisite flavours and spirits at Pankhurst Wines. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 56 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo, NSW

Phone Number: 0418 667 433