Crackling fires, local truffles, mulled wine and more: five unmissable events at the Fireside Festival
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There are plenty of reasons to visit the Canberra wine region – but when the Fireside Festival promises to warm your soul and fill your belly, you don’t need to look for an excuse.
Taking over the local wine region until Sunday 9 August, the Fireside Festival is back once again to celebrate the winter season. Seeing wineries across the Canberra district throwing open their doors for more than 20 unique winter experiences, the annual festival invites visitors to enjoy unforgettable food, wine and fireside hospitality. And with local truffles, mulled wine, long lunches and exceptional cool-climate wines all on the menu, the 2026 program is looking extra delicious.
Here are five unmissable events at the Fireside Festival that are sure to keep you warm this winter.
Mulled wine weekends at Four Winds Vineyard
There’s nothing quite like a mug of mulled wine on a chilly winter’s day, which is why Four Winds Vineyard is pouring its house-made recipe every weekend during the festival.
Crafted from their Sangiovese and infused with orange and warming spices, you can enjoy a drink or two by their roaring fire while nibbling on some woodfired pizzas. Make sure to make the most of the cellar door tastings and don’t worry – if you’re the designated driver for the day, their Mulled Wine at Home packs are also available to take away or order online.
Make sure to book ahead!
Every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 9 August | Four Winds Vineyard, 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman | more information here.
Did someone say ‘truffle cheese platters’ with mountain views?
Truffle lovers, this one is for you. Each weekend of the festival, Pankhurst Wines is serving up decadent truffle cheese platters to accompany a tasting of their wide range of wines.
Taking place by an open fire overlooking the mountain range – as well as views of sheep, lambs and alpacas munching grass in the vineyard – you’ll enjoy varieties including Pinot noir, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 9 August | Pankhurst Wines, 56 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo | More information here.
Wine and dine with Four Winds Vineyard and Capitol Bar & Grill
This is a local line-up worth pulling up a chair for. For one night only, Capitol Bar & Grill is playing host to Four Winds Vineyard for an unforgettable meal.
Led by Four Winds Vineyard CEO and owner Sarah Collingwood, you’ll learn insider secrets and just enough wine wisdom to leave people impressed. Meanwhile, Capitol’s Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell will be serving up a four-course menu inspired by smoke and flame. Think: Junee lamb sous vide, pumpkin galette, and buffalo ricotta ravioli.
Thursday 30 July | 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | More information here.
Cosy up at Poachers by Fire
This is an unmissable fireside dining experience.
All about embracing the cooler evenings and focusing on the very best of seasonal produce, sit back as you’re handed a drink on arrival and Chef Adam Wilson and Chef Jack Huxtable begin the evening by cooking over an open fire.
Followed by a main and dessert inside the Poachers restaurant, expect to see lots of local truffles on the menu alongside dishes like beef rib with saltbush and smoked potato, Devillee bubble and squeak and tipsy pudding.
Saturday 1 August | 431 Nanima Road, Springrange | More information here.
Pinoy Pig and Pinot promise a perfect day out
Slow-roasted Filipino Lechon with cool-climate Pinot Noir is on the menu for this one-day food and wine experience at Lerida Estate.
Bringing together two great culinary traditions, on Saturday 8 August let yourself indulge in an authentic whole spit-roasted Lechon, prepared over open flame and cooked to perfection using traditional Filipino techniques. Served to guests alongside a generous plate of classic Filipino trimmings, you’ll also be treated to a selection of current and back-vintage Pinot Noirs poured by the glass.
Helping to cap off more than two weeks of winter experiences that celebrate the very best of the Canberra wine region, you’ll want to book this ASAP.
Saturday 8 August | Lerida Estate Wines, Federal Highway, Lake George | More information here.
