Canberra region wineries to cross off your bucket list
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From the award-winning to the hidden gems, these Canberra region wineries are worth a visit.
It’s time to stop and smell the rosé.
Lark Hill Winery (Bungendore)
At Lark Hill Winery you can soak up the country ambience as you treat yourself to a curated flight of vintages. Established in 1978 by Sue and Dave Carpenter, this family-owned and operated estate produces organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines that are best enjoyed during a long and lazy afternoon.
With stunning views that will transport you to the heart of Tuscany and delicious wines, what’s not to love?
31 Joe Rocks Road, Bungendore | Open Friday to Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm | larkhill.wine
Gallagher Wines (Jeir)
Greg Gallagher OAM has been making wine for over 40 years, so it’s no shock that Gallagher Wines is recognised as one of the premium wine producers of the region.
Creating delicious traditional cool climate wines as well as on-site-made cheese and preserves (yes, really), Gallagher Wines is known for some serious wines – Blanc de Blanc, Riesling, Sangiovese Rosé and Shiraz top the list. This family run business is must-visit for anyone interested in trying award-winning drops.
2770 Dog Trap Road, Jeir | Open Thursday to Monday, 10 am – 5 pm | gallagherwines.com.au
Clonakilla (Murrumbateman)
It’s considered one of the best wineries in Australia and it’s just down the road (well, 45 minutes from Canberra’s CBD).
Producing handcrafted Canberra region wines in limited quantities, the wines from Clonakilla have earned some critical acclaim – and with the cellar door close by, why wouldn’t you want to take a road trip to try the current creations? The Shiraz Viognier is a must.
3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman | Open Monday to Friday, 11 am – 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm | clonakilla.com.au
Four Winds Vineyard (Murrumbateman)
Serving award-winning wines and wood-fired pizzas seven days a week, Four Winds is a must-stop for wine and food lovers.
Take your cues from the regulars and order a wood-fired potato and gorgonzola pizza to nibble while you work your way through a four-wine flight – choose from whites, reds, or a mixed selection. You can also take your pick of wines by the glass, along with craft brews (with and without alcohol) from the surrounding region.
9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman | Open Monday to Friday, 11 am – 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm | fourwindsvineyard.com.au
McKellar Ridge (Murrumbateman)
Never heard of McKeller Ridge? This cellar door is known for its premium cool climate wines. Focusing on fresh fruit flavours, distinctive spiciness, and crisp acidity – which reflects their wine philosophy of pure fruit expression and minimal intervention – they’ve won countless awards. See you there?
2 Euroka Avenue, Murrumbateman | Open Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm | mckellarridgewines.com.au
Yarrh Wines (Murrumbateman)
This delightful winery is only 10 minutes from Murrumbateman Village and it’s well worth the drive. Creating low-intervention red and white wines that are bottled on-site, the makers aim to create wines that are authentic expressions of the vineyards, the variety, and their vintage.
Choose from the standard wine flight tasting to enjoy four wines from their full tasting list or book in for their Winemaker’s Sail tasting – which includes four wines paired with four seasonal dishes.
440 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman | Open Friday to Sunday, 11 am – 4.30 pm | yarrhwines.com.au
The Vintner’s Daughter (Murrumbateman)
With stunning views and famous neighbours (hello again, Clonakilla), the Vinter’s Daughter is known for their Riesling, sparkling Malbec, 2012 Synergy Cabernets Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Family-owned and operated by husband-wife duo winemaker Steph Helm and vigneron Ben Osbourne, the entire process is controlled on-site – from vine to glass. And as the daughter of Ken Helm from Helm Wines, Steph has been making wine before she was old enough to drink it, so she knows a good drop or two.
5 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman | Open Friday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm | thevintnersdaughter.com.au
Barton Estate (Wallaroo)
With Riesling and Shiraz named after their children, Baton Estate is a family affair as owners Bob and Julie welcome you into their home and introduce you to the friendly cellar door dogs. Casual yet informative, this cellar door started in 1997 and you’ll surely find some unique wines (such as Sparkling Malbec and Petit Verdot).
Name a better way to spend a day than sipping on super-premium wines? You can’t.
56 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo | Open Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm | bartonestate.com.au
Feature image: Lark Hill. Credit: Adam McGrath.
