A no-deso-needed winery tour of Murrumbateman
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As spring begins to slowly emerge, and we make our way through our second false start, the team at HerCanberra are in the thick of planning our warmer weather getaways.
Wineries are a common thread, and with a few cracking spots just outside Canberra, we’ve done the hard yards and are going to give you a few cheat sheets to organise the best wine weekends in our region.
Our first stop is Murrumbateman, just 30 minutes from Gungahlin or Belconnen, 40 minutes from the city, or 45 minutes from Tuggeranong. Here you will find family-friendly venues, some of the best pizza we’ve eaten in a long while, quite spots to settle down with a tasting board, and peaceful vistas enjoyed fireside.
We were lucky enough to try out Murrumbateman’s new wine trail too, an easy and accessible bike track that was only just launched in time for spring.
Like any good adventure, we kicked things off by grabbing a coffee, in this case a fine brew from Café 3:sixteen before picking up our bicycles from Canberra Wine Region E-bike Tours. After a quick induction, a cycle round the carpark, and some great advice from Andi and the team, we were off.
If you haven’t tried an electric bike before, be prepared to be converted: even the most nervous rider may be tempted to invest in their own after this wine trail adventure (I certainly spent the afternoon Googling!).
Starting at our accommodation, Abode in Murrumbateman, we made our way through town past the old school, Murrumbateman Country Inn, and even a Meadery, to the starting point at Jones Park Rest Area.
We set out for an easy 15-minute ride, enjoying the rolling hills (easily conquered thanks to your electric steed), lazily grazing sheep and the occasional menacing looking magpie.
Shortly after we arrived at our first winery, Clonakilla, energised and excited to begin our series of tastings. We were treated to an animated history of the region, a beautiful view of the undulating vines, and a stunning cellar door with a roaring fire.
One of the best known Canberran wineries and Murrumbateman’s oldest, Clonakilla was started by former CSIRO scientist, John Kirk, in 1971. He pioneered the region’s wine making as the first to plant vines in the area, and was soon followed by a handful of scientist colleagues who have steadfastly helped create our distinctive wine industry and reputation.
For white-wine lovers, grab a glass of the Viognier Noveau, or treat yourself to their famous flagship drop, described as one of the most important advances since the release of 1952 Penfolds Grange Hermitage, their Shiraz Viognier.
Our next destination was the Vintner’s Daughter, just five minutes ride down the road. Started by Stephanie and Ben, the name honours Stephanie’s father, Ken Helm, and his impact on the couple’s passion for, and knowledge of, wineries and wine.
You’ll walk past emus and baby doll sheep (we’re told farm tours are only a few months away) before entering a cosy cellar door and walking out to a breathtaking view of their property from their deck.
Their recent addition of a rosé to their wine list was initially a response to their depleted red wine grapes, but has become one of the couple’s favourites.
Be sure to look out for Rusty the Cocker Spaniel too, keen for a pat and on the lookout for anyone with something to eat, he’s a very new addition to the winery and the family.
The stunning view from the deck at The Vintner’s Daughter.
For lunch, we were lucky enough to grab a seat inside the cellar door at Four Winds Vineyard, where you’ll find some of the region’s best sparkling wines and scrumptious pizzas (we’d recommend the potato and gorgonzola for the blue cheese lovers!).
Kids can be seen cartwheeling outside and dancing to live music while their parents drink up the green surrounds and warm atmosphere, not to mention the fine wines on offer. We spent a few hours here enjoying the view, sipping at their impressive tasting selection and contemplating whether to order a third pizza.
Our final stop was next door at Dionysus Winery, which was a lovely and unexpected surprise. With menus hidden in Little Golden Books (70’s, 80’s and 90’s babies will remember these well!), the team don’t take themselves too seriously. Advice included looking at the wine to “make sure there are no floaties” and to enthusiastically smell the wine while carefully avoiding any snorting.
The team paired our tasting with cheeses from their display, the highlight being a Shiraz paired with truffle cheddar.
Once we’d had our fill and grabbed a few more bottles to add to the bike baskets, we took the chance to cycle the long way back to our hotel. Exploring some of the backroads, we were able to fully appreciate the beauty of Murrumbateman and how lucky we are to live so close to such a majestic place.
We chose to make our way all the way back to our accommodation, but the team at Canberra Wine Region E-bike Tours will pick you up and drop you off wherever you’d like. So if you do find yourself in the rain, or if the last tasting means you feel more like a nap than a ride, the team will fetch you and your bikes, and drop you where you need to go.
Prep the fleet has a completely different meaning in my other job as a nurse…
Posted by Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tours on Saturday, 2 April 2022
Some other fun things to add to your list if you’re visiting the area is grabbing a hot chocolate at Murrumbateman Chocolate Co, enjoying lamb shanks or a schnitzel by the fire at the Murrumbateman Country Inn, or attend one of the regular pottery workshops at Whistle and Page.
Otherwise check out the Yass Valley website for events or activities happening when you visit.
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Remember that in NSW, a bike is considered a vehicle and as such, drink driving restrictions apply. The way the Road Transport Act 2013 is written means that low range, mid-range, and high-range drink driving offences don’t apply, but cyclists can be charged with using or attempting to use their bicycle under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.
It’s a fun full day out, pace yourself and look after each other.
