A guide to a spring weekend in the Canberra wine region
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This spring, why not plan a scenic escape through rolling farmlands and boutique cool-climate cellar doors?
With 140 vineyards and 40 cellar doors located within a 35-minute drive from our city centre, the Canberra wine region is a wine lover’s paradise. From Canberra to Hall, Murrumbateman, Yass, Bungendore, Lake George, Wamboin, and Gundaroo, the region’s thriving wine and food culture is ideal for anyone looking for a gourmet getaway close to home.
Whether you want to enjoy paddock-to-plate dining or sit in the sun to sip crisp Rieslings, here’s your spring weekend guide to Canberra’s wine region.
Note: You’ll need at least three days to truly explore the region. With plenty of ground to cover, start planning for your springtime sips!
Murrumbateman and Yass
Poachers Pantry. Supplied.
Located in the heart of the Canberra wine region – and just a short 30-minute drive down the Barton Highway – Murrumbateman and Yass are home to over 20 boutique vineyards and cellar doors.
Murrumbateman itself is a hub for award-winning cool-climate wines, with 15 cellar doors located in the village, making it a must-stop for anyone interested in trying a diverse range of wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside.
For those after a more traditional cellar door experience Barton Estate, Clonakilla Wines, Eden Road Wines, Gallagher Wines, Quarry Hill, Granitevale, Helm Wines, McKellar Ridge Wines, Yarrh Wines and the Vintner’s Daughter all offer tastings of award-winning wines.
Meanwhile, those who believe the food and atmosphere are just as important as the wine should make a stop at Shaw Estate for a refined Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience, while Wins Creek Meadery & Brewing Co is known for serving award-winning mead made from house-produced honey in a cosy café.
Looking for something more casual? Four Winds Vineyard is known for their wood-fired pizzas served against an Instagram-worthy backdrop and for something a little bit different, Murrumbateman Winery serves freshly baked scones with jam and cream on the weekend. Finally, Dionysus Winery offers a chocolate pairing or chocolate tasting plate – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Closer to Yass, Dog Trap Vineyard is known for rich, dry reds crafted from premium Shiraz and Cabernet grapes while Poachers Pantry offers tastings of its range of estate-grown cool climate wines alongside an acclaimed smokehouse menu. Intrepidus Wines offers tastings strictly by appointment, and Mallaluka Wines is a boutique operation with private tours, tastings and functions available to be booked.
Canberra, Hall and Wallaroo
Mount Majura Vineyard. Photograph: Stuart Miller
With urban and suburban vineyards close to the city, this part of the region is perfect to explore if you’re short on time.
Located only 15 minutes from Civic, Mount Majura Vineyard is known for its Sparkling, and Riesling and is a leading Australian producer of the Spanish variety Tempranillo. Meanwhile, Brindabella Hills Winery offers sweeping views of the Brindabella mountain ranges and the cellar door is open every weekend for tastings.
Looking for something a little closer to home? Contentious Character is Kingston Foreshore’s very own urban winery. Featuring award-winning cool-climate drops, lake views, and waterfront dining, it offers a vibrant taste of the region without leaving town.
Located just north of the ACT border (approximately 20 minutes from the city), Wallaroo will transport you straight to Italy’s Tuscany wine region. Set against the backdrop of the Brindabella Ranges, Surveyors Hill and Pankhurst Wines are well worth a visit on a sunny spring day. Just down the road from Hall, Nick O’Leary’s Heywood in Wallaroo combines a vineyard, winemaking facility, tasting bar, and restaurant all in one stylish space.
Bungendore, Wamboin, Gundaroo, and Lake George
Lerida Estate. Image supplied.
These high-altitude locations are known for distinctive terroir and scenic views – ideal for a springtime road trip.
Bungendore is home to two amazing wineries: Sapling Yard Wines, and Lark Hill Winery. Just up the road in Wamboin, Aranya Acres hosts Sapling Yard tastings alongside a native-inspired menu, while Norton Road Wines serves up cool-climate drops with craft BBQ.
In Gundaroo you’ll find Tallagandra Hill Winery, and Gundog Estate Cork St Cellar, while just off the Federal Highway, Lerida Estate has long been a local favourite and offers breathtaking views of Lake George. And of course we have to mention Lake George Winery. Founded in 1971, it’s celebrated for its minimal-intervention, award-winning wines.
With so much to explore, why not grab your partner-in-wine and make the most of the season? Discover more of the region at canberrawines.com.au.
Feature image: Heywood. Credit: Ben King Photography.
