Compared to the Barossa or the Hunter Valley, say, Canberra District is a nascent wine region, with the first plantings made by CSIRO scientists in 1971. The “Canberra District” name is also something of a misnomer, given most of the 400-plus hectares under vine aren’t in the ACT but further to the north and east in New South Wales.
Yet, despite its youth and geographic peculiarities – or indeed perhaps because of them – there’s a creative, collaborative and energetic spirit that runs through the District’s 40-ish cellar doors, many of which are just over a half-hour’s drive from the city.
Riesling and shiraz rule the roost here, but an extreme continental climate, varying elevations and diverse soil types all give rise to an undeniably high level of quality across the board.
The best Canberra wineries to visit in 2025
Four Winds Vineyard
9 Patemans La, Murrumbateman, NSW
The 2023 Four Winds Vineyard Shiraz took out the coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for Best Young Red Wine in 2024, but there’s excellence to be had in the form of crunchy tempranillo and a fan-favourite rosé, too. Kick back with a wood-fired pizza out in the hay shed, and be sure to grab a bottle of Shiraz Rosé Gin for the road.
Lark Hill Winery
31 Joe Rocks Rd, Bungendore, NSW
A steadfast commitment to biodynamic farming distinguishes the wines of Lark Hill, founded by Sue and Dave Carpenter in 1978, with winemaking now overseen by the couple’s son, Chris. The riesling, chardonnay, shiraz and pinot noir are reliably outstanding, as is the easy-going sangiovese, but it’s the grüner veltliner that earns top marks, consistently heralded as Australia’s best example.
Nick O’Leary Wines
149 Brooklands Rd, Wallaroo, NSW
producers finally got a cellar door in the Hall Valley midway through 2023, complete with a cut-above restaurant, cocktail bar and cracking international wine list. Make your way through the crowd-pleasing O’Leary stable at the tasting counter, then pop a bottle of grower Champagne and lean right into a long lunch of Euro-centric share plates.
Clonakilla
3 Crisps La, Murrumbateman, NSW
Clonakilla’s endlessly elegant shiraz viognier is legendary and by far the country’s premier interpretation of Côte-Rôtie. To taste it in situ is but one compelling reason to call in to the Kirk family’s holy grail Murrumbateman estate. If you’re looking for two more, try the taut, concentrated riesling and the floral, spice-laden O’Riada Shiraz out on the patio with vineyard views.
Helm Wines
19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman, NSW
There’s no quainter cellar door in the District than Ken and Judith Helm’s, sited in a former schoolhouse built in 1888. The Helm name, of course, is synonymous with top-tier riesling, produced in a variety of expressive styles, including an inventive rosé splashed with cabernet sauvignon. Don’t overlook the straight cabernet sauvignon, either – stately and old-school in all the right ways.
Mount Majura Vineyard
88 Lime Kiln Rd, Majura, ACT
Benchmark tempranillo is the calling card here at the closest winery to Canberra’s city centre, a mere 20 minutes away by car, where you can complement your afternoon with a self-guided walk amongst the vines. The line-up is filled with other unsung heroes – peppery graciano, slinky mondeuse – and with plantings of mencía and albariño on the way, there are even more to come.
Eden Road Wines
3192 barton hwy, Murrumbateman, nsw
Paris-born vintner Celine Rousseau has been leading the charge at Eden Road since 2017, solidifying the label’s reputation for precise, technique-driven wines. Polished, medium-weight shiraz is a strong suit, as are the skin-contact pinot gris, supple pinot noir and gorgeously perfumed malbec. The recently launched “Small Batch” series, meanwhile, showcases a more experimental side, spotlighting varieties such as fiano and nero d’Avola.
FAQs
Where is Canberra?
Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), roughly a three-hour drive southwest of Sydney. As the nation’s capital, it offers a rich blend of history, culture, food and wine. Its cool climate means that it produces high quality wines and is often frequented by visitors from surrounding states.
Does Canberra have wineries?
Yes, Canberra has over 50 wineries just a short drive from the city centre. Its cooler climate, rich topography and variations in soil type and vineyard elevations make it a winemaker’s dream.
What wine is Canberra known for?
Thanks to its variation in temperature, elevation and soil type, Canberra is known to produce an exceptional variety in styles, including: riesling, shiraz, sangiovese, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, tempranillo and even more rare varieties like gruner veltliner.
What is the best time of year to visit a winery in Canberra?
The best time of the year to visit a winery in Canberra is generally winter. Not only does the cool season lend itself to cosying up by a fire while you enjoy a drop or two of shiraz or cabernet sauvignon, but winter is also truffle season — offering a luxe pairing experience with your wine tastings.
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