Australia's Best-Kept Wine Secret
The Canberra wine district sits at 600–800m elevation — the highest of any Australian mainland wine region. This altitude creates cooler temperatures, longer growing seasons, and a mineral tension in the wines that's unmistakably Canberra. Burgundy is the closest parallel.
Cool-Climate Advantage
600–800m elevation produces wines of genuine elegance and longevity. Canberra Shiraz has a white pepper and spice character that mirrors the Northern Rhône — something impossible to achieve in warmer climates.
Family Boutique Producers
Nearly all 35+ producers are small family operations. When you visit, you meet the winemaker. There are no corporate tasting rooms — just passionate individuals who know every row of vines by name.
Trophy-Winning Shiraz
Clonakilla's Shiraz Viognier is one of the most consistently decorated Australian wines of the past two decades, regularly beating larger-volume producers at national and international shows.
Exceptional Riesling
The altitude and granite soils produce a Riesling of piercing aromatics, steely acidity and long ageing potential. Canberra Riesling rivals Clare Valley and Eden Valley at their best.
Biodynamic & Organic
A surprisingly high proportion of Canberra producers farm organically or biodynamically — including Lark Hill, one of Australia's pioneering biodynamic vineyards, now producing superb Grüner Veltliner.
30 Minutes from the City
Murrumbateman is just 30–35km north of Canberra. Lake George cellar doors are 25–30km east. Unlike the Hunter or Barossa, Canberra's wine country is a true day trip — no overnight stay required.
Notable Canberra District Wineries
Our Canberra Wine Region Tours
Visit 3 of Murrumbateman's best cellar doors with a wine-educated guide who knows the region, the winemakers and which wines are drinking beautifully right now.
- 3 curated Murrumbateman cellar door visits
- Guided tastings at each winery — 4–6 wines per stop
- Ploughman's lunch at a vineyard setting
- Expert commentary on varieties, vintage and winemaking
- Boutique purchasing advice — what to buy and why
- Designated driver included — drink without worry
- Maximum 12 guests for a truly personal experience
The complete picture. Morning in Murrumbateman, lunch at a vineyard restaurant, afternoon at Lake George — two distinct sub-regions, the complete Canberra wine story in a single exceptional day.
- Morning: 2 Murrumbateman cellar doors including Clonakilla or Helm
- Lunch at Lerida Estate, Eden Road or Brindabella Hills restaurant
- Afternoon: 2 Lake George cellar doors — Lark Hill, Nick O'Leary
- 6–8 different wineries' wines tasted across the day
- Regional overview talk including geology, climate and style differences
- Opportunity to purchase wine at cellar door pricing
Your group, your pace, your selection. Private tours allow completely bespoke itineraries — request specific wineries, wine styles or pair with a winery lunch for a truly special occasion.
- Completely private — your group only
- Bespoke itinerary built around your preferences
- Request specific wineries, varieties or food pairings
- Special occasion add-ons: flowers, cake, picnic hamper
- Pick-up from hotels, accommodation or central location
Why choose between Canberra's extraordinary wine and its celebrated craft beer scene? This popular full-day combo covers Murrumbateman cellar doors in the morning and Braddon/Fyshwick breweries in the afternoon.
- Morning: 2 Murrumbateman cellar door visits
- Vineyard lunch between the two regions
- Afternoon: Bentspoke Brewing in Braddon
- Optional add: Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick
- The definitive Canberra drink-culture day out
Australia's Best Cool-Climate Wines Await
Shiraz with white pepper and violet. Riesling that rings like a crystal bell. And a winemaker at every tasting table, excited to share their story. That's what Canberra wine country looks like.
Private or group booking? Call +61 409 661 342
What Wine Tour Visitors Say
Absolutely stunning wines — I had no idea Canberra produced Shiraz of this calibre. Our guide was knowledgeable without being pretentious. Clonakilla alone was worth the trip. I went home with a case I simply couldn't leave without.
We did the full-day tour as part of our anniversary trip. The lunch at Lerida was divine, the tastings were perfectly curated, and being driven meant we could fully enjoy every glass. One of the best days of our lives.
The wine and brewery combo day was inspired. I loved the contrast — elegant cold-climate Riesling in the morning, then Bentspoke's hoppy IPA in the afternoon. Canberra genuinely surprised me. The guide was brilliant company too.
Canberra Wine Tour FAQs
What wines is Canberra famous for?
The Canberra District is most celebrated for Shiraz — particularly the co-fermented Shiraz Viognier style made famous by Clonakilla, which produces a spicy, aromatic wine with violet and white pepper character unlike warmer Australian regions. Riesling is equally outstanding — steely, lime-driven and highly ageable. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier and Grüner Veltliner (a Lark Hill specialty) are also excellent.
Where is the Canberra wine region?
The Canberra wine region spans two main sub-zones: Murrumbateman (30km north of Canberra city) and Lake George (25km north-east, partly in NSW). Both are within 30–45 minutes of the city centre by car or tour bus. The altitude ranges from 600–800m above sea level — unusually high for an Australian wine region, which creates the cool-climate character that defines Canberra wines.
How many wineries are in the Canberra wine region?
There are approximately 35–40 producers in the Canberra District GI (Geographical Indication), with around 20 operating cellar doors with regular opening hours. The region is boutique — most vineyards are family-owned and produce small quantities of premium wine, making for an intimate and personal tasting experience very different from larger wine regions.
Can I visit Canberra wineries without a tour?
Yes, though a guided tour offers important advantages: a designated driver means you can drink freely; your guide knows which cellar doors are open and which are by appointment; and the commentary significantly deepens enjoyment of the wines. If self-driving, always call ahead as many boutique producers operate cellar doors by appointment only, especially on weekdays.
What is the best season to visit Canberra wineries?
Autumn (March–May) is outstanding — harvest activity at wineries, brilliant foliage in the region and the best weather for vineyard visits. Spring (September–October) is also beautiful with blossom and new growth. Summer is warm enough for comfortable cellar door visits. Winter is the quietest period but still worthwhile — many producers host winter wine events and the cellar door atmosphere is wonderfully cosy.