The area around Canberra is home to around 140 vineyards with more than 30 cellar doors, producing table wines, specialist wines and, even a sparkling wine. Varieties include riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
Canberra has cool climate area, with good elevation and little or no rain during the growing season. Some vineyards are located as high as 900 metres, requiring special expertise.
As early as the 1860s, grapes were planted on the fertile slopes of the Yass Valley and wines were produced until the industry lapsed and was reintroduced in 1976. Vineyards now flourish in areas clustered around the townships of Murrumbateman, Hall and Bungendore.
Wineries in this region vary from very small family and boutique wineries to well-established ones such as BRL Hardy. Many offer tastings, a few have a restaurant or cafe attached, but all are welcoming and keen to introduce their wines to visitors.
When visiting these wineries, call ahead to see if they are open, as the distances between some are large enough that you would not want to be disappointed by finding the winery closed, and some wineries prefer to be a little flexible with their times too. While they may state certain hours, they will be quite happy to open at other times with prior notice.
This can be a good solution and allow you to be more relaxed when tasting, without having to consider driving afterwards. Canberra City also has many fine wine stores, including the esteemed Kamberra Wine Tourism Complex, which is worth a visit, particularly if you are short on time.
And remember - while wine tasting may be an adult past-time, Canberra is the only wine region with a Parliament House, National Gallery and War Memorial which makes a visit here a worthwhile and memorable experience for all the family.
Even more memorable, no doubt, will be the bottles of wine you purchase and take home to be enjoyed later.
Affleck
154 Millynn Road, off Bungendore Road, Bungendore.
Clonakilla Wines
Crisps Lane, (off Murrumbateman Road) Murrumbateman.
Doonkuna Estate
Barton Highway, Murrumbateman
Helm Wines
Yass River Road, Murrumbateman
Jeir Creek Wines
Gooda Creek Road, Murrumbateman
Kamberra Wine Company
Corner Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road, Lyneham.
Lark Hill Winery
521 Bungendore Road, Bungendore
Madew Wines
Westering, Federal Highway, Lake George.
Pankhurst Wines
Woodgrove Close (via Wallaroo Road) Hall.
Image courtesy of ACT Tourism
Consider staying close to the wineries and just 20 minutes from Canberra at Redbrow Garden B&B. Excellent advice on wineries, gourmet eateries and local attractions. Beautiful 25 acre garden with fresh farm produce. David, Murrumbateman.