Despite Canberra’s relatively small surface area, there are three distinct sub-regions to explore all within the Canberra District region. With the first vines planted in the 1840s, this historic region sees most wineries a mere 30-minute drive from the CBD, making a day trip to a winery the perfect weekend activity, or a longer-term staycation.
Canberra Region wines are engineered by science to be delicious. Industry decline was reversed after CSIRO scientists researched the conditions and climate for the best wines to produce in Canberra in the 1970s. Riesling and shiraz came out on top, as the extreme Continental climate allows the grapes to ripen later in the season, making for more lean and acidic wines, of which riesling and shiraz thrive. Canberra Region wines are distinct from most popular Australian wine regions with Mediterranean climates for this very reason. The full-bodied shiraz of the Barossa is vastly different to the lighter Canberra shiraz. Any wine lover has to tick off the Canberra District from their list.
There are heaps of wine tours through the Canberra District, but most wineries find themselves in New South Wales, as the region extends beyond the ACT borders. For a true Canberra winery, the Mount Majura Vineyard is an excellent pick. It’s located on top of its namesake valley, right at the border of NSW. The typical District wines of riesling and shiraz are their most popular drops, but their experimental varietals are worth a shot, too. You can even stay overnight on the premises, in a luxury bell tent complete with optional gourmet food and wine package. The nature trail through the grounds is self-guided if you’re after some alone time with the vines.
For something closer to the CBD, Contentious Character is a trendy urban winery in Fyshwick’s Dairy Road Precinct. A visit here will allow you to taste the cool climate wines from their Wamboin winery with inner-city convenience. Wine tastings and pairings are paired with semi-industrial interiors and woodfired pizza for something more casual. Another urban winery experience can be had at Pialligo Estate, ten minutes from the Canberra CBD. The Pavilion Restaurant overlooks the vineyards, on top of olive groves and the Black Mountain tower.