Five gorgeous wineries that make Canberra the perfect weekend escape

The Canberra region hosts a liberal serving of vineyards. Discover five of the best.

Canberra is an incredibly underrated wine destination. Picture: Getty Images

With some 30 or so cellar doors in the area, the Canberra District Wine Region has plenty to offer everyone from the serious oenophiles to those who just want to simply unwind in its picturesque bushland setting.

Ironically, there’s very few wineries in the ACT itself (two to be precise), however the area stretches beyond borders and includes the NSW villages of Murrumbateman and Yass on one side through to Lake George, Collector, Gundaroo, and Bungendore on the other. Geographically it’s not a huge spread, but by and large each area boasts its own micro-climate, ultimately producing some wonderful nuances between each cellar door.

The cool-climate region is relatively young (by European standards, anyway), with vines first established in the early ‘70s. But don’t be fooled into thinking wine in this area is in its infancy. On the contrary, it produces internationally renowned Riesling and Shiraz, with Italian and Spanish styles like Tempranillo and Sangiovese now making a name for themselves too.

“You’re not going to find the big, robust wines you would associate with somewhere like the Barossa, here you are going to find more delicate and subtle flavours which have their own unique characteristics,” says Elouise Calabria who runs wine tours in the district.

The region has had a rough trot in recent years, coming up against the logistical challenges of COVID-19, drought and bushfire season all but destroying this year’s vintage due to smoke damage. However, one thing is for certain, it’s hard to quell the passion that many of these family-run businesses have for creating some of the country’s best wines and cellar door experiences. Here are some stand-outs for your next trip.

Learn the history of Cabernet Sauvignon at Helm Wines. Picture: Getty Images

1. Helm Wines

You can come to Helm for the beautiful surrounds of its almost half-century-old vines, or its award-winning wine, but the real drawcard here is the yarns of its enigmatic owner, Ken Helm. A former CSIRO scientist, he’s one of the founding fathers of the Canberra wine scene (alongside fellow CSIRO alum, Clonakilla’s Dr John Kirk and Lake George’s late Dr Edgar Reik), and the fourth-generation winemaker is only too happy to impart his wisdom on everything from their famed Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon to history lessons on the region. Enjoy tastings from the cellar door that has been set up in an 1888 Toual School House that Ken discovered in his neighbour’s property and spent the best part of three years restoring to its former glory. At the beginning and end of each vintage, Ken rings the bell out front in honour of his German wine-making heritage. Tastings here are free of charge, and while there’s no food, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy a glass of wine among the grandfather vines in the estate. His daughter Stephanie also runs the nearby Vintner’s Daughter.

19 Butts Road, Murrumbateman; helmwines.com.au

Most of Canberra's wineries are in picturesque bush settings. Picture: Getty Images

2. Lake George Winery

Sustainable farming methods are at the forefront of this 300-acre property overlooking the mysterious Lake George, on the outskirts of Canberra. Sarah McDougall and her husband, Anthony took over the winery two years ago, recently adding paddock-to-plate restaurant, Westering to the mix as well as a tiny cabin, “Little George” for guests to unplug. Pop in for one of their seated wine tastings in the private underground cellar, which also features a wine museum of sorts that’s dedicated to the vineyard’s almost 50-year history. On the first Sunday of each month, Sarah takes guests on ‘vine to wine’ tours that begin with the grape growing process in the vineyard, through to the making in the wine shed and finally - for the really good bit - the tasting room. They also have monthly events – a little quirkier than others in the region – which range from fun runs (or wine walks) to glamping weekends and even knitting classes. With horses, wombats, wallabies, a pet sheep, and beautiful walks within the foothills of the Cullerin Range, there’s plenty to keep everyone – not just wine lovers - entertained. A must for enthusiasts of Pinot Noir and Rose.

Federal Highway, Lake George, Collector; lakegeorgewinery.com.au

Shiraz Viognier is a must at Clonakilla. Picture: Getty Images

3. Clonakilla

Their famous Shiraz Viognier is what draws a crowd at this award-winning winery but you’ll also find small-batch Pinot Noir and cabernet blends at this Murrumbateman stalwart. Like Helm and Lake George, Clonakilla is one of the original kids on the block, and what essentially began as a small family affair for owner John Kirk in the early ‘70s is now a well-oiled second-generation business under John’s son, Tim who has helped put the district’s wines on a global stage. The organic reclaimed wood and stone cellar door is the perfect place to relax and try one – or a few – of their 10 or so wines on tasting. Since COVID-19 they’ve implemented one-hour time slots. And don’t expect to be fed here, it’s simply about appreciating an unadulterated wine experience. Passion for their craft, community and connection with their guests is something that truly sets them apart.

3 Crisps Lane in Murrumbateman; clonakilla.com.au

Eden Road is the perfect spot for a wine tasting. Picture: Getty Images

4. Eden Road

If minimal intervention wine floats your boat then Eden Road is calling. Winemaker, Celine Rousseau has spent the last 20 years honing her craft in Bordeaux, Margaret River and closer to home at Hilltops’ Chalker’s Crossing. And since taking the reins at Eden Road three years ago she’s helped nurture a more socially conscious and greener business, including facilitating organic conversion that’s due for completion this December. A wine flight here generally consists of favourites such as Sangiovese, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Chardonnay for good measure. There’s generally eight or so varieties on tasting that change each week. Add a cheese plate to the experience for $25. While you can’t access the vineyard but there’s a wonderful native garden and large outdoor lawn to soak up the winter sun. Tastings are free for groups fewer than six and their wonderful wines by the glass are $5.

3182 Barton Hwy, Murrumbateman; edenroadwines.com.au

Canberra's temperature, elevation, and soil, produce delicious cool-climate wines. Picture: Getty Images

5. Tallagandra Hill

Want to hit some vineyards but have kids in tow? Tallagandra Hill is the place for you. With a playground just outside the cellar door, parents can unwind with a wine tasting and grazing plate ($80 for two) while little ones climb and play until their heart’s content. On the outskirts of Gundaroo – some 30-minute drive from Canberra – the bush setting makes for a wonderful backdrop to enjoy their The Diplomate Viogner, Eva Rose Cabernet Franc, The Favourite Son Tempranillo and The Great Ron Shiraz, each named for owner David Faulks’s family members. Together with wife Mary, they’ve recently added a huge event space that sees a monthly roster of local performers hit the stage, as well as three fully self-contained cabins designed to encourage lodgers to disconnect from their screens. Art enthusiast David has also added plenty of unique touches like sculptures commissioned by local artists, 1880s lamp posts and salvaged timber. Mac the dog – the vineyard’s official mascot – is also a highlight.

1692 Murrumbateman Rd, Gundaroo; tallagandrahill.com.au

Guided tours

If you want to take full advantage of the cellar door experience then leave the car at home and opt for a guided tour. Elouise Calabria of Vines and Wines has run bespoke winery tours in the area for the last six years, and says part of the area’s appeal is the intimate experience that comes with family-run vineyards. “We are lucky in Canberra that most of our wineries and cellar doors are very much a family affair so it’s pretty likely that when you visit you’ll meet the winemaker,” she says.

Private tours start from $130 per person. More info vineswines.com.au.

See also:

15 best things to do on a weekend in Canberra

The most indulgent road trip in Canberra

Canberra: Three hotel stays to suit every style and budget

No.1 reason to head to Canberra this summer

Originally published as Five gorgeous wineries that make Canberra the perfect weekend escape