8 Canberra Wineries You Need To Visit

Canberra’s wineries are beginning to rival some of the top names in vino.

There are more wineries around Canberra than you might expect – you only need to drive around 30 to 40 minutes outside of the CBD to enjoy award-winning creations and picturesque estates to drink them on.

Canberra’s winery culture technically began in the 1840s when the first vines were planted, but didn’t take off until the 1970s, when a few CSIRO scientists saw opportunity in the region’s cool climate and soil types. Now, wineries are popping up all around the city. These are some of the best.

1. Clonakilla

When acclaimed wine critic James Halliday calls one of your creations “an icon wine, one of the best in Australia", you’re likely doing something right. Naturally, this praise means you must visit Clonakilla in Murrumbateman.

The sprawling vineyard is set amongst rolling hills just off the Barton Highway. On any given day, you’ll find guests sitting outside and enjoying the sun on the patio, sipping the cellar door’s famed shiraz viognier. A blend that has won award after award with good reason, it has a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and complex spice that will win over any oenophile.

Clonakilla winery in Canberra — Sit outside to enjoy the sun on the back patio. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman NSW

2. Four Winds Vineyard

Head north from Canberra for about 30-minutes in the car and you’ll stumble upon Four Winds Vineyard in Murrumbateman. This beautiful cellar door is home to multiple award-winning wines, from its 2021 chardonnay to its 2018 fortified shiraz.

Pop in for a tipple on the back deck overlooking the sprawling vineyard, where you can also devour a wood-fired, made-to-order pizza. Feeling fancy? Build your own platter from a selection of gourmet deli treats to pair perfectly with a wine or two.

Four Winds Vineyard in Canberra — The winery is a 30-minute drive from Canberra’s CBD. (Image: Four Winds Vineyard)

Address: 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman NSW

3. Shaw Estate

Although open all year round, Shaw Estate is particularly popular in the winter. Why? You can enjoy the winery’s premium tastings in its comforting lounge area, complete with warm, crackling fireplace.

Those visiting in summer will still benefit from Shaw’s exemplary tasting space. Opt for a seat on the spacious balcony overlooking the vines to enjoy the sun. If you’re after a bite to eat, be sure to order the small sharing menu, which comes with a bottle of wine at $65 a head.

pouring wine into the glass, Shaw Vineyard — Settle in for a tasting at Shaw Estate. (Image: Stuart Miller)

Address: 34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman NSW

4. Brindabella Hills

Just a 25-minute drive outside of Canberra, Brindabella Hills winery is an easy one to visit when in town. Set atop a granite ridge overlooking the stunning Murrumbidgee River, this Canberran cellar door has some of the best views of the bunch.

On the tastings list, you’ll find riesling, sauvignon blanc semillon, chardonnay, cabernet and shiraz. There is also a cafe and restaurant onsite so you can while away the afternoon in style. If you’re visiting on the weekend, don’t miss the ultimate wine tasting experience.

Brindabella Hills Winery in Canberra — Enjoy stunning views from Brindabella Hills. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 156 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo NSW

5. Helm Wines

Another historic winery in the Canberra region, Helm Wines was established in 1973 and has received a five-star rating from James Halliday, who named Helm the top winery in Canberra for nine years in a row, making it a must-visit when in town.

The winery specialises in riesling and cabernet sauvignon, both of which have won awards. Enjoy tastings in the unique cellar door space, housed in the heritage-listed 1888 Toual Schoolhouse, or go for a stroll through the picturesque vineyards.

Helm Wines in Canberra — Helm lives in a heritage-listed 1888 building. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 19 Butts Road, Murrumbateman NSW

6. Eden Road Wines

In 2017, Eden Road Wines went from a boutique Canberra winery to a region leader when award-winning French winemaker Celine Rousseau joined the team, bringing with her world-leading traditional techniques that focused on the terroir of the region.

Since then, Eden Road has gone on to become certified organic (in 2020) and developed a beautiful cellar door experience. What’s more? Your furry friend is welcome.

Eden Road Wines in Canberra — French winemaker Celine Rousseau heads up Eden Road. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 3182 Barton Highway, Murrumbateman NSW

7. Pankhurst Wines

Pankhurst Wines began with pinot noir vines in 1986, which still produce award-winning bottles today. These days, the winery has expanded to various other wines, including chardonnay, marsanne, arneis, tempranillo and sangiovese.

The views from the cellar door are well worth a visit alone. If you need more encouragement, the winery is also known for its environmentally friendly practices, expert viticultural knowledge and, of course, jam-packed cheese platters.

enjoying food and wine on the table at Pankhurst Wines, Canberra — Indulge in exquisite flavours and spirits at Pankhurst Wines. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 56 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo NSW

8. Mount Majura Vineyard

Founded in 1988, Mount Majura Vineyard is one of the few cellar doors in Canberra’s wine region that isn’t famed for its shiraz but for tempranillo. The full-bodied grape is now grown across three different sites in the vineyard, each developing a distinct taste when bottled.

If you’re more of a white wine enthusiast, Mount Majura is also fast becoming known for its rieslings too. Sip on a wine of your choice and bask in the winery’s rustic chic design. Or opt to laze on the lawn with a Piquette Picnic, packed with cheese, chutney, chocolate and more.

a vibrant interior at Mount Majura Vineyard — Mount Majura Vineyard is rustic and quaint. (Image: Kara Rosenlund for VisitCanberra)

Address: 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura ACT

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

8 Canberra wineries you need to visit