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

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

8 Canberra wineries you need to visit