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

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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

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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

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray, then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve. Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co. has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General. Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu, inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

8 Canberra wineries you need to visit

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

1. Clonakilla

2. Four Winds Vineyard

3. Shaw Estate

4. Brindabella Hills

5. Helm Wines

6. Eden Road Wines

7. Pankhurst Wines

8. Mount Majura Vineyard

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More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.