7 Of The Best Lunch Experiences In Canberra

Canberra might be Australia’s political capital, but it’s also a surprisingly exciting place to enjoy a memorable lunch. This city offers a blend of world-class wineries, cozy breweries, and artisan distilleries, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush vineyards. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxed day of tasting great food and drink, Canberra delivers authentic experiences that go beyond the average restaurant. We especially love the Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch for its personalized approach and the chance to learn directly from local winemakers. The region’s cool climate produces excellent reds and whites, and this private tour makes it easy to indulge without worrying about driving.

If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of the region, the Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch strikes a good balance, offering tastings at multiple boutique wineries with a scenic, comfortable trip. For those who want to combine craft beer, spirits, and wine, the Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour with lunch is perfect, covering all bases for the discerning drink lover. Below, we’ve broken down each of these top options to help you choose the right fit for your taste and schedule.

1. Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch

This private winery tour is a fantastic way to experience Canberra’s celebrated wine scene in style. For around $233, you get approximately five hours of personalized wine tasting, with the flexibility to select your preferred wineries or let the guide surprise you. The tour includes tastings at some of the best wineries in the ACT and nearby New South Wales, all in a comfortable, private vehicle.

What makes this tour standout is its customization. The guide is happy to tailor the experience based on your preferences, whether you want to focus on reds, whites, or a bit of both. No one in your group will need to drive, making it easy to relax and truly enjoy the wine. The reviews consistently highlight how knowledgeable and personable the guide is, with many guests praising Laura’s French and Italian wine background. One guest shared, “Laura was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about the wineries we visited and the wines we sampled.”

This experience is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday, or for anyone who wants a private, in-depth look at Canberra’s best wineries at their own pace. The inclusion of tastings and personalized service offers great value for those seeking a relaxed, educational day out.

Bottom Line: A flexible, intimate tour ideal for wine lovers wanting a tailored experience and without the hassle of driving.

2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch

For around $185, the full-day winery tour takes you to up to six wineries and includes a hearty lunch. This is a great option if you want a comprehensive look at Murrumbateman’s boutique wine scene, combined with scenic stops at some of the best lookouts in the area.

The tour features visits to highly rated wineries like Helm Wines and Eden Road Wines. Helm Wines is known for its Rieslings and Cabernet, while Eden Road boasts a 5-star rating and high-scoring wines, including a 95-point Syrah. The highlight for many is the pizza lunch at Four Winds Vineyard, where you can enjoy a slice paired with wine tastings. The experience also includes cheese platters and snacks, making it a full-service day.

Guests frequently comment on the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet winemakers. One reviewer stated, “The wineries were very welcoming, and I was able to sample many varieties at each stop.” The tour isn’t just about wine; it’s about soaking in the landscape, enjoying good food, and discovering small wineries that don’t often see travelers.

Bottom Line: A full-day, all-inclusive experience perfect for those who want variety, scenic beauty, and good food combined with wine tasting.

3. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch

If you prefer a shorter, more budget-friendly option, this half-day tour offers a great taste of the region for about $157. It covers three to four wineries, with tastings at Helm Wines, Eden Road, and Four Winds Vineyard, plus a relaxed lunch with cheese platters.

This tour is designed for travelers who want quality over quantity. The visit to Helm Wines and Eden Road provides a chance to sample award-winning Rieslings and Syrahs, while the pizza lunch at Four Winds is a highlight. The tour includes soft drinks and amenities like phone chargers, making it comfortable even on a hot day.

Reviews note that the experience is very good value, with guests appreciating the friendly guides and the opportunity to visit some of Canberra’s top wineries without a full-day commitment. One reviewer said, “The wineries were all very welcoming, and I enjoyed the experience immensely.”

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for visitors with limited time who still want a well-rounded wine tasting experience.

4. Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour with lunch

This full-day tour is perfect for those who want all the craft beverages—beer, wine, and spirits—in one trip. For about $185, you’ll spend around nine hours visiting a brewery, two wineries, and a distillery, with tastings at each stop.

The journey starts at Jeir Creek Wines, known for its history and vibrant labels. Eden Road follows, with its high-rated wines like the 2018 Syrah. The lunch at Four Winds Vineyard is a highlight, where you can enjoy pizza and wine while possibly playing card games. The tour wraps up at Ambrosia Distillery, where you taste five gins and a vodka. This mix of spirits and wines makes it ideal for adventurous drinkers.

Guests mention the diverse itinerary and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. One said, “The tour was a perfect mix of beers, wines, and spirits—all in one day.” The only downside is the longer duration, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of tastings.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, fun-filled day for those who love variety in their drinks and don’t mind a long outing.

5. 2 People – Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch

At number five, this personalized wine experience is priced at about $193 per person for a two-and-a-half-hour session. It combines a private wine tasting with a curated tasting plate, followed by a two-course lunch made from regional ingredients.

This experience is ideal for couples or small groups who want to focus on quality and intimacy. The boutique winery atmosphere lets you savor the nuances of each wine, with a curated food pairing that enhances the tasting. The relaxed setting makes for a special, memorable day.

While the reviews are limited, the one available rates it highly for quality and personalized service. The focus here is on a calm, immersive experience rather than a large-group tour. It’s best suited for those who want a romantic or quiet wine outing.

Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a relaxed, intimate tasting combined with excellent food.

6. From Canberra: Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch

This small group tour blends visits to two wineries, a distillery, and a sweets tastings, along with lunch. It’s ideal for those wanting a varied drink experience in about eight hours. The tour emphasizes local gins, wines, and sweet treats, making it a well-rounded day.

Highlights include sampling from boutique wineries and gins, plus the chance to enjoy desserts or sweets. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, and the tour includes lunch—usually a varied selection to satisfy different tastes. It’s good for travelers interested in both alcohol and gourmet food.

Guests note that it’s a relaxed way to explore the Canberra region’s craft scene. One reviewer mentioned, “I loved tasting the local gins and wines, and the small group made it very personal.”

Bottom Line: A versatile tour for those who enjoy a mix of wine, spirits, and sweet treats, all in a small-group setting.

7. Canberra: Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch

Finally, at number seven, this private discovery tour offers a personalized experience visiting three award-winning wineries, with tastings and a wood-fired pizza lunch at Four Winds Winery. It’s tailored for individuals or small groups who want an exclusive, curated day.

The guide customizes the itinerary based on your preferences, ensuring you visit wineries known for their quality. The included lunch is a highlight, offering a relaxed setting with delicious pizza. The reviews emphasize the personal touch, with one guest noting the guide’s passion for wine and the flexibility of the experience.

This is best suited for visitors wanting a private, intimate experience with high-quality wines and a relaxed meal. It provides a good balance of sightseeing, tasting, and leisure.

Bottom Line: A top pick for those seeking a customized, private wine day with excellent local food.

How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in Canberra

When deciding between these options, think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer a private or group setting. For a relaxed, tailored day, the Private Canberra Winery Tour offers the most personalized experience. If you want a comprehensive, full-day adventure, the full-day brewery, winery, & distillery tour is hard to beat.

For those with limited time, the half-day winery tour with lunch provides a quick but satisfying taste of Murrumbateman’s best wineries. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the half-day tour, while enthusiasts seeking diversity should consider the full-day brewery and spirits tour.

Remember, advance booking is recommended during peak seasons, especially for private and full-day tours, as they fill quickly. Also, consider your stamina—some tours involve a lot of walking and tasting, so dress comfortably.

Canberra’s lunch experiences are as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re after a private, tailored wine day or a lively full-day tasting adventure, this city offers options that will satisfy your palate and your curiosity. For a more intimate, educational journey, the private winery tours are hard to beat. If variety is your thing, don’t miss the full-day brewery and distillery tour. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on Canberra’s best lunch experiences.