Canberra Wine Tour

If you’re looking to explore Canberra beyond government buildings and museums, a wine tour in this cool-climate region offers a surprisingly delightful escape. While we haven’t personally taken this tour ourselves, the reviews paint a picture of a well-rounded experience that combines scenic vineyard visits, expert guidance, and tasty local food—all at a reasonable price.

What we love about this tour? First, it’s hosted by local guides who bring stories and insights that you won’t find in a guidebook. Second, the variety of wineries visited ensures you get a proper taste of Canberra’s standout reds and whites, especially Shiraz and Riesling. Third, the inclusion of a bistro lunch at Murrumbateman Inn makes it a satisfying day without feeling rushed.

A possible consideration? The final winery visits can vary depending on the day, so if you have specific wineries in mind, it’s good to keep that flexible. This tour seems perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a relaxed, scenic experience outside the city.

Key Points

• Authentic local guides enhance the experience with personal stories and knowledge.
• Flexible winery itinerary offers a chance to taste a range of Canberra’s best wines.
• Convenient pickup at major hotels makes for an effortless day.
• Lunch at Murrumbateman Inn combines good food with a cozy atmosphere.
• Group size is capped at 24, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Value for money at $60, considering the transport, guide, and tastings included.

A Detailed Look at Canberra Wine Tour

The Canberra Wine Tour promises an inviting journey through the region’s vineyards, with a flexible itinerary that adapts to availability and seasonal changes. It’s designed for those who want a balanced, authentic taste of the local wine scene without the hassle of self-driving or planning every stop.

Starting Out: Easy Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off at 10:00 am with pick-up from your accommodation—be it a hotel or motel chain in Canberra. This pickup service ensures you’re not stuck trying to find your way to the first winery, which can be especially handy if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Once on board, you’ll enjoy a roughly 30-minute ride heading north of Canberra into the wine-growing regions, giving you a chance to settle in and soak up the scenery.

First Stops: McKellar Ridge Wines and Shaw Estate

Your first visits are to McKellar Ridge Wines and Shaw Estate—two wineries that might vary based on availability and season. Both offer a glimpse into Canberra’s cool climate, renowned for producing distinctive reds and whites. The reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable, with one reviewer specifically praising how they learned fascinating facts about Canberra’s hidden secrets from their host, Neil. The fact that the final winery choices are made on the day means that the experience stays fresh and personalized, adapting to what’s open or best suited for tasting.

Lunch at Murrumbateman Inn

After two winery visits, you’ll stop in Murrumbateman for about 90 minutes to enjoy a bistro-style lunch at the Murrumbateman Inn. The reviews highlight the food as satisfying and cozy, perfect after a morning of tasting wine. This break offers a chance to chat with fellow travelers, share impressions, and refuel for the afternoon tastings.

Afternoon Wineries: Four Winds and Jeir Creek

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Four Winds Vineyard and Jeir Creek Wines—more opportunities to sample Canberra’s signature varietals. The flexible nature of the tour means you might visit between four and six wineries in total, depending on what’s available and the flow of the day. Reviewers have expressed appreciation for the diverse wine selection and the friendly, expert guides who add context and stories, making each tasting more engaging.

The End of the Day: Comfortable Drop-off

By late afternoon, the tour wraps up in Canberra, with the guide dropping you at your hotel or a nearby location. The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, taste, and enjoy without feeling hurried.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Expert Local Guides: Reviewers highlight guides like Neil, who weave storytelling into the experience, making it more than just wine tasting. Their knowledge about Canberra’s secrets adds layers of interest for even longtime locals.

• Versatile Itinerary: The flexible winery selection means you get a tailored experience, visiting some of the most interesting spots that day, rather than a rigid schedule. This adaptability is valuable, especially if some wineries are closed or busy.

• Quality Tasting Experience: The focus on Canberra’s flagship varietals—Shiraz and Riesling—ensures you get a genuine taste of the region’s best offerings. The wine quality is high, with many reviewers noting the excellent selection and engaging tastings.

• Cozy Lunch: The bistro-style meal at Murrumbateman Inn is often praised for being hearty, satisfying, and a perfect pairing with the wines tasted before and after.

• Affordable Price: At $60, this tour packs in a lot—transport, guide, tastings, and lunch—making it a great value compared to private tastings or self-guided options.

• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 24 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with guides.

Practicalities and Tips

The pickup service from major hotels in Canberra simplifies logistics, and the comfortable tour vehicle ensures a relaxed ride. The tour begins at 10:00 am, so aim to be ready for a full day of wine and scenic views.

While tastings are included in the experience, note that tasting fees are generally not included and vary by winery—so plan accordingly if you want to purchase wine. Also, lunch is not included in the ticket price but is a highlight of the day, offering a chance to relax and enjoy good bistro fare.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to taste a variety of local wines and learn about the region’s climate and varietals. For those new to wine, the guide’s storytelling can make the experience accessible and engaging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This wine tour is ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed, scenic day with good company and expert insights. It suits wine lovers, foodies, and even those simply curious about Canberra’s regional produce. The flexible itinerary and the focus on small-group travel make it a good choice for families, friends, or solo travelers wanting a taste of local culture in a comfortable setting.

It’s particularly attractive for visitors who prefer not to drive, as the pickup service takes care of transportation. If you’re interested in learning about Canberra’s hidden gems and enjoying some quality wines in a friendly environment, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The experience covers transport in a comfortable vehicle, an expert local guide, and pickup from major hotels and motels. Tastings themselves are free, but tasting fees at wineries are separate.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and concluding in Canberra in the late afternoon.

Can I customize the winery visits?
The final wineries are chosen on the day, based on availability and season, so you get a flexible and personalized experience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at the Murrumbateman Inn is not included in the ticket price but is part of the experience, with a cozy bistro menu.

Are tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees are not included and may vary by winery. Be prepared for additional costs if you wish to purchase wine.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 24, making it accessible and personable. It’s especially good for those interested in local wines and scenic rural views.

Final Thoughts

The Canberra Wine Tour offers a well-balanced blend of scenic countryside, expert storytelling, and quality tastings—all at a very accessible price. Its flexible, personalized approach ensures each day feels special, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience that showcases Canberra’s unique wine scene, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Perfect for those who want to enjoy a full day of tasting without the hassle of planning, it’s a wonderful way to see a different side of Canberra—through its vineyards, friendly guides, and delicious wines.