Canberra might be Australia’s capital, but it’s also a hidden gem for wine lovers. Unlike the bustling wine regions of Margaret River or Barossa Valley, Canberra offers a cool climate and boutique wineries that produce some of the country’s most distinctive reds and whites. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just curious about local varieties, Canberra’s wine scene is a rewarding place to explore. You can enjoy personalized experiences, like a private winery tour, or join full-day adventures that include scenic stops and delicious lunches. A few years ago, I’d have said you need a car to enjoy it all, but many tours now include comfortable transport, making it easy to relax and indulge. One thing’s for sure: this region punches well above its weight when it comes to quality and variety.
Some of the standout experiences include the Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch, which is perfect if you want a tailored day with no driving worries, and the Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman, that visits up to six wineries with a fantastic lunch. If your group prefers a more laid-back, social vibe, the Canberra Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tour offers a broader taste of the local drinks scene in just a few hours. For those keen on soaking up the scenery along with their wine, options like the Half-Day Murrumbateman tour combine wine tasting with stunning lookout stops. Whatever your style, Canberra’s wine tours promise a genuine encounter with Australia’s cool-climate wines.
Quick Overview
The list below highlights the best wine tours in Canberra, featuring private options, full-day explorations, and more casual hop-on-hop-off experiences. These tours include tastings at boutique wineries, delicious local lunches, and insider insights. Whether you want a personalized day, a comprehensive tour, or a relaxed afternoon with friends, there’s something here for you. For a detailed look at each experience, just follow the internal links.
Now, let’s step through each of these top-rated Canberra wine tours.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch
- 2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch
- 3. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch
- 4. Canberra Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tour
- 5. Canberra Small Group Winery Tour
- 6. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman
- 7. Canberra Wine Tour
- 8. Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition: Full Day
- 9. 2 People – Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch
- 10. Canberra: Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour
- 11. From Canberra: Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch
- 12. 2 People – Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra
- 13. Canberra: Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch
- 14. Wine Hopper Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- 15. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with Banquet
- How to Choose Your Perfect Canberra Wine Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch
This private tour offers a flexible, personalized experience around Canberra’s best wineries, with tastings included. For around $233, you get five hours of private transportation in a comfortable vehicle, plus the option to select your favorite wineries or let your guide craft a custom itinerary. This tour is ideal for celebrating a special occasion—like a birthday—or just enjoying a relaxed day with friends. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guide Laura, who shares her passion for wine and local stories, making each visit memorable. Many reviews highlight how well the tour is curated to individual preferences, and how it offers a chance to explore hidden gems away from the crowds.
The private format means you won’t be rushed, and nobody in your group needs to be designated driver. The focus is on quality, comfort, and tailored experiences. The highlight? Learning about Canberra’s unique varieties while enjoying the company of your favorite people.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or groups seeking a custom, intimate experience with flexible winery choices and no driving stress.
2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch
This eight to nine-hour tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy Canberra’s wine scene. It visits up to six wineries, including renowned names like Helm Wines and Eden Road, both rated highly for their Rieslings and Syrahs. The day also features a delicious lunch, with options like cheese platters or local dips, and scenic stops at some of Murrumbateman’s best lookouts. The tour includes tasting fees, a variety of snacks, and soft drinks, so you stay refreshed throughout.
Guests rave about the friendly guides and the chance to taste award-winning wines at boutique wineries. The itinerary is thoughtfully paced, with plenty of time to explore each vineyard and enjoy the scenery. For around $185, this tour offers excellent value considering the number of wineries included and the comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a full-day, guided experience with diverse tastings and scenic views.
3. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with lunch
Ideal for those short on time but still eager to explore, this half-day tour covers three to four boutique wineries in about five to six hours. It includes tastings at Helm Wines and Eden Road Wines, both recognized for their outstanding qualities. Lunch is provided—usually a pizza paired with wine—making it a relaxed, no-fuss experience. The tour is fully air-conditioned, with extras like phone chargers to keep your photos and notes ready.
The reviews highlight the value and comfort of this experience, with many praising the friendly guides and quality wines. For about $157, it’s a solid way to get a taste of Canberra’s wine scene without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, well-organized winery outing with a good balance of tasting and relaxing.
4. Canberra Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tour
For those who want to sample more than just wine, this four-hour “triple treat” tour combines a brewery, winery, and distillery visit. It’s a great choice for groups with diverse tastes who want to experience Canberra’s entire drinks scene. Transportation is included, so everyone can relax and enjoy tastings from craft beers to gins and local wines. The tour also includes snacks and the chance to buy bottles to take home.
Reviewers mention the wide variety of drinks and the opportunity to meet the makers behind the scenes. At $122, it’s an affordable way to taste a broad spectrum of Canberra’s alcohol offerings in a short time.
Bottom Line: Best for groups with mixed drink preferences looking for a lively, condensed experience.
5. Canberra Small Group Winery Tour
This seven-hour guided tour takes you to two boutique wineries and a local distillery. It’s limited to 10 travelers for a more intimate, relaxed vibe. The focus is on quality over quantity, with expert-led tastings and a light lunch with a glass of wine included. Guests enjoy the chance to ask questions and hear stories directly from the winemakers.
Reviewers appreciate the personal touch and the friendly atmosphere. At just over $160 per person, it offers good value for a small-group experience that balances wine, spirits, and local produce.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups or couples who want a personal, in-depth introduction to Canberra’s artisan wine scene.
6. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman
This six-hour tour offers a relaxed exploration of boutique wineries with a focus on quality. Starting from the Jolimont Tourist Centre, it visits local favorites like Murrumbateman Winery and Eden Road for tastings and a gourmet lunch. It’s suitable for those who want an easy, social experience without full-day commitments.
Guests enjoy touring smaller wineries that don’t usually see large crowds, making it ideal for wine lovers seeking authenticity. The tour’s value is reinforced by the inclusion of tastings, lunch, and transportation for around $157.
Bottom Line: Great for casual wine enthusiasts who appreciate small wineries and good company.
7. Canberra Wine Tour
This seven-hour tour offers a scenic, guided exploration of Canberra’s wine region. It includes stops at key wineries like McKellar Ridge and Shaw Estate, with tastings of their signature reds and whites. The itinerary is flexible, and the tour begins with pickup at your accommodation.
While only rated with two reviews, the comprehensive nature and focus on local favorites make it a good choice for those looking for a relaxed, guided day out. The highlight is the scenic drive and the chance to learn about Canberra’s cool-climate wines.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a scenic, guided experience with a focus on quality wines.
8. Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition: Full Day
This 10-hour tour is the ultimate indulgence for serious wine fans. It visits five wineries, including Helm Wines and Four Winds Vineyard, with tastings and a pizza lunch included. The guide offers in-depth insights into the winemaking process, making it ideal for those interested in learning while tasting.
Reviewers highlight the quality of wineries and the relaxed pace. The $420 price reflects the premium experience, including transportation, tastings, and lunch. It’s best suited for dedicated wine aficionados or those wanting a comprehensive day in the vineyards.
Bottom Line: For wine lovers seeking an immersive, educational experience with premium wineries.
9. 2 People – Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch
This intimate experience is perfect for couples or small groups. It combines a guided tasting of boutique wines with a carefully curated tasting plate, followed by a two-course regional lunch. The focus is on quality and atmosphere, with personalized service.
Guests love the attention to detail, mentioning the curated pairings and cozy setting. For about $194, it offers a sophisticated way to enjoy Canberra’s wines paired with regional flavors. It’s a good fit for those wanting a special, upscale experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for romantic outings or special occasions that prioritize quality and ambiance.
10. Canberra: Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour
This four-hour tour appeals to those who want a broad taste of Canberra’s alcohol scene. It includes visits to a brewery, winery, and distillery, with tastings at each. The relaxed bus ride makes it comfortable to sample and learn about production methods.
While pricing isn’t specified, reviews mention the variety and the chance to meet the creators behind the drinks. It’s ideal for groups that want a condensed, lively experience mixing beer, wine, and spirits.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups with diverse tastes who want a quick yet rundown.
11. From Canberra: Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch
This eight-hour tour combines winery visits with spirits tasting and a delicious lunch. Visiting two boutique wineries and a distillery, it offers a well-rounded tasting experience. The small group setting allows for personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
Guests appreciate the mix of wine and spirits, along with the chance to taste regional sweets and gins. At an excellent value, it suits those who want variety without a long day.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers interested in both wine and spirits with a relaxed, personal touch.
12. 2 People – Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra
This exclusive tasting at Fyshwick pairs twelve carefully selected wines with artisanal tapas, making it a sensory experience. The expert winemaker curates each pairing to highlight flavor harmony. It lasts around an hour and is ideal for those wanting an intimate, guided tasting.
Reviews mention the unique wine stories and the artful pairings. For $93, you get a premium, curated experience that emphasizes craftsmanship and flavor. It’s perfect for wine connoisseurs or those celebrating a special moment.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a refined, curated tasting experience with exquisite pairings.
13. Canberra: Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch
This private option offers a personalized look at the Canberra Wine District, visiting three award-winning wineries. The day includes tastings and a wood-fired pizza lunch at Four Winds Winery. The tour can be customized for pickup and drop-off from your preferred location.
Guests love the tailored experience and the chance to explore top wineries without the crowds. The price reflects the exclusive nature, making it ideal for couples or small groups who want a private, flexible day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, private day touring Canberra’s best wineries.
14. Wine Hopper Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
This flexible “hop-on-hop-off” tour allows you to choose your own wineries from seven listed stops, including McKellar Ridge and Eden Road. Starting at 7 Akuna St, you can visit at your own pace, enjoying tastings, cellar-door experiences, and lunch when you want.
It’s a great way to customize your day and avoid the rigid schedule of fixed tours. Reviews are limited, but the concept appeals to independent travelers who prefer flexibility over structure.
Bottom Line: Best for self-directed explorers who want to craft their own wine adventure.
15. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman with Banquet
This 9-10 hour experience features visits to three to four wineries, with tastings, a banquet-style lunch, and shared cheese platters. The comfortable air-conditioned bus and the large variety of regional wines make it a full day of indulgence. It’s suitable for travelers who love a hearty lunch and want to explore several wineries in one go.
Some reviews highlight the excellent value and the well-organized itinerary, making it a popular choice for those wanting a comprehensive day in the vineyards.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers who want plenty of tasting and a generous meal, all in a relaxed group setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Canberra Wine Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and whether you prefer a private or small-group experience. For those after a completely personalized day, the Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch offers tailored visits, while wine aficionados seeking a deep dive should check out the Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman. If you want a casual, flexible experience, the Hop-On Hop-Off lets you decide which wineries to visit and when.
Timing-wise, the cooler months (May to September) tend to produce the best whites and reds, but many wineries are open year-round. Book early in peak seasons to secure your preferred experience, especially for private tours or popular full-day trips.
Final Thoughts
Canberra’s wine scene may be smaller than some regions, but its quality and diversity make it a top choice for wine travelers. From private tastings to full-day explorations, there’s a tour to match every interest and schedule. For those seeking a personalized, relaxed day, the Private Canberra Winery Tour with lunch is hard to beat. For a broader adventure, the Full-Day Murrumbateman Tour offers excellent value and variety.
Whatever your preference, these tours promise an enjoyable taste of Australia’s cool-climate wines with plenty of local charm. Be sure to book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak times or seeking a private experience. Cheers to discovering Canberra’s boutique wineries—your glass will thank you.
