Life
Taste Play Stay Canberra
Spend a little time in our nation’s capital and it soon becomes evident there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Everyone thinks they know Canberra – the radial streets, Parliament, politicians – but outside of the Canberra bubble its delights can seem as well-hidden as a state secret. The truth is, Canberra – and the ACT itself, for that matter, founded as a compromise between the contending powerplays of colonial New South Wales and Victoria in determining the seat of the nation’s power – has long attracted those with a taste for the finer things in life as a cultural capital of the first order.
As the wineries featured here reveal, there’s much more to Canberra than one might first expect, and especially so when it comes to its wines. While partly overlapping into New South Wales, the Canberra District and winemakers have carved out a unique identity in Australian wine, one that rewards the curious on closer inspection.
Take the time to get outside the city and explore the surrounding tablelands. There you’ll find some of Australia’s most innovative, most exciting winemakers, many of whom are still regaining ground lost to the fire season of 2019/2020. And beyond wines, you’ll discover cultural institutions and experiences that simply shouldn’t be missed – all just a short drive from Sydney.
Plus, Wine Selectors Members can save – click the offers below to unlock Members Extras discounts!
Contentious Character
A glass of Contentious Character’s 2021 Shiraz with some local lamb rump is a glorious pairing of rich, earthy flavours – it’ll have you in raptures, exclaiming “Holy Shi*Raz!” which (not-so) coincidentally is the name of the wine!
The estate is on the Treasure Trail of memorable towns and charming villages, so wander down the road to historic Bungendore. Browse the wonderful art galleries, antique and gift shops and enjoy a hearty country lunch of fresh, local produce.
Contentious Character is a contemporary estate with a winery, cellar door and restaurant tucked away in the hills of wamboin, only 15 minutes from canberra airport. At one of the region’s highest elevations, Wamboin’s contrasting hot sunny days and cold nights are perfect for cool-climate winemaking, creating wines with more elegance and nuance than bigger, bolder Australian wines.
The Contentious Character co-founders took over Lambert Vineyards in 2016, and since then winemaker Jeremy Wilson has championed an approach of minimal intervention. His winemaking is driven by the seasons as he strives to create wines that are balanced and complex, displaying the fruit in all its glory.Offering wine tastings in premium glassware with matching food elements, a la carte dining, gourmet picnic experiences and bespoke events like cabaret dinners, it’s safe to say Contentious Character do things differently.
Wine tastings are available in tiers with five wines in a Half Monty tasting, eight in a Full Monty, or go all the way with an Indulgence tasting of 12 wines, with something available for every kind of wine-lover. Picnic hampers are generously filled with regionally-sourced goodies, some made in-house, and environmentally friendly picnicware. Choose a bottle of Contentious Character wine, settle into your picnic spot next to the vines, and soak up that country air.
Whether visiting from Canberra and surrounds or passing through on a road trip, Contentious Character will be sure to ruffle some feathers – in all the right ways, of course!
Special Offer
Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount storewide plus, complimentary delivery on 6 or more wines. Please use our unique coupon code at checkout.
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Valid until Thursday, 30 November 2023
Gundog Estate
A dog-friendly, boutique winery that you can enjoy a glass of wine with your hound!
We recommend a wine tasting with a plate from Grazing restaurant on the Cork St. Cellar Door terrace.
Gundog Estate are a boutique, family owned winery, sourcing fruit from some of the best vineyards in the Hunter, Hilltops and Canberra wine regions in New South Wales.
Under winemaker Matt Burton’s management, the estate has consistently been awarded a prestigious five-star winery rating, and with the purchase of well over 2,500 native trees and shrubs through 15 Trees, has cemented its sustainability focus by potentially removing over 60 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year and becoming carbon neutral.
Gundog has also partnered with Path 2 Change, who provide services for disadvantaged and homeless youth, as part of its mission to leave the world a better place for the next generation.
Special Offer
Complimentary Regional Discovery Tasting from Riedel glassware valued at $10.
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Valid until Sunday, 30 April 2023
Grazing Restaurant
Gundaroo is perfectly located within the Canberra District wine triangle, making it the ideal base for wine tours, dining at Grazing, or enjoying a wine at our neighbours Gundog Estate.
Enjoy hand-rolled potato tortellini, almond ricotta, muscatel and beurre noisette goes lovely with the Four Winds Sangiovese Rosé.
Just 30 minutes from Canberra, under the tin roof of the original 1865 Royal Hotel in the historic village of Gundaroo, Grazing offers a dining escape like no other.
Nestled in the Yass Valley of the Southern Tablelands, this award-winning restaurant also offers an exquisite wedding and function hall, surrounded by the stunning country grounds.
Whether celebrating with loved ones in the charming stone-set dining hall, or enjoying a meal by the fire in the historic dining rooms, however you choose to experience Grazing, memories will be made.
Special Offer
Enjoy a free glass of wine with any main meal.
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Valid until Sunday, 30 April 2023
Shaw Wines
Make sure to dine at the Olleyville Restaurant right next door to Shaw Wines.
The Shaw Wines’ team are known for their flagship Reserve Merriman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, winner of the NSW Wine Awards Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon in 2021.
Located in Murrumbateman in the heart of Canberra’s wine district, Shaw Wines’ state-of-the-art cellar door offers a seated tasting room where friendly and knowledgeable staff guide you through their world-class wines, including Sparkling Semillon, Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and more.
Wine and Chocolate Tastings and Vintage Wine Flights are also on offer on weekdays. For a more relaxing escape, recline in a comfy armchair by the fireplace, or head outside to the covered terrace to enjoy a tasting platter and the expansive views.
Special Offer
Free cheese plate for two when two glasses of wine are purchased in our cellar door.
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Valid until Sunday, 30 April 2023
Lerida Estate
The views at Lerida Estate are breathtaking.
Lerida Estate’s Cullerin Syrah is a perfect reflection of elegant Canberra District cool climate fruit, and can be equally enjoyed with either some Greek lamb or grilled eggplant.
Nestled at the foot of the Cullerin Range at Lake George, Lerida Estate Winery is dedicated to making distinctive, world class wines that represent the unique and beautiful site on which they are grown, resulting in outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Merlot, Shiraz and more.
A spectacular winery designed by award-winning architect Glenn Murcutt, the estate is a true destination, and the perfect place to just stop, rest, and sit back with a glass of wine in hand. The cellar door offers tastings with a stunning view over Lake George, and Café Lerida serves up delicious food from cheese and charcuterie platters to three-course meals.
Special Offer
Buy a dozen or more wines online and receive 20% OFF!
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Valid until Sunday, 30 April 2023
Canberra Wine House
Canberra Wine House is a food and wine haven.
The 2021 Linear Pinot Noir’s bright, generous palate of black cherry, forest fruits and fine, integrated char makes a mouth-watering partner to The Tradies’ beef brisket fingers.
The Tradies has been a strong supporter of the local wine industry for many years, and with some amazing award-winning wineries right at its back door, it’s easy to see why. For many years, The Tradies has been focused on giving Canberra wines the home they deserve, and with The Canberra Wine House, that goal has been achieved.
The Canberra Wine House embodies the intimacy of our small capital with the chic atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy. Crafted with a relaxed approach to good food and great wine, the space is elegant, warm, intimate and friendly. Its partnership with the local industry started in 2012, and it went on to launch the first exclusive Canberra and Region cool climate wine list in December of that year.
Grounded in a commitment to unpretentious, honest food and the highest standards of service, The Canberra Wine House is a true celebration of the region’s internationally-renowned drops.
With a great selection of local wines, beers and cocktails on the menu, and an assortment of good food to keep the evening going, why not hang out in the heritage tram that’s parked out in the atrium for a dining experience with a difference? Or just grab a glass of wine, get comfy on the couches and drink, eat, relax, enjoying a special place that’s unlike any other.
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Drink, eat and enjoy at Canberra Wine House
QT Canberra
Treat yourself to New York sirloin with the 2019 Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon.
Treat yourself to a sleep-in or adventure and watch the sunrise over the nation’s capital in a hot air balloon - it's something no visitor to Canberra can afford to miss.
In the heart of New Acton, QT Canberra delivers vibrant, comfortable accommodation that’s hard to beat.
Home to Capitol Bar & Grill, a Canberran dining destination in its own right, QT offers guests a contemporary local dining experience with a wink and a nod to Italia. Slide into a booth with a glass of vino, or take a seat at the chef’s table for wood-fired theatrics. Bold flavours meets Modern Australian dining, showcasing the finest in local produce.
Elaborate antipasto grazing and prime meat cuts are on the menu, with a wine list featuring emerging producers and new grape varieties from Australia, as well as – of course – the Canberra District itself.
Special Offer
10% off best available rate + glass of wine on arrival.
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Valid until Sunday, 30 April 2023
Capital Wines
The gorgeous outdoor area at Capital Wines is somewhere you can sit for hours - with a delicious bottle of wine!
The Senator Chardonnay 2019 pairs beautifully with Capital’s Snowy Mountain smoked trout with pear and potato salad with horseradish and crème fraîche dressing.
The Capital Wines Cellar Door and Art Gallery is located in Hall Village just a short 15-minute drive from the centre of Canberra, on the way to Murrumbateman
Established in 2008 and purchased in early 2020 by Bill and Maria Mason and Colin and Kay Andrews, Capital Wines has won a number of medals at wine shows, and regularly receive positive reviews by Australia’s leading wine writers.
Its cellar door offers Wine Tasting Experiences and an a la carte menu that features local produce and cheese platters, soup, and sweet treats to complement the wines.
Special Offer
Receive 20% off your wine purchases when visiting the Capital Wines Cellar Door in the Village of HALL. PLUS, receive FREE SHIPPING, if required, for Wine Purchases made in the Capital Wines Cellar Door.
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Valid until Friday, 31 March 2023