Last updated: November 14, 2026
The best Canberra District wineries to visit in 2027 are Clonakilla, Helm Wines, Mount Majura Vineyard, Lark Hill, Lerida Estate, Four Winds Vineyard, Shaw Wines, Pialligo Estate, Gundog Estate and Yarrh Wines. This list is part of our Canberra business services hub.
The Canberra District is a cool-climate wine region spread across the ACT and nearby NSW, with clusters of cellar doors around Murrumbateman, Hall, Lake George, Bungendore and the Majura Valley. Most are within a 20 to 40 minute drive of the city.
The region is best known for Shiraz, often co-fermented with Viognier, and for Riesling, but you will also find Tempranillo, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Cold winters and warm, dry summers give the wines a distinctive freshness.
This list of top Canberra District wineries covers pioneering estates, family cellar doors and wineries with restaurants. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Canberra and our list of wedding venues in Canberra.
| Winery | Location | Best For | Known For |
| Clonakilla | Murrumbateman | Benchmark Shiraz Viognier | Founded in 1971 by Dr John Kirk |
| Helm Wines | Murrumbateman | Riesling | Established in 1973 by Ken Helm |
| Mount Majura Vineyard | Majura, ACT | Tempranillo close to the city | Vineyard inside the ACT near the airport |
| Lark Hill | Bungendore | Organic and biodynamic wines | Pioneering high-altitude biodynamic estate |
| Lerida Estate | Lake George | Pinot Noir with lake views | Cellar door overlooking Lake George |
| Four Winds Vineyard | Murrumbateman | Relaxed family visits | Family-run vineyard |
| Shaw Wines | Murrumbateman | Cellar door with a restaurant | Wines and dining on one estate |
| Pialligo Estate | Pialligo, ACT | Food, wine and garden setting | Restaurant, smokehouse and gardens |
| Gundog Estate | Murrumbateman | Small-batch Shiraz and Semillon | Cellar door in the Canberra District |
| Yarrh Wines | Murrumbateman | Sustainable family winemaking | Family-owned sustainable vineyard |
Clonakilla was founded in 1971 by scientist Dr John Kirk and is now run by his son Tim Kirk. Its Shiraz Viognier is widely regarded as one of Australia’s great wines.
The Murrumbateman cellar door is an essential first stop for anyone exploring the district.
Helm Wines was established in 1973 by Ken Helm and is one of the region’s founding wineries, best known for its Riesling.
The historic cellar door in an old schoolhouse adds to the charm.
Mount Majura Vineyard sits on the slopes of Mount Majura in the ACT, only minutes from the city and airport.
It is known for Tempranillo and other single-site wines, making it an easy cellar door for visitors short on time.
Lark Hill is a high-altitude vineyard near Bungendore that farms organically and biodynamically.
Its cool site suits Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner, and the views over the Lake George escarpment are a highlight.
Lerida Estate sits on the shores of Lake George and is well known for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
Its architect-designed cellar door and cafe make it a popular lunch stop on the drive to or from Sydney.
Four Winds Vineyard is a family-run winery in Murrumbateman producing Riesling, Shiraz and other cool-climate wines.
Its relaxed setting suits groups and families looking for an easy-going afternoon.
Shaw Wines is a Murrumbateman estate with a cellar door and restaurant.
It is a good choice if you want to combine a tasting with a long lunch.
Pialligo Estate is a farm, winery and restaurant in the ACT close to the airport, with its own smokehouse and gardens.
It suits visitors who want a food-led experience without leaving the city.
Gundog Estate runs a cellar door in the Canberra District and is known for small-batch Shiraz and Semillon.
It suits wine lovers who enjoy comparing wines from different vineyards and regions.
Yarrh Wines is a family-owned Murrumbateman vineyard with a focus on sustainable winemaking.
Its friendly cellar door and range of cool-climate styles make it a good stop on a winery loop.
We started from regional tourism listings, wine guides and visitor reviews, then checked each winery’s website, cellar door details and signature wines. We favoured wineries with open cellar doors, a strong reputation for quality and a range of experiences across the district. Read more about how we research and rank.
Autumn is a favourite for vineyard colour and harvest activity, while spring brings new releases. Many cellar doors are open Thursday to Sunday, so check hours before you go.
Many cellar doors accept walk-ins, but groups and weekend visitors should book ahead. Some wineries charge a tasting fee that is redeemable with purchase.
Mount Majura and Pialligo Estate are within the ACT, while Murrumbateman wineries are about 30 to 40 minutes from the city centre.
Shiraz, especially Shiraz Viognier, and Riesling are the region’s signatures, with Tempranillo, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines also well regarded.
For the region’s benchmark wines, start with Clonakilla and Helm Wines, and add Mount Majura Vineyard if you are short on time.
Also worth a look: Lerida Estate for Pinot Noir by Lake George, Lark Hill for biodynamic wines and Pialligo Estate for food-led visits.
Plan a designated driver or a tour, check opening hours and book ahead on weekends.