Canberra’s a bit of a hidden gem in the Australian wine world, but it’s actually home to more than 40 boutique vineyards serving up cool-climate drops with paddock-to-plate goodness. If you’re keen to discover a new favourite drop, Canberra District Wine Region has just launched a brand new Wine Hopper tour, giving you freedom to sip, swirl and stroll through cellar doors – no deso driver needed.
The hop-on, hop-off bus departs from Canberra CBD at 10am on weekends and runs a continuous loop around the Murrumbateman wine region, stopping at nine boutique vineyards at scheduled times throughout the day. You’ll likely fit in three to four stops, with each lasting around one hour – just enough time to enjoy a tasting or settle in for a leisurely lunch.
In the morning, you can kick off the fun with a tasting at husband-and-wife-run McKellar Ridge Wines, the award-winning Murrumbateman Winery or Eden Road Wines, where cheese platters complement seated tastings. Come lunchtime, pick from three designated lunch stops: a hearty pub meal at Murrumbateman Country Inn, a scenic lunch with panoramic views at Shaw Estate or alfresco woodfire pizzas at Four Winds Vineyard.
For your final stop, choose between a chocolate and wine pairing at Dionysus Winery, the chance to sample one of Australia’s greatest reds at Clonakilla or a DIY cheeseboard at The Vintner’s Daughter. Just don’t miss the last bus, which will bring you back to the city by 5pm. Then you can kick on at one of the best bars in Canberra.
The Wine Hopper runs on Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets from $89 per person. To make the most of your wine adventure, we recommend planning your itinerary in advance – that way, your day flows as smoothly as the Shiraz.
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