Ancient Country, Inspired Wines: the terroir and winemaking of the Canberra District wine region
This lesser known wine region is located just outside Australia’s capital and produces great Riesling and Shiraz
“With support from Visit Canberra, the wonderful Emma Shaw teamed up with the exceptional local filmmaker Sammy Hawker, and together they have produced a beautiful film on the Canberra District, its history, its people, its unique terroir and its outstanding wines.
Ancient Country, Inspired Wines: the terroir and winemaking of the Canberra District wine region”
Australia’s Hidden Wine Gem: Canberra District
By Amber Gibson
This lesser known wine region is located just outside Australia’s capital and produces great Riesling and Shiraz
“Canberra is off the beaten path when it comes to wine regions, even for Australians. After a brief flirtation with winemaking in the 19th century, the region was dormant until 1971, when CSIRO scientists (basically the Australian equivalent of the US Geological Survey), inspired by what they discovered about terroir, vineyard location, and grape variety, planted vines.. Over the past 50 years, Canberra has attracted vintners and winemakers interested in experimenting with cool climate varieties, with a particular focus on Riesling and Shiraz.. The district is home to more than 140 wineries within 35 minutes’ drive from the city center, as well as 35 cellar doors open to the public. You’d be hard-pressed to find any of these wines outside of New South Wales.”
Distilleries, Wineries and Restaurants – Canberra Has Them All
By Alexandra Carlton
The Canberra District has more than 35 cellar doors. Better stay awhile.
“What I love about Canberra wineries is that they’re all boutique,” says Laura Jallier, a guide with Van du Vin, which offers a range of wine tours. “A lot of them still operate out of tin sheds.” The district’s cellar doors are the kind where you can have a tasting, a chinwag with the winemaker and a plate of local cheese or charcuterie for under $20. “Around here,” says Jallier, “people are all about the wines, the terroir and connection.”
Here’s How To Spend The Ultimate Winter Weekend In Canberra
By Sammy Preston
With custom itineraries and more than 30 cellar doors to explore, Van Du Vin tours are perfect to take some time to wine down.
“There’s a lot to love about the nation’s capital during the cooler months. Firstly, you can really feel the season, with temps hovering around 12 degrees during the day and dropping to a frosty sub-zero at night. To the west of the city, the Brindabella Ranges twinkle with snow, making for some extra spectacular sunsets at cocktail hour.
Compared to Sydney, Canberra is quiet too—its wide, regal boulevards and motorways feel empty and serene compared to the chaos of Paramatta Road. But don’t mistake the lack of traffic for sleepiness. On Friday and Saturday nights, Canberra’s restaurant scene is heaving, proving this pint-sized city is a foodie’s paradise. The ultra-close Canberra District vineyards are pouring some of the country’s most sought-after Riesling and Shiraz, paired with award-winning cellar door experiences. Then, there are markets, galleries, truffle farms, slick hotels, and plenty of clear country air and spectacular natural scenery to soak up.”
Stop and smell the rosé: treat yourself to a luxury wine tour
By Erin Cross
With custom itineraries and more than 30 cellar doors to explore, Van Du Vin tours are perfect to take some time to wine down.
“Custom wine tours tailored to you? Wine not!
While there’s no denying a cheeky Pinot Gris on a Friday night is a great way to relax and catch up with friends, there’s something about going out and letting someone else take the wheel as you sit back and enjoy the ride.
That’s why Van Du Vin winery tours want to help you to stop and smell the rosé while they make the decisions for the day. Officially launching in 2020 to bring luxury to Canberra’s wine region, Van Du Vin goes further than other wine tours (literally) to some of the lesser-visited wineries around the region, offering an exclusive taste of the Canberra, Murrumbateman and the Lake George regions.”