Wineries You Need to Visit This Winter

Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, Mount Majura Vineyard is a must-visit for its unique terroir and award-winning wines. Known for its shiraz, tempranillo, and riesling, this vineyard offers guided tastings in a cosy cellar door overlooking the vines. This winter, indulge in their seasonal Truffle Infused Tastings - a flight of three wines, including the 2012 Late Disgorged Silurian Sparkling and a cellar-aged red, paired with a truffle-infused triple-cream brie made with truffles from neighbouring The Truffle Farm. Bookings are essential and close the day prior.

You can even stay at the vineyard in Cubby and Co’s Dinny tiny home, complete with an ensuite with shower, kitchenette and internal heating.

Set on a scenic rural estate, Poachers Pantry combines a cool-climate vineyard with an artisan smokehouse. Its contemporary restaurant, open Wednesday to Sunday, offers à la carte and tasting menus, perfect for a cosy winter lunch by the fireplace. Just minutes from Murrumbateman’s wine region, it’s an ideal lunch stop on your cellar door tour.

Browse the walk-in pantry for award-winning smoked meats, including the Sydney Royal Show Champion smoked duck breast. Pair it with the gold-medal Poachers Vineyard Blanc de Blanc for a gourmet take-home treat.

A newer addition to the region’s wine scene, Nick O’Leary’s Heywood offers sweeping views of the Brindabella Ranges, serene vineyards, and rolling hills. Begin your visit with a guided tasting at the sleek and contemporary cellar door, then settle in for a leisurely lunch at the on-site restaurant. The seasonal menu celebrates local produce, with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and expertly paired with Nick’s wines and curated selections from the in-house sommelier.

At Shaw Estate, sample elegant whites and bold reds in a setting where every detail is designed with comfort in mind. With its sleek, modern cellar door framed by sweeping vineyard views, this family-owned estate offers a refined yet relaxed tasting experience.

In early 2025, Shaw unveiled its new restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef Ben Willis. Fusing Italian cuisine with the Canberra region’s seasons, the menu is a celebration of simplicity and flavour. Expect handmade pasta, wood-fired creations, and local produce elevated with finesse, all perfectly paired with Shaw’s wines.

Come to Lerida Estate for the views over Lake George and stay for the wines that have earned accolades at major wine shows. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy bold reds like Lerida’s shiraz and pinot noir which are beautifully paired with hearty dishes served at Café Lerida. Lerida Estate offers a stunning escape to the Lake George wine region, with winter being particularly breathtaking. Crisp air, dramatic skies, and the occasional fog rolling over the lake create a serene backdrop for wine tasting and photography.

Founded in the ‘70s by one of the original pioneers who helped uncover the potential of the Canberra District for cool-climate viticulture, Clonakilla has grown into one of Australia’s most celebrated wineries. Whether you're sipping their iconic Shiraz Viognier or exploring their range of cool-climate varietals, the large stone fireplace centrepiece invites you to linger for a winter wine tasting or a relaxed afternoon with friends.

Just a 25-minute drive from the city centre, yet a world away from city life, Brindabella Hills Winery offers a serene escape perched on a granite ridge above the Murrumbidgee River. Brindabella Hills produces a diverse range of award-winning wines, including riesling, sauvignon blanc semillon, chardonnay, cabernet, and shiraz. On weekends and public holidays, visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Vineyard Café. Bookings are essential.