Canberra District Wine Region

Canberra District

The Canberra District is a striking wine region set against a stunning Snow Mountain vista. The region produces graceful, cool climate wines with a wide flavour spectrum and good natural acidity. Shiraz and riesling are the region’s signature varieties. Shiraz is multifaceted and spicy with fine, silky tannins. It is often paired with viognier for alluring perfume. Clonakilla’s shiraz viognier is an iconic Australian wine and great example of the style. Riesling is crisp and dry, tending towards tight and austere. Fine chardonnay and grassy sauvignon blanc semillon blends are other significant white wines. Lark Hill is home to Australia’s first commercial release of gruner veltliner. Leafy cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir make up the balance of reds.

The Canberra District extends from the cool southern tablelands of NSW to the northern part of the Australian Capital Territory. It is a region of many boutique vineyards and cellar doors. Viticulture was pioneered in the district in 1971 and vines now comprise over 350 ha. Vineyards in the region are situated in two distinct zones with diverse natural terroir. The coolest area lies north east of Canberra along the Bungendore ridge and the shore of Lake George. Lower slopes are situated north west of the capital, towards Murrumbateman and Yass.

The region has a marked continental climate with high diurnal fluctuations consisting of extreme daytime highs and night time lows. On the whole, cool Autumn temperatures lend a long ripening season. Elevations range from 500-850 metres above sea level and varied natural topography means site selection plays an important role. Soils range from primarily brown clay loams over shale and clay to free draining granitic soils.

Grazing restaurant in the Historic Royal Hotel at Gundaroo is one of Australia’s great regional foodie haunts.

Canberra District Region Reviews and Accolades

"If you've never tried wines from Canberra District, Hilltops and/or Tumbarumba, all in the southern part of NSW around the city of Canberra, you are truly missing out on some of the most exciting new wines coming out of Australia today." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, for Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 2009