Restaurant Australia - Australian Capital Territory
Home to cool climate wineries, creative providores and restaurateurs serving up smoked meats, organic produce, on site roasted coffee and craft beer, the Australian Capital Territory has much to offer.
Canberra District Wine Region
Tim Kirk, Clonakilla, Murrumbateman, Australian Capital Territory
The Canberra District wineries are small enough to have an intimate cellar door experience and meet the winemaker, yet large enough to find all varieties of a premium wine growing area.
Spotlight:
- 140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors, located within 30 minutes of the city centre
- Produces distinctive, full flavoured and award winning cool climate wines
- The regions Shiraz, Shiraz Viognier and Rieslings have garnered both national and worldwide acclaim
- Compact nature of destination makes it ideal for a self-drive journey
Top Tip: Clonakilla’s Shiraz Viognier is considered one of the best wines in Australia, Tim Kirk the wine maker was recently awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Australian Wine Maker of the year. Located just a short 30 minute drive from Canberra, the cellar door is open for tastings from 10am to 5pm daily.
The Poacher's Way
Shaw Vineyard Estate, Poachers Way, Australian Capital Territory
The Poacher's Way gourmet trail, represents
a handpicked selection of businesses that showcase the finest local and seasonal produce and some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed wines within the Canberra region.
Base your clients in Canberra and allow 2-3 days with a hire car, to give them the opportunity to follow this food and wine trail and uncover some of the region’s best kept gourmet secrets. For a suggested itinerary refer to the resources section.
Spotlight:
- Self-guided ‘gum boot tour’ through Mount Majura Vineyard
- Lunch at award winning Lerida Estate Winery overlooking Lake George
- Capital Wines Epicurean Centre in the 19th century village of Gundaroo
- Delicious desert wines at Jeir Creek Wines
- Award winning chocolates at Robyn
- Rowe Chocolates
- Graze fresh produce surrounded by Pialligo Plant Farm
Canberra’s Regional Farmers Markets
Capital Region Farmers Market, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
One of Australia’s biggest and most authentic farmer’s market, Canberra’s Capital Region Farmers Market features over 100 stallholders offering a rich and diverse selection of local fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, nuts, honey and baked goods. Visitors can also sample local wines and pick up ready-made treats from fine food specialists.
When?
Open every Saturday from 7:30-11:30 am
Where?
Exhibition Park Canberra
Don’t miss: Ice cream and gelato from local artisan ice cream maker Frugii, flavours include popcorn, Sambuca and musk stick!
More Food and Wine Experiences
Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston Foreshore, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The Poachers Pantry
This smokehouse, café and cellar door is located in a rustic farm setting just a short drive from Canberra. Try one of their platters, featuring hot and cold smoked meats, marinated vegetables, cheeses, olives, dips and breads. It’s a smoked feast for all the senses!
Conservatory Restaurant, The Arboretum
Canberra’s newest attraction the National Arboretum features 94 forests of rare and endangered trees from Australia and around the world. With sweeping views over the city it provides the perfect setting for the Conservatory Restaurant where the emphasis is on organic and biodynamic produce.
Kingston Foreshore
Lake Burley Griffin’s Kingston Foreshore, in the heart of Canberra, is transforming into a vibrant waterfront precinct with a strong arts, cultural, recreation and dining presence.
Food and Wine Festival and Events Calendar
Wine Harvest Festival, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
APRIL
Wine Harvest Festival, Australian Capital Territory
The Wine Harvest Festival showcases the best of the A.C.T. wine industry the two-day program includes grape harvesting, tasting tapas platters and wine matching, special brunches and live music.
JUNE – AUGUST
Canberra Truffle Festival
Canberra’s annual truffle festival! This eight week extravaganza puts the spotlight on the prized Black Perigord Truffle harvest. Visitors can join truffle hunts, degustation dinners, cooking classes, truffle lectures and more.
AUGUST
Fireside Festival – Canberra
A month-long celebration of the Canberra food industry. The program includes wine master classes, cheese/chocolate and wine pairing sessions and 100 mile dinners, featuring ingredients sourced from within 100 miles of the city.
