Food & Drink Experiences in Canberra

Canberra food and drink experiences are built around the region's own backyard: cool-climate wine from the Canberra district, craft beer and spirits made in the suburbs, and farm brunches on the edge of the capital. This page covers the tastings, tours and brunches you can book through Experience Oz, and the wider list of things to do in Canberra is one click up.

Wine tasting and winery tours from Canberra

Canberra sits in cool-climate wine country, with more than 40 wineries within a 35-minute drive of the city and a cluster around Murrumbateman, just over the border in New South Wales. The Canberra wine tasting and winery tours page collects the options, and a full-day trip such as the Murrumbateman winery tour with lunch is the easiest place to start.

That tour runs on weekends from about 9am to 6pm, visits up to six boutique wineries, and includes tasting fees, a two-course lunch, snacks and drinks on an air-conditioned 12-seater bus. Pick-up is from the Jolimont Tourist Centre outside the Novotel in the city, so nobody has to drive.

Craft beer, wine and spirits tours in Canberra

If you only have an afternoon, a city-based tour covers more ground in less time. The 4-hour brewery, winery and distillery tour departs from BentSpoke Brewing Co in Braddon, visits three local producers and goes behind the scenes at each, with tastings of beer, wine, cider and spirits. Transport between venues, snacks and water are included, and the groups are small.

The format suits people who want to understand how craft drinks are made, with a guide telling the stories behind the makers.

Brunch in Canberra, with a few extra guests

The brunch experiences in Canberra page is built around a farm morning. An alpaca brunch at Blackwattle Alpaca Farm in Murrumbateman serves a cooked spread of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, spinach, grilled mushrooms, tomato and a bread roll, while you feed alpacas and llamas and hear from a guide about alpaca farming. Let the farm know about dietary requirements when you book.

For a quieter meal, the 2-hour boho alpaca picnic for two adds a farm stroll and a picnic platter, and it works as a date or a small celebration. Wear flat, fully enclosed shoes for the paddocks.

Choosing a food and drink day out

Pick by the time you have. A full-day trip suits the Murrumbateman wineries, an afternoon suits the Braddon tour, and a morning suits the farm brunch. Pick by the group too: the winery and brewery tours run for groups who like to share a table and meet others, while the picnic is a one-couple booking.

Each tour includes transport, so everyone can taste. Weekend winery departures and the alpaca farm's Friday to Sunday sessions line up well if you want wine on one day and brunch on the next.

Pairing food and drink with other Canberra experiences

Murrumbateman also holds the alpaca farm, so a weekend there can mix tastings with animals. In the city, boat hire on Lake Burley Griffin lets you bring your own picnic. For more days out, browse Canberra activities or the animal experiences near Canberra.

Frequently asked questions

Are there winery tours from Canberra?

Yes. The Murrumbateman winery tour with lunch departs from the Jolimont Tourist Centre in Canberra on weekends and visits up to six boutique wineries, with tastings and a two-course lunch included.

Where are the wineries near Canberra?

The Canberra wine region has more than 40 wineries within a 35-minute drive of the city. Murrumbateman, just over the New South Wales border, has the biggest cluster of cellar doors.

Is transport included on Canberra winery and brewery tours?

Yes. The Murrumbateman winery tour includes pick-up and drop-off by bus, and the 4-hour brewery, winery and distillery tour includes transport between venues, so you do not need to drive.

How old do you need to be for a Canberra brewery or winery tour?

You must be 18 or over to taste alcohol on the Canberra winery and brewery tours, and proof of age such as a licence or passport may be requested.

Can I get brunch in Canberra with alpacas?

Yes. Blackwattle Alpaca Farm at Murrumbateman serves a cooked brunch while you feed alpacas and llamas, and you can tell the farm about dietary requirements when you book.

How long does a Canberra brewery tour take?

The Canberra winery and brewery behind-the-scenes tour is a 4-hour afternoon outing, leaving from BentSpoke Brewing Co in Braddon.

Choose the kind of tasting you want, from vineyards to a farm brunch, and book it online. More ideas for the capital are on the Canberra tours and activities page.