Canberra Cellar Door

Overview

A weekend of wine and cheese is always good for the soul. Good thing Australia has plenty of wineries. And we're not just talking about the Barossa or the Yarra Valley — the wine region surrounding our nation's capital produces some pretty top-notch drops, too. Home to over 140 vineyards, the Canberra region is known for its cool climate wines and regional terroir. From riesling and chardonnay to tempranillo, sangiovese and robust Aussie shiraz, you'll find wines from the region are pretty distinct (and very tasty).

To help you taste them all (and so you don't spend any more time in the car), there's a free weekly wine and produce market right in the heart of Canberra. Every Saturday afternoon, the architecturally stunning Nishi Gallery in the NewActon cultural precinct hosts a wine tasting where you can sample the region's vinos. Your ticket to sampling all the vinos is a $12 souvenir glass. Or, you can purchase any drops you like at cellar door prices. You'll also find a bunch of local produce — think plenty of cheese and bread as well as chocolate, flowers and fresh fruit and veg.

Once you've had your fill of free wine tastings and snacks, you can settle in and enjoy tunes from some of Canberra's best soul and funk DJs. Or you can grab a bite at nearby restaurants such as Monster Kitchen & Bar or Parlour before taking a stroll through Nishi Gallery.

So, pack your bags because Canberra Cellar Door is a weekly reason to pack an overnight bag and head to the nation's capital.