Last Monday, 11 October, NSW lockdown restrictions eased for the fully vaccinated population, unlocking the Canberra Wine District’s cellar doors to those across the border.
The 33 wineries within 35 minutes of Canberra are, despite their title, mostly situated over the NSW border, except Mount Majura Vineyard.
This means that ACT patrons will need to wait for further updates on the public health situation before they too can enjoy wine tasting in their namesake district.
A set of regulations have been established for their NSW counterparts, including carrying vaccination evidence on their person to produce for inspection to police officers or other authorised officers upon request.
Aligning with guidelines set by NSW Health, fully vaccinated NSW patrons will also need to check in and wear a face mask to enter hospitality venues within the Canberra Wine District.
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot visit a hospitality venue except for takeaway.
“Wineries who have opened this week have all been very busy learning how to use the NSW Covid check-in app now that it links back to vaccination passports,” reports Canberra District Wine Industry Association coordinator, Fran Marshall.
“Feedback so far has been good. We’re expecting further challenges when ACT residents can attend, with their own check-in process.
“Please be patient with the staff when you visit; they’re learning the ropes as they go, just like you.”
So, who’s open this week? The following list of venues will be reopening in the next week or so, but make sure you contact your venue of choice to make a booking as most places will not be taking walk-ins due to capacity restrictions.
- Shaw Wines – Open now, 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm
- Four Winds Vineyard – Open now, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm
- Lerida Estate – Open 15 October, 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm
- Yazzbar – Open now, Thursday to Saturday 12pm to 12am
- Tallagandra Hill Winery – Open now, Saturday/Sunday 11.45am to 4pm
- Contentious Character – Open 14 October, Thursday/Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday to Monday 11am to 5pm
- Helm Wines – Open 23 October, Friday to Monday 10am to 4pm
- Dionysus Winery – Open now, Friday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
- D and K Kitchen at Lark Hill – Open 14 October, Thursday/Friday 12pm to 4pm. Open for dinner on the last Friday/Saturday of the month from 6pm
- Pankhurst Winery – Open 16 October, Saturday/Sunday 10am to 5pm
- Eden Road Wines – Open now, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
- Lark Hill Winery – Open 16 October, Wednesday to Monday 11am to 4pm
- Gundog Estate Cork Street Cellar – Open 15 October, Friday to Monday 10am to 5pm
- Norton Road Wines – Open 16 October, outdoor dining only, Saturday/Sunday 12pm to 4pm
- Lake George Winery – Open 28 October, Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
- Grazing at Gundaroo – Open now, Thursday/Friday 12pm to 10pm, Saturday 11.30am to 11pm, Sunday 11.30am to 5pm
- Capital Wines – Open 15 October, Thursday to Monday 10.30am to 5pm
- Sapling Yard Wines – Open 30 October, Saturday/Sunday 11am to 4pm
- Mount Majura Vineyard, ACT – Open 15 October, 7 days a week 10am to 5pm
Keep an eye on the Canberra Wines website for further updates.
