Canberra tastes better when you drive less. This small-group tour focuses on two boutique wineries, then keeps the fun going with a spirits and sweets tasting plus a relaxed lunch that fits the day’s pace. It’s built for people who want guided tastings (not just a self-drive crawl) and a smooth route from central Canberra.

I especially like the structure: each stop is led by a local supplier and includes guided tasting time. I also like that lunch isn’t an afterthought—it comes with wine or a non-wine option (craft beer or cider), so you can eat without breaking the flow. A nice bonus is the winery production tour and, when it’s possible, a behind-the-scenes look at how things are made.

One drawback to consider: the behind-the-scenes portion isn’t guaranteed at every stop, and weather can sometimes shorten the day or affect whether a planned sweets stop happens. If you’re sensitive to tight schedules, keep that in mind.

Quick hits before you go

• Small group (up to 10 people) means more time to ask questions at tastings.
• Two boutique winery visits keep the focus on quality rather than rushing through a checklist.
• Local spirits tasting gives you more than wine—think gins and other region-style pours.
• Sweets tasting ranges from chocolate/cakes to gelato, so you get a proper sugar break.
• Lunch with wine, craft beer, or cider keeps the day relaxed, not frantic.

A Small-Group Sip-and-Snack Day from Bentspoke Brewery

Most wine tours in the Canberra region start strong and then lose you in long drives. This one is designed the other way around: you meet at Bentspoke Brewery in central Canberra, then you’re off with transfers lined up so you can focus on tasting, not logistics.

The small-group size is a big deal here. When the group is limited to 10, your guide can actually steer the conversation—what to look for, what you might like, and how to pace your tasting so you don’t end up with a wine headache by stop two.

It also helps that you’ll have a proper guide in the mix. In prior days, people have mentioned guides like Ben and Ingrid delivering clear explanations, and the driver Colin being especially supportive and considerate. Even if you’re not a huge wine person, this kind of hosting turns tastings into a learning experience rather than a forced activity.

Price and What You Actually Get for $159

At $159 per person for 8 hours, you’re paying for more than “entry to a winery.” You’re paying for guided tastings at two boutique wineries, plus included tastings of local spirits and local sweets. On top of that, there’s a relaxed lunch with wine or beer options and transfers from the meeting point.

Here’s why that matters: once you start pricing tastings individually, adding transport, and paying for lunch separately, the cost starts to make sense. You’re basically buying a day where your driver, tastings, and food are bundled—so your money goes toward the experiences, not the hassle.

One practical note: it doesn’t include take-away drinks. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a good reminder to enjoy what’s offered on the day rather than planning to pack it up.

The Group Size, Pace, and Your Driver’s Role

This tour works because it keeps the day organized. You’ll be on the move for about 8 hours, with time set aside for guided tastings and a lunch stop. The “small group” format helps maintain a steady pace where you can still hear the guide over the clinking glasses.

The driver also matters more than people think. A good driver keeps the day calm—arrivals on time, smooth transitions, and a sense of order when you’re dealing with weather or traffic. People have specifically praised drivers like Colin for being considerate and supportive, which is exactly what you want when you’re sampling alcohol along the way.

And because tastings are part of the deal, do yourself a favor: don’t treat this like a photo-only day. Ask small questions as you go. You’ll get more out of the tastings (and waste less time guessing what you’re supposed to like).

Stop 1: Your First Boutique Winery Tasting and What to Watch For

Your first winery stop is built around guided tasting with a local supplier. This is where you’ll learn the basics the easy way: how they describe the wine, what styles they’re known for, and what makes their approach different from what you might find on shelves in bottle shops.

The “boutique” label matters because it often comes with more personal attention. You’re less likely to feel like a number moving through a conveyor belt. In the region, wineries like Shaw and Four Winds have been part of the mix on past departures, and when those are on the schedule, people tend to enjoy the tasting experience itself—not just the wine.

A practical tip: at stop one, taste with intention. Decide what you’re trying to figure out—are you curious about crisp whites, full-bodied reds, or something in between? If you taste randomly, you’ll end the day with a lot of sips and not much clarity. If you choose a direction for stop one, stop two becomes easier.

Also, keep an eye on what you’ll likely want to revisit later. Even if you don’t buy anything, paying attention early saves time and helps you compare styles at the second winery.

Stop 2: Second Winery Visits, Winery Production, and Extra Pairing Time

The second winery stop is where the day starts to feel like a proper “Canberra wine region” outing rather than just two tasting rooms. This stop includes another guided tasting, and it may also include a winery production tour component depending on what’s possible at the location.

People have mentioned a “behind the scenes” look being part of the advertised experience. Just remember: it’s described as something that happens when possible, not always guaranteed. One person noted that the behind-the-scenes element didn’t take place on their day, even though the wineries themselves were good.

When the schedule goes well, the production angle adds real value. It turns your tasting notes into something with context: how grapes are handled, what goes into aging, and why certain styles show up the way they do. It’s also a great way to separate “I like it” from “I understand why I like it.”

Past departures have included wineries such as Murrumbatemon Winery and Eden Road Vineyard, and those names show up because they tend to deliver a satisfying mix of atmosphere and wine selection. If you end up at similar properties, you’ll likely enjoy the guided explanations as much as the pours.

And yes, tasting a second winery usually means you’ll get more than one kind of wine you didn’t expect to like at all. That’s one of the reasons I like this format: you’re not stuck with only one style or one palate.

Lunch with Wine, Craft Beer, or Cider (and Why This Break Matters)

Lunch on this tour is a relaxed reset. It’s included, and you can choose from wine, craft beer, or cider, which is helpful if your group has mixed preferences (or if you just want a lighter option after your earlier tastings).

You’ll also appreciate that lunch acts like a timing buffer. After two tastings, your senses need a breather. Eating keeps you comfortable and helps you enjoy the later spirits and sweets part without feeling like you’re rushing through sugar on top of alcohol.

On one past day, lunch reportedly included pizza, and it was paired with the overall flow of the tour—eat, regroup, then head to the next tasting. Your exact meal can vary, but the important part is the intent: you’re not going from winery to dessert with no food plan.

Local Spirits and the Sweet Finish: Chocolate, Cakes, and Gelato

This tour keeps the fun going after wine. You’ll get a local spirits tasting, which in the Canberra region often means gins and other spirits styles that complement the broader tasting theme.

Then comes the sweets. Depending on the day, sweets tasting can include chocolate, cakes, or gelato. One person described cupcakes at a local sweet shop as a well-timed pit stop, and the whole sweets section works because it gives your palate a contrast moment—sweet, creamy, and chocolatey, instead of only alcohol and acidity.

There’s also a caution worth mentioning: weather can interfere. One past departure missed a planned chocolate stop when the road conditions worsened due to heavy rain, and the tour ran about 2 hours shorter than expected. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you—but it does mean you should treat the day as a flexible experience, especially in wetter months.

If sweets are a big motivation for you, you’ll still get something substantial. But if you’re specifically counting on one named chocolate location, keep your expectations grounded.

When the Day Runs Short: Rain, Roads, and Your Expectations

Winery country can be gorgeous in any weather, but it can also mean slower roads. If rain hits hard, transfers and routes can be affected. The schedule is built for an 8-hour day, but one departure shortened due to road issues and included changes to the planned stops.

So how should you plan your expectations?

• Keep your evening plans flexible.
• Pack patience. If the itinerary changes, it’s usually a safety-and-access issue rather than a lack of effort.
• Don’t assume every optional-feeling stop will happen exactly as listed.

The upside: even on shorter or altered days, the core structure still covers two wineries and included tasting categories. You’re not paying for a single fragile highlight; you’re paying for a full tasting itinerary with built-in variety.

What to Bring, What Shoes to Wear, and Who Should Skip It

Before you go, make sure you can meet the basic requirements.

Bring:

• Driver’s license
• Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed:

• Open-toed shoes

Those shoe rules matter because wineries and distilleries can mean uneven ground, gravel paths, or outdoor steps—closed-toe keeps you comfortable and safe.

Also important: the tour is not suitable for pregnant women. That’s something to respect when you’re choosing an outing in a setting that involves alcohol tasting and day-long transport.

Finally, take-away drinks aren’t included. If you want to bring anything home, plan on enjoying your tasting on-site and purchasing separately if you choose to buy.

Is This Tour Worth It for You? (A simple decision guide)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided day with tastings at two boutique wineries
• A mix of wine + local spirits + sweets
• A small group format where your questions actually get answered
• A no-stress lunch with wine, craft beer, or cider

You might want a different option if:

• You need strict, clock-perfect timing for your whole day
• You’re expecting guaranteed behind-the-scenes access at every stop
• You dislike alcohol tastings and want something purely food-focused

If you’re somewhere in the middle—curious about wine, open to learning, and excited about spirits and sweets—this is one of the more balanced ways to experience the Canberra region without turning it into a logistics project.

Should You Book This Canberra Wine and Spirits Tour?

I’d book this tour if you like variety and value organization. For $159 and a full 8-hour tasting day, you’re getting multiple guided tastings (two wineries, local spirits, local sweets) plus lunch and transfers. The small-group cap helps the day feel personal, and the guidance from people like Ben or Ingrid (and the supportive driving people have noted, such as Colin) can make a big difference to how enjoyable it feels.

Skip it if your trip can’t absorb any schedule shake-ups from weather, or if you’re only interested in one type of drink. This tour is built as a whole experience—wine first, then spirits and sweets, with food and transport holding it together.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours. Starting times vary by availability.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Bentspoke Brewery in central Canberra.

How many people are in the group?

This is a small group limited to 10 participants.

What’s included in the price?

It includes 2 boutique winery visits with tastings, relaxed lunch with wine or beer, a winery production tour, local spirits tasting, local sweets tasting, and transfers from the meeting point.

Do I get wine and non-wine lunch options?

Yes. Lunch includes wine, and you can also choose craft beer or cider as an option.

Is there a spirits tasting and sweets tasting?

Yes. The tour includes a local spirits tasting and a local sweets tasting such as chocolate/cakes/gelato.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring your driver’s license. Wear closed-toe shoes—open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

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