Canberra

Regarded worldwide as a model city, with its unique concentric circular streets, and more than 12 million trees and shrubs, Canberra, Australia’s capital, has become an architectural jewel and a living tribute to its visionary designer Walter Burley Griffin. The vineyards of the Canberra district hover outside the perimeter of the Australian Capital Territory, to the north and another group adjacent to Lake George where founding father Dr Edgar Riek planted the first vines in 1971. Today the region has more than 20 wineries and produces about 2 million bottles of premium wine annually, however, for the pioneers it was a long and difficult road. Research revealed a close similarity between the Bordeaux region in France and Canberra’s Lake George district. All but one of the wineries are small. Prominent wineries include: Ken Helm Wines, Clonakilla Estate and Lerida Estate. Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon all do well. It is a climate of extremes, but produces wines of considerable personality.