A Wholesome Wine Tasting Day at Brindabella Hills

By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

If you’ve been in Canberra for more than a few months, you’ve probably had that feeling: you’ve been to the same brunch spots, walked around Lake Burley Griffin a few too many times, and you’re wondering what else there is to do that’s actually different.

Cue: Brindabella Hills Winery.

About a 30-minute drive from the city centre, this spot feels like a complete escape. Nestled in the foothills of the Brindabellas, the views alone are worth the trip — rolling vineyards, soft autumn light, and sweeping mountain ranges in every direction. It’s the perfect mix of peaceful, a little bit fancy, and still totally relaxed.

Wine, Fudge & Fresh Air

We visited in late autumn, and the colours were unreal — deep reds, burnt oranges, golden leaves clinging to vines. Ten of us made the trip as a day out, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the semester.

The wine tasting costs just $25 (about £12), which is amazing value for what you get: five white wines and five reds, each thoughtfully paired with a different flavour of locally made chocolate fudge. Cabernet with dark chocolate chilli, or rosé with salted caramel. Unexpected combinations that actually worked — and made the experience feel unique and playful, not overly serious.

The staff were super welcoming, knowledgeable but never pretentious, and happy to guide us through the tastings without rushing. None of us had ever done a wine tasting before, but it was super fun to experiance.

Beyond the Tasting Room

What made the day even better was the setting. After the tasting, we wandered outside to enjoy the sunshine. There’s a viewing deck that overlooks the vineyard, plus a grassy area with a firepit, and even a few goats hanging around.

We sat for hours, soaking up the views, chatting, and chilling in the sun. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it — just someone who’s up for a relaxing day and a little change from the usual Canberra circuit.

If you’re studying abroad in Canberra , I can’t recommend Brindabella Hills enough. It’s affordable, easy to get to with a car, and feels like a proper weekend activity without breaking the budget. Perfect for a birthday, a celebration, or just a random Sunday when you want to do something different.

Plus, it makes for seriously aesthetic photos — think rustic wine barrels, deep blue skies, and autumn vines. So if you’re looking for a wholesome, slightly elevated day out that still fits a student budget, this is it.