Winter is by far the best time of year to sink your teeth into this deceptively hip destination – the scenery is sublime, cool-climate wines come into their own and truffle season has everyone in a tizz.  

Something to nibble

Canberra boasts quirky and creative eateries for all tastes, budgets and occasions. You can find Ona Coffee at venues across Canberra, which offers what is sometimes touted as Australia’s best coffee (sorry, Melbourne!). The city’s NewActon arts precinct, located right in the heart of the CBD, is home to some delicious venues, including Mocan & Green Grout – an eco-friendly cafe that perfectly marries ethos and taste, with each place celebrating local produce.

Truffle fever 

Canberra has become synonymous with exquisite truffles, and winter is the peak of truffle-mania in the Australian Capital Territory. There is, of course, an art to producing this coveted ingredient, so we suggest you scoot on over to 20 minutes east of Canberra’s CBD to The Truffle Farm for the full farm-to-table experience. 

Wine time 

This may come as a surprise to many, but Canberra is actually Australia’s riesling capital. Who knew! So, it’s only fitting that a gourmet tour of our nation’s capital includes some wine-tasting. To get your fill, head to Rizla, a dedicated riesling wine bar that is a little slice of heaven for white-wine drinkers. Not a fan of white? There are plenty of other options on the menu!

But no self-respecting foodie would visit Canberra without exploring its iconic wine region. Some of the finest cool climate wines in the country call this region more than 140 vineyards home, with riesling, shiraz, chardonnay and merlot all well-represented. Of those, dozens of cellar doors are conveniently located within a 35-minute drive north from the city – mostly either at Mount Majura or Hall. Convenient, no?

Pictured: Mount Majura Vineyard. Image © VisitCanberra