Canberra District

Eden Road’s cellar door isn’t the newest or flashiest tasting facility in the Canberra District wine region, but for what it lacks in high-tech or upmarket bells and whistles, it over delivers in charm. Located adjacent to the bustling winery, the tasting space is open plan with views across lawns and estate vineyards. The summer months see guests spilling outside onto the adjoining gardens, while in winter it provides cosiness despite the grand size of the space.

A simple tasting bar is bookended with used oak barrels, though the space is often used as an extension of the cellar, with barrels of maturing wine lined through the room. The recent appointment of local chef Stuart Trower sees an enhancement of the food offering with a range of dishes available.

One of Eden Road’s best assets is its welcoming, attentive and knowledgeable cellar door staff. With over a dozen wines available to taste, the breadth of wines on offer allows for a definitive guide to not only Canberra District’s marque varieties of shiraz and riesling, but an overview of peripheral wine growing areas of Tumbarumba, Gundagai and Hilltops from where Eden Road additionally sources grapes.

Despite the recent upgrade in food options, simplicity is the key at Eden Road’s cellar door with energy focused on conversation and tasting the award-winning wines. MIKE BENNIE

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2015 Eden Road Maragle Chardonnay, A$40