Four Winds Vineyard – Visiting Canberra District FAQ

Four Winds Vineyard is located at 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman NSW 2582 — approximately 30 minutes from Canberra’s CBD via the Barton Highway or 15 minutes off the Hume Highway if you are coming from the north.

Yes. Four Winds Vineyard is part of the Canberra District wine region, a cool-climate growing area renowned for producing world-class Riesling and Shiraz.

Four Winds Vineyard is a family-owned estate, founded in 1998 by the Lunney family in Murrumbateman, NSW. It continues to be run by the family today. You can read more about the history of Four Winds Vineyard here.

The Four Winds Story began with a miner and his wife who lived on the property in a slab-hut. Her name was Scheherazade, after the story telling character in The Arabian Nights. Her favourite story described a magic carpet being borne by the four winds of good fortune. She named this small farm in Murrumbateman ‘Four Winds’ in the hope it would carry their good fortunes.

The Canberra District is one of Australia’s highest-altitude cool-climate wine regions, sitting between 500 and 800 metres above sea level. The region’s cold nights and warm days produce wines with exceptional natural acidity, intensity, and elegance — particularly Riesling and Shiraz.

While the Canberra District is home to over 30 incredible boutique cellar doors, the “best” winery depends on the experience you are looking for! If you are looking for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can pair award-winning, cool-climate wines with delicious wood-fired pizzas, Four Winds Vineyard is a local favourite. Located an easy 30-minute drive from Canberra in Murrumbateman, it’s the perfect spot to sit out on the lawns or under our undercover deck and look out over the vines.

Murrumbateman is famous for being the beating heart of the acclaimed Canberra District wine region. Originally a historic gold-mining and sheep-farming area, it has transformed into a world-class cool-climate wine destination. It is globally renowned for producing exceptional Shiraz and crisp Riesling, as well as its vibrant food scene, local truffles, artisan chocolates, and beautiful, sweeping countryside views.

The Canberra District is most famous for its Shiraz (particularly elegant, medium-bodied, spicy styles often co-fermented with a touch of Viognier) and its world-class, crisp Riesling. However, the region’s unique geography also allows alternative varieties to thrive. At Four Winds Vineyard, we are famous for our trophy-winning Shiraz and Riesling, but our estate also produces spectacular Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Cabernet Merlot, and Rosé.

Yes, absolutely! Because the majority of the region’s cellar doors are located just 30 to 35 minutes outside of the city centre, winery hopping is incredibly easy. You can drive yourself out for a day trip, or book one of the fantastic local tour operators (such as Van Du Vin, Vines and Wines, or Wine Hopper) to chauffeur you around the Murrumbateman wine trail.
Tip: If you’re planning a weekend tour, cellar doors can fill up fast! We highly recommend making a booking online beforehand to secure your tasting or lunch spot.

Canberra wines are special because of our distinct dry, cool-climate terroir. Our vineyards sit at high altitudes (between 500 and 900 meters above sea level) and experience warm summer days paired with crisp, cool nights. This dramatic temperature drop slows the ripening of the grapes, trapping intense, complex flavours and a beautiful natural acidity in the fruit. On top of that, the region is dominated by passionate, family-run boutique producers, meaning you will often find the winemakers themselves pouring your glass at the cellar door.