A great exposure to local Canberran alcohol We met at the Visitor's Center and were picked up by a large van. The AC worked great, so we were happy. This was a small tour with just the 4 of us and 3 charming sisters from New Zealand. By the end of the trip we were all best friends!
We drove to Dog Trap Winery about 45 minutes away. It was a very pleasant drive through beautiful countryside. We met the Owner Dennis, who frankly was a delight. He walked us through the process he uses for wine making and showed us the equipment. He also discussed the things they try to keep birds away from the grapes. That was crazy!
Wee tried 9 red wines including some not released and an amazing mulled wine. They were available for purchase and most people bought at least one. The tastes were varied and excellent and easy to find one you liked.
We then traveled to Shaw Winery which was a larger, more modern facility. We're tried 5 white wines including a sparkling rose, which was excellent. They gave us some crackers and cheese which was nice. They talked about their wines and how they were made. It was very pleasant and fun.
Next we went to Ambrosia distillery. All their spirits are made on site. We sampled 8 spirits including two flavored gins and 6 flavored vodkas. This was something we've never had and was very interesting. Andrew talked to us about his process and what works and what doesn't. Some of the spirits were fine straight up, some needed a mixer. It was all very interesting in what we liked and didn't. Everyone had an opinion. Andrew sold the spirits there but we decided to try the website when we get back from our holiday.
Lastly we visited Capitol Brewery. We were able to choose wine or beer and could have a 3 flight choice if beers. Honestly, I was so full by then I could only taste them but the ones I chose were excellent. There was also food available to buy if you wanted. There wasn't a tour or anything but we were in the distillery and could see the tanks and such.
Since we coincidentally all stayed in the same area of Canberra, we were kindly dropped off at our hotel / airbnb. We returned around 3:30pm. It was a long but fun day. There's not a lot of time for things like viewing the orchards or seeing the surroundings and we didn't get to talk at all with the beer brewers. That would have added a lot of time, so I get that.
If your goal is to drink a lot of different things and learn some about their process, this is for you.
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