A romantic escape to Murrumbateman is exactly what we need to get our spark back. Situated in the heart of Canberra’s cool country wine region, Murrumbateman is a short 30 minute drive from the Capital. Wining, dining and a little country New South Wales charm are most certainly on the cards.
Despite Murrumbateman being in close proximity to both Canberra and Sydney, you will need at least a couple of days to eat and drink your way around the area. Make these your priority:
- Murrumbateman Country Inn & Pub
- Murrumbateman Winery
- The historic town of Yass
- Four Winds Vineyard
- Shaw Vineyard & Olleyville
- Poachers Pantry
Murrumbateman Country Inn & Pub
We head out from the city and are in the countryside in no time. Our first priority is lunch and the Pub at the Murrumbateman County Inn comes recommended. Although the menu is pretty extensive fresh salads, a very tempting schnitzel parmigiana but neither of us can go past the eye fillet with pepper sauce and chunky pub fries.
Jason chooses a beer but I get straight into the local wines with a glass of the Clonakilla “Hilltops” Shiraz. This is a full flavored red with ripe, black fruit notes and a deep, concentrated cherry and blackberry character. It goes exceptionally well with my medium steak as we sit in the shade under the verandah and enjoy the roses on the vines climbing the trellis and a quiet pause in our vacation.
After lunch we make our way to Abode and check in for a couple of nights. This hotel offers stylishly appointed studio rooms with a cosy reception area and generous communal facilities that make it perfect for spreading your locally collected picnic and popping a cork on your favorite drop of the day while you settle into the evening.
We are not quite ready to settle in for the evening yet so after settling into our room, we borrow a bike from Abode’s reception and cycle off along some country roads…
Murrumbateman Winery
Murrumbateman Winery is the first stop of our vineyard exploration. This is a boutique winery combining traditional methods with young passion and a little encouragement from the resident ‘wine dog’ to produce outstanding, award winning cool climate wines. We are seated in the large barnyard style area and start on our tasting tour while Jason reminisces about visiting here as a boy. Read more…
Yass
Yass is another typical NSW town. A little bit of country, local, getaway, history and charm all rolled into a lazy day exploring. We take a trip down memory lane. Jason rediscovers the house on Church Street where he used to live and St Clements Church for which the street is named. The Main Street has changed too, even though the historic buildings still stand tall and proud. And the beautiful Riverbank Park benefits from improvements to recreation and conservation, having been stepped up since the 1980’s. I’d take bets that the coffee and pastries at Clementine Bakery are a vast improvement on last century as well!
The town’s Aboriginal history extends to its name ’Yass’ which is derived from ’Yarrh’ which means running water. Rivers are the lifeblood of 6,000 years of Aboriginal heritage, producing food such as Cod, Yellow Belly and Yabbies. The town was settled by Europeans in the 1830’s after being ’discovered’ by the explorer Hamilton Hume. The area is known for its sheep farms, four mills and more recently, vineyards and local food and wine offerings. Read more…
Four Winds Vineyard
Four Winds Vineyard is a short 10 minute drive from Murrumbateman and yet a world away. The Four Winds represent the winds of good fortune and so far, this vineyard continues to carry those good fortunes.
Our good fortune are the wine flights. Jason elects the white so I go for the reds as I don’t want to miss the opportunity for a couple of great shiraz. Read more…
Shaw Vineyard & Olleyville
An award winning winery complete with spectacular cellar door and an onsite full service restaurant, Shaw Vineyard Estate and Olleyville are a must to visit.
The vineyard produces a range of Riesling, Semillon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and the family who own the business are passionate about when it comes to their product. This vineyard is clearly thriving and it’s a wonderful spot to celebrate a special occasion or just to escape from the city for an afternoon. Read more…
Olleyville, named for the fine wool farm that was founded here in the mid 1800’s, is a traditional, rustic example of Australia’s fine food culture.
Set around the central wood fireplace, expect seasonal dishes made with fresh local produce and an award winning twist in every dish. When paired with Shaw Estate’s acclaimed cool climate wines, Olleyville is an evening to remember.
Poachers Pantry
This is a hidden country gem. If you are after a refreshing bush getaway that is more refined that rough, this is the spot you’re looking for.
Set around a homestead style veranda, Poachers Pantry offers a full experience. With a focus on seasonal, regional produce with their own smokehouse and wines from the property, everything from gourmet picnics to set menu lunches to weddings and events are on offer in this picturesque setting.
We arrive early in the morning hoping for breakfast and coffee, however, the worm isn’t awake for the early bird in this case. We browse the range of cured and smoked meats and cheese offerings and purchase a few items to enjoy as Christmas treats. Then, taking a seat on the balcony we wait for the coffee machine to warm up.
We have just decided to settle in and wait for the lunch set menu but our plans abruptly change and we need to cut our Murrumbateman Escape a few hours short. Never mind, we have found our spark again and this early bird can wait for the next worm (or wine, as the case may be).
Good To Know
Murrumbateman is an easy and pleasant 30 minute drive from Canberra and a 3 hour drive from Sydney.
This is a beautiful place to experience country NSW combined with an array of gourmet restaurants and cool climate wines. Focus on romantic picnics at Poachers Pantry, linger in the shade of an historic verandah at the Murrumbateman Pub or get close to the vines at Four Winds. For groups, consider wine flights with friends in the ultra modern Shaw Vineyard Estate or a celebration at Olleyville. In the morning when you’re craving caffeine rather than wine, explore historic Yass and return refreshed and revitalised with a little extra spark in your step.
This is one for the adults, leave the kids behind if possible.
Would I Return?
Yes.