Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Ben Osborne and Steph Helm, The Vintner's Daughter is a boutique estate on Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman — about 30 minutes from Canberra in the heart of the Canberra District. While not formally certified organic, Ben and Steph are actively transitioning toward organic methods: they breed a flock of Babydoll sheep to graze and fertilise the vineyard year-round, have established insectariums for beneficial insects, and use composting, mulching and cover crops to replace synthetic inputs. The winery produces Riesling and Shiraz as its flagship Canberra District varieties, plus Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Rosé, Sparkling Chardonnay and Fortified Shiraz. The cellar door is open Friday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, with tastings ($15/person) and farm tours featuring the famous Babydoll sheep.
The Vintner's Daughter is not currently certified organic, but is actively adopting organic vineyard practices. These include Babydoll sheep grazing to fertilise and control weeds, insectariums to support beneficial insects, composting under vine and cover crops between rows — all aimed at reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.
The estate produces Riesling and Shiraz as its Canberra District flagships, plus Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Rosé, Sparkling Chardonnay and Fortified Shiraz — a range that spans classic regional styles and more adventurous expressions.
The cellar door at 5 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman is open Friday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Tastings are $15 per person. Farm tours featuring the winery's charming Babydoll sheep are also available.
The winery was founded in 2014 by Ben Osborne and Steph Helm. The name is a nod to Steph's family background in winemaking, and the couple run the estate together with a strong focus on sustainable, low-intervention viticulture.