Every story starts somewhere.
Ours began among the vines of Wamboin, on the NSW/ACT border, where we spent eight years reimagining cool-climate winemaking, creating memorable dining experiences and building a loyal following of wine lovers.
Today, that story continues at the Kingston Foreshore, where Contentious Character has evolved into Canberra’s urban winery. While our home has changed from vineyard to waterfront, our philosophy remains the same: craft exceptional wines, challenge convention and create experiences worth talking about.
From award-winning wines and wine tastings to waterfront dining and unforgettable events, we’ve brought the spirit of Wamboin to the heart of Canberra. Our roots may be in the vineyard, but our future is on the foreshore.
Because great wine starts with character and so do the best conversations.
COUNTRY WELCOME, CITY BEAT
In 2024, we swapped the vineyard for the city, bringing Canberra’s original urban winery to Dairy Road in Fyshwick. Nestled within one of Canberra’s most creative precincts, we embraced the energy of an industrial destination where great wine, good food and memorable experiences found a natural home.
In 2026, we embarked on our next chapter, relocating to the Kingston Foreshore and securing one of Canberra’s premier waterfront destinations. Surrounded by lake views, bustling promenades and a vibrant dining scene, we found the perfect home for our urban winery experience.
Today, Contentious Character proudly calls the Kingston Foreshore home. Our waterfront cellar door and restaurant showcase award-winning cool-climate wines sourced from some of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, paired with seasonal dishes designed to bring people together.
From Thursday to Sunday, we welcome locals and visitors alike to experience wine tastings, long lunches, waterfront dining and special events in the heart of Canberra. Whether you’re discovering us for the first time or following us from our Wamboin and Dairy Road days, you’ll find the same commitment to exceptional wine, genuine hospitality and experiences worth talking about.
Because great wine deserves a great view and it doesn’t get much better than the Kingston Foreshore.
Meet Some Contentious Characters
Ben Jarrett – Managing Director
Having come from the land, Ben was always going to come back to agribusiness. After years of developing his business and leadership skills across several large corporate enterprises, both in funds and property management, Ben took up the opportunity that is Contentious. He now brings his refined business acumen, innovative flair and his ability to be both forward-focussed and across the day-to-day, to the winery.
Jeremy Wilson – Chief Winemaker
From small seeds, mighty vineyards grow. Jeremy has a long-standing passion for wine and food, renowned attention to detail and an adaptable methodical approach. Since 2016 when we settled on the Lambert Vineyard, Jeremy has been applying his skills to the making and developing of our wines. His debut vintage saw several awards and his creative drive and technique have been on the up ever since.
Isaac Tong – Marketing Specialist
A strong, bold Shiraz with a lot of chocolate is what Isaac loves to indulge in, when he’s not driving our marketing with innovation and precision. He’s both creative and a self-proclaimed numbers man, who also loves the simple, beautiful things in life like a classic Wamboin sunset.
