Lions Tour 2025
British & Irish Lions vs ACT Brumbies Tasting Tour
8 July - 10 July 2025
Get ready for a tour like no other, where world class wine meets world class rugby. Join Tasting Tours Co. for an unforgettable midweek escape to Canberra as we indulge in the finest cool-climate wines, savour great food and cap it all off with the epic showdown between the British & Irish Lions and the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium. With wine tastings at some of the region’s top wineries, cosy group dinners and VIP open-air box seats for the match, this tour blends laid-back luxury with full-bodied fun. Rugby rivalries, good company and exceptional vino what more could you ask for?
Game Date: Wednesday 9 July 2025
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Host: Tasting Tours Co.
12 years in the making – the ultimate rugby grudge match is here!
The best of British & Irish rugby seeks revenge against the ACT Brumbies—and we’ll be right there to witness it.
ATTENDEES
Sean & Kirsten
Nick Tossman
Mark Ovens
Chris & Linda
Lara & Steve
ACCOMMODATION
Burbury Hotel & Apartments
📍 1 Burbury Close, Barton ACT 2600
📞 Reception: (02) 9158 0013
Check-in: Tuesday 8 July
Check-out: Thursday 10 July
Rooms booked under Sean’s name
Tour HQ: 2-bedroom apartment with lounge + patio for pre/post-drinks
🅿️ Parking: Undercover parking available (check-in to access)
🍳 Breakfast: Multiple nearby options available
🛏️ Accommodation cost for 2 nights $549
DRESS CODE
Forecast: Absolutely fecking cold ❄️
Dress in layers - think snow conditions.
Bring rugby jerseys, warm coats, scarves, gloves, and a beanie.
TRANSPORT
Minibus (Southern Highlands–Canberra return): Sean, Nick, Mark
Tour Support Vehicle: Kirsten
🧣 Blankets provided in the minibus
➡️ Please advise if you'd like to join one of the group transport options or plan to self-drive.
ITINERARY
Tuesday 8 July
10:30 AM – Depart Southern Highlands (Minibus)
12:15 PM – Depart Hotel to Lunch via Minibus
12:30 PM – Welcome Lunch
Public Bar, Manuka Arcade
📍 1–33 Flinders Way, Griffith ACT
🔗 publicbar.com.au
📞 0438 132 445
Booking Confirmation: #60313146 (Deposit paid)
3:00 PM – Wine Tasting: Mount Majura
🏆 Real Review Top Australian Winery List 2025
📍 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura ACT 2609
🔗 mountmajura.com.au
📞 (02) 6262 3070
Booking Confirmation: #6130
6:00 PM – Pre-Dinner Drinks
Sean & Kirsten’s Wino Bar (Tour HQ Apartment)
7:00 PM – Dinner
Ostani Bar & Restaurant (across the road)
📍 8 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
🔗 ostani.com.au
📞 (02) 6163 1808
Wednesday 9 July
Morning: Breakfast (own arrangements)
11:00 AM – Assemble at Burbury Hotel and Depart
12:00 PM – Wine Tasting: Clonakilla Wines
🏆 Real Review Top Australian Winery List 2025
📍 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman NSW
🔗 clonakilla.com.au
📞 (02) 6227 5877
Booking Confirmation: #6485
1:30–2:30 PM – Wine Tasting: Shaw Estate
📍 34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
🔗 shawestate.com.au
📞 (02) 6227 5827
Booking under Sean Jones
3:30 PM – Return to Burbury Hotel (downtime and match prep)
Match Night: Lions vs Brumbies
5:45 PM – Depart Hotel (Maxi Taxi booked)
6:15 PM – Arrive at GIO Stadium
🥂 Food & beverage service in the Open Air Box
7:45 PM – Kick-off
8:45 PM – Second Half
9:25 PM – Full Time
10:15 PM – Box closes; Depart for Hotel (group taxi)
Thursday 10 July
10:00 AM – Check out and depart Canberra
Optional:
Brunch or Wine Stop at Lerida Estate
🏆 Real Review Top Australian Winery List 2025
Please confirm interest for inclusion.
🤦♀️ Frequently Asked Questions 🤦♂️
Lions vs Brumbies Rugby & Wine Tasting Tour Edition
Q1: What should I pack?
A: Layers. All of them. Pretend you're going to the Arctic, then throw in a rugby jersey and a touch of optimism. Bonus points for thermal undies.
Q2: Will it be cold?
A: It’s Canberra in July. So unless you’re part penguin, yes - prepare to layer like a lasagne.
Q3: Who’s driving the minibus?
A: Sean “Don’t-Give-Me-Directions” Jones. He’s got a sixth sense for locating cellar doors.
Q4: Can I bring a travel mug filled with wine?
A: Technically yes, but we call that a “Canberra Thermos.”
Q5: Will there be photos?
A: Absolutely. Please sign the imaginary media waiver in your mind. Smiles encouraged. Red-wine-teeth accepted.
Q6: What if I don’t like wine?
A: We can’t be friends.
Q7: Will there be Wi-Fi on the minibus?
A: Yes, there will be Wi-Fi - because how else are you supposed to post your first tour selfie. #UnfilteredAndFermented
Q8: Can I yell at the match?
A: You’re expected to. Bonus points for passionate outbursts like “Offside!” and “Put it him the sin bin, ref!”
Q9: I have dietary requirements-will I survive?
A: Sure, as long as you don’t spring a “no gluten, no dairy, no joy” list on us the morning of. We excel at planning, not perform miracles.
Q10: Is this a fancy tour?
A: It’s classy with character. You’ll taste top-notch wine, eat well and laugh so hard you may snort your Shiraz.