STANTHORPE, QUEENSLAND
brass monkey
season
Winter WHAT’S ON
SCRUMPTIOUS SLOW COOKED PRODUCE
WINTER REDS
winter The Brass Monkey Story Winter is colloquially our Brass Monkey Season; frosty mornings, beautiful crisp clear days, the bare trace of winter trees trimmed with frost, and cosy evenings with a glass of red in front of an open fire. Stanthorpe is the coolest (make that coldest) place in Queensland, and it’s the winter chill in the Granite Belt that has earned the season its nickname. June, July and August is the busy season in the Granite Belt and Stanthorpe, as visitors come to enjoy a crackling log fire, slow cooked food, and sensational winter reds. Plus, there is always the prospect - or hope - of snow and the first reports bring media and visitors flocking to the region.
Where does the saying ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’ originate? There are several accounts. One version suggests a brass monkey was the name given to a metal rack used to store cannon balls on sailing ships. Water would collect in these racks, and in winter it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so they spilled out of the racks. So that’s one way to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!
THE BRASS MONKEY, STANTHORPE
log fires Winter Warming
Getaways The Granite Belt offers the perfect winter warming getaway. Rug up for fresh cool days while taking in the dramatic landscape of contrasts: from bushland bordered by granite monoliths, to farms and vineyards. As the mist sets on the mountains and lakes, it’s time to enjoy an impressive red. Shiraz (or Syrah) comes into its own in winter. It is internationally recognised that granite soils produce the best Shiraz and we would have to agree. We encourage you to source a Shiraz with a rich ripe flavour, a touch of pepper and silky tannins. This spicy and complex wine is best served with local red meat and winter vegetables. The Granite Belt also produces some fabulous Cabernets. Winestate Magazine loves Granite Ridge’s Top Block Cabernet, or try Harrington Glen’s gold medal 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy them while getting cosy next to a roaring log fire...winter bliss!
In Winter, wake up to stunning misty mornings in the Granite Belt; the chance of meeting ‘Jack Frost”; and if you’re very lucky, falling snow flakes. As the sun slowly rises the land begins to sparkle, and a new day has truly begun. There is a feeling of indescribable freshness that is invigorating for your soul. Take your time to breathe it in! Those that can tear themselves away from a cosy bed will be richly rewarded. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the moment.
As the day continues, the frost and icicles begin to melt, and the day warms to a beautiful crisp but sunny experience. Layer dressing is the key in winter; from below zero overnight our sunny days can warm up to 20 degrees.
misty mornings
winter warming
produce Mulled Red Wine by Andrew Simpson,Varias Restaurant
1 x 750ml bottle dry red wine 225g (1 cup) white sugar 125ml (1/2 cup) brandy 125ml (1/2 cup) water 2 oranges, thinly sliced 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 x 7cm cinnamon sticks, lightly crushed 6 whole cloves Pinch of grated nutmeg Lemon peel, to decorate Serves 8 approx.
The cooler weather has most of us craving rich, hearty foods, and feel-good decadent desserts. Foodies, savour slow cooked regional produce, from heart warming wild mushroom and truffle infused soup, melt in your mouth tantalising pork roasted with apple and onion stuffing, or discover the call of the wild with gamemeat cooked to perfection, and finish it off with a heavenly hot chocolate. After a bit of winter warming fun...make your own mulled wine. Not exactly connoisseur material, but a steaming hot mulled wine will warm the cockles of your heart
METHOD Place the wine, sugar, brandy, water, orange, lemon, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a large saucepan over low heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes or until sugar dissolves and mixture is aromatic. Do not boil. Remove from heat. Strain mulled wine into a large jug. Pour among serving glasses. Decorate with lemon peel and serve immediately.
In Season in Winter Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, leeks and mushrooms. There is more... while not yet produced on a commercial scale, the region is a proven growing area for chestnuts and prickly pears. Keen foodies will find wild asparagus, wild fennel and the foundations have been laid for the production of saffron and truffles.
Pepper Beef & Shiraz Pie with a Warm Winter Salad by Felsberg Winery + Cafe
PIE
Fill shells with beef mixture, seal with lid. Brush
500g Diced Beef
with egg wash and bake for approximately
1 large brown sliced Onion
30 minutes at 180C until pastry is crisp and
Rosemary/Tyme
golden. Makes 5 pies
Roasted Garlic Fresh cracked black Pepper and Salt (to taste)
WARM WINTER SALAD
375mL Felsberg ‘Bell Tower’ Shiraz (or red wine)
Sliced Spanish Onion, Mushrooms and Shallots
Beef stock
Diced roast pumpkin
Gravy powder
Been sprouts
Puff Pastry
Rocket Fetta
METHOD
Caramalised balsamic vinegar
Brown off onions and beef with rosemary, tyme, garlic and pepper in a pot until beef is sealed.
METHOD
Deglaze pot with beef stock. Mix shiraz & gravy
Pan fry onion and mushrooms until golden. Add
powder, add to beef mix. Simmer on low heat
pumpkin, shallots, sprouts and warm through.
until meat is tender (approx 45 minutes). Prepare
Remove from heat. Add rocket and mix through.
shells/lids with puff pastry as for any other pies.
Add to plate, crumble Fetta over and dress with vinegar.
BUNGAWARRA WINES
christmas in (july) winter CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE 7, 14, 21 + 28 july
During the months of winter, especially July, the Granite Belt comes alive with Yulefest celebrations. A festive tradition of high country hospitality.
Celebrate “Bon Natale” in July with a
From succulent turkey, traditional ham to
Sicilian twist. Jason will entice your
rich, indulgent brandy pudding, this is
tastebuds with food his Sicilian
Christmas the way our northern counterparts-
family have for Christmas. A full buffet
celebrate it. But if you want a true Granite Belt
of mains and dessert awaits you.
experience try roast game-meat or succulent
Bookings are essential. $40
duck.
www.goldengrovee.com.au.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ VINEYARD CAFE 7, 14, 21 + 28 july
Many of our restaurants and accommodation properties offer a Christmas menu or weekend celebration; book early as it’s one of the most popular ways to enjoy winter in the region.
Have a weekend escape to the winter wonderland of the Granite Belt at The Vineyard Café + Cottages. Experience a
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
4-course Christmas in July menu at the
DAY TOUR
renowned Vineyard Cafe. Start your meal with a glass of mulled wine. $85
Have you always wanted to experience
www.vineyardcottages.com.au
Christmas in July in Stanthorpe and never ‘gotten round to it’? Well, now there's no
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ CLAUDIA’S 21 + 28 july
excuse, with Stanthorpe's Filippo's Tours offering a Christmas in July day tour from Brisbane. Leaving Brisbane at 7.30am, you'll have a morning tea stop along the way.
Experience Christmas in July, German
During your visit to the Granite Belt you will
style. $60
visits fantastic wineries and food attractions,
www.claudiasrestaurant.com.au
along with a fabulous Christmas in July lunch at the renown Shiraz Restaurant. www.filippostours.com.au
turkey with all the trimmings
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ HIDDEN CREEK WINERY CAFE 14 + 28 july Enjoy a festive ‘Christmas in July’ dinner by the fireplace at Hidden Creek Winery Cafe. $50 per person plus wine. 6.30pm for 7pm until late www.hiddencreek.com.au
what’s on what’s on
Now that the hard work of the Vintage is over it’s time for a bit of play ...
SHIRAZ WINE DINNER AT HIDDEN CREEK 2 june A special dinner hosted by Master of Wine, Andrew Corrigan. Enjoy a three course meal featuring Shiraz from the Granite Belt, other regions of Australia and overseas. Price: $85 www.hiddencreek.com.au
VARIAS TAPAS AFTERNOON 10 june The prefect way to spend a lazy Sunday! Enjoy tapas at Varias Restaurant while listening to the gorgeous sounds of Sarah & David Hume. www.varias.com.au
Vintage Variety by the Fireplace Every 2nd weekend from june 16
A chance to try some of old wines from the Pyramids Road cellar door and current releases side by side! Take your time and enjoy the winter ambience of our cellar door with your friends. An informal tasting set up in front of their fireplace. Bookings essential. $15 June - 16 & 17, 30 July - 1, 14 & 15, 28 & 29 August - 11 & 12, 25 & 26 www.pyramidsroad.com.au
what’s on YESTERDAY TO TODAY until 24 june Celebrating our Italian heritage, this exhibition at the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery includes two components. The first is a Historic Italian Collection of memorabilia photos thanks to the Dante Alighieri Society. Secondly, renowned photographer Cory Rossiter looks at the current Stanthorpe Italian community through the lense. www.srag.org.au
Under Milk Wood 15-17 june
The Little Theatre presents Under Milk Wood by Wales’ most renowned modern poet, Dylan Thomas.
Hidden Dimensions + Interpreting Elelements of Landscapes
An all-knowing narrator will take you on a poetic tour of the dream, memories, songs, gossip, arguments and work routines of
28 june to 5 august
the inhabitants of a fictional
The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery presents
day in Spring - all at once lyrical,
two exhibitions featuring landscapes: Hidden
passionate, hilarious, nostalgic and
Dimensions by Lyn Marshall - provides semi
bawdy.
Welsh village during one complete
abstract landscape paintings evolved from an interest in Asian art philosophy.
7.30pm 15 + 16 June 5pm
17 June
Interpreting Elements of Landscape by
Complimentary refreshments at
Rob Raymond - the artist shares his joy of our
intermission. Sunday includes a
local national parks through his drawings and
special treat of hot soup and crusty
paintings.
bread.
www.srag.org.au $20 adults, $15 conc Tickets: Granite News Stanthorpe (07) 4681 1099
GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE
what’s on WINE MASTERCLASS 23 june Three courses of the best Italy has to offer at the Barrel Room Cafe, Ballandean Estate. Wines will be perfectly matched with each course and Dylan Rhymer, Ballandean Estate’s Winemaker, will help you identify the key tasting points of each wine. www.ballandeanestate.com
SOLSTICE BLUES @ BUNGAWARRA 24 june The Solstice Blues@Bungawarra this year will feature the Morningside Fats band, back by popular demand. Led by Paul Renton, one of the shakers and movers of the Brisbane Blues Festival, their sound is a 60s/70s blend of original and classic blues material. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Bungawarra Winery, or just rock up and enjoy the music - wine and cheese platters are on sale at the cellar door. From 2 to 5 pm. Entry $12 adults. www.bungawarrawines.com
Faulty Towers 9 june
Enter the world of snobbish, manic Basil; his domineering wife Sybil; and the hopeless but ever-hopeful waiter Manuel. Faulty Towers comes to Jester Hill Wines + Cafe for a performance of organised chaos. Tickets include a five course dinner and a two hour interactive show. 6.30pm for a 7pm start. www.jesterhillwines.com.au
what’s on JAZZ IN THE SWIGMORE HALL 15 july A chance to try some of our old wines from the cellar and current releases side by side! Take your time and enjoy the winter ambience of our old packing shed with your friends. An informal tasting set up in front of our fireplace in the cellar door. Tasting fee $15 per person. Every second Saturday & Sunday from June 2012 June - Sat 16 & Sun 17, Sat 30 and Sun 1 July July - Sat 14 & Sun 15, Sat 28 & Sun 29 August - Sat 11 & Sun 12, Sat 25 & Sun 26 Bookings essential.
www.robertchannonwines.com
sample winter festival july
Markets displaying wonderful winter wares. Experience local beers and ciders, handmade pickles and preserves, speciality craft, secret recipe mulled wine and Granite Belt produce. Enjoy the winter atmosphere with music, games and prizes. Or book for the Granite Belt Winter
Pranzo Italiano 8 july
Be an Italian for the day. Experience a five course, long lunch featuring authentic live Italian music and food with house wine included. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the Barrel Room Cafe at Ballandean Estate. www.ballandeanestate.com
banquet featuring regional produce on the grandest scale with a fivecourse degustation. www.masonwines.com.au
GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE
ROBERT CHANNON WINES
swinging jazz in swigmore hall
BALLANDEAN
what’s on what’s on WINTER WARMERS COOKING DEMO 11 + 25 august
Join Varias Executive Chef, Andrew Simpsons for a cooking demonstration of winter warming dishes. $50 per person includes a drink and nibbles on arrival. 6pm for 6.30pm start. www.varias.com.au
The Pirates of Penzance 11 august
The Granite Belt Choir and local soloists present a Gilbert & Sullivan concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance in the Swigmore Hall, Robert Channon Wines. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at the interval. $20/$15 www.robertchannonwines.com.au
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC WITH PENNY + ROGER 19 august Pyramids Road Wines invite you to their cellar door to join Penny Davies and Roger Ilott for the launch of their new album “Boomerang Bay”. Be the first to hear the repertoire of songs with a group of your friends in a cosy setting, sipping wine by the fireplace. $10. 2pm to 5.30pm www.pyramidsroad.com.au
THE WINEMAKER AND THE CHEF STRANGE BIRD DEGUSTATION DINNERS 25 august Join the Golden Grove Family for a night of alternative wines and food to match. Costanzo brothers, winemaker Ray and chef Jason will work together to match their alternative varieties (Strange Birds) to foods with a Mediterranean flavour. www.goldengrovee.com.au
COOKING CLASSES @ BARREL ROOM CAFE 11 + 25 august Learn how to cook a three course meal in a group atmosphere. Then enjoy all your hard work with your new friends and a glass of wine. Price: $70. 3:00pm to late. www.ballandeanestate.com
BARREL ROOM CAFE, BALLANDEAN ESTATE
what’s on Winelander Train Journey brisbane to wallangarra 28-29 july
Here is a relaxing and unique way to spend a weekend. The special Winelander train will depart Brisbane’s Roma Street station on Saturday, at about 7.00am. From the large windows of your air-conditioned carriage you will watch Brisbane’s Western Suburbs pass and picturesque countryside, before the tortuous climb of the Little Liverpool Range begins. The next town is Laidley which marks the start of the fertile black-soil plains of the Lockyer Valley. Onward the train takes us through Forest Hill, Gatton, Grantham and Helidon. These are the foothills of the
Regional Flavours @ South Bank 21-22 july
Great Dividing Range and after Murphy's Creek the
Brisbane South Bank’s signature food
climb begins in earnest to Toowoomba.
and lifestyle event, which celebrates and promotes regional Queensland
South of Toowoomba you will encounter grain-growing
produce, the people who grow it and
areas. Lunch is served as the train proceeds through
the creativity of our state’s chefs.
the small towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Clifton
Now in its fourth year, Regional
and Nobby prior to reaching Warwick. Another range
Flavours plays host to more than 100
follows as you climb to Dalveen. You are now in the
of Queensland’s best food and wine
"Granite Belt" region. During the trip there are wine
producers from 12 different growing
tasting sessions in the club car.
regions; regions such as South
On arrival at Stanthorpe you will be taken by coach to visit the wineries, before reaching your motel. That night, enjoy dinner at Claudia’s Thunderbolt Farm Country Restaurant. A late start will be made on Sunday morning. Enjoy lunch on the train as you return to Brisbane. www.arhs-qld.org.au
Burnett, Far North Queensland, and, of course, the Granite Belt! www.regionalflavours.com.au
THE WINELANDER
GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK
outdoors Just breathe the fresh air Just breathe - crisp mountain air, clear starry nights, breathtaking views and picturesque bushwalks. Winter is a great time to visit our national parks; the climb to Pyramid is definitely more pleasant on a cool day! And if clear, you will be rewarded with panoramic views across southern Queensland. Pack your fishing rod. Rainy weather is the perfect time to snag a fish or two in the creeks. Fishing enthusiasts can chase an elusive Murray Cod or Silver Perch. And, if it’s very cold, hopefully, you will have the opportunity to play in the snow. When the snow falls everything grinds to a halt, and the funbegins. So wrestle on the boots and wind a few scarves around your neck and head out for some snow-time play.
kids Winter fun The Granite Belt is the perfect place for family fun in Winter. Children will love playing outdoors in the fallen leaves and climbing our granite rock formations. Make sure they ‘rug-up’ before venturing outside. During inclement weather there are also plenty of fun indoor activities for them to enjoy. Go apple juice tasting; step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum - the red fire truck is a favourite with children of all ages; or see law dogs in action. Check out our 15 Must Do’s for more ideas.
kids must do’s 1. Just breathe - let your children enjoy crisp mountain air. At night count the stars or sit around a log fire and toast marshmallows. 2. Grab a wicker basket and develop your hunt and
gathering skills. Children can realize the joy of food in season bursting with flavour - this winter source Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery and Leeks. Every
second Sunday be spoilt for choice at the Markets in the Mountains.
3. With your season produce - topped up with award winning Quart Pot Bakehouse freshly baked bread and condiments from our many gourmet producers - discover a great picnic spot. The visitor information centre can provide a list offering man-made to natural playgrounds. 4. Bring your bikes - ride easy tracks that wind around Quart Pot Creek to our back country roads that
meander through the region.
5. (Hopefully) playing in the snow - it may snow during a Granite Belt winter and we definitely get frosts that blanket the land in white. So wrestle on the boots and scarf and head out for some frosty play. 6. Pack your fishing rods - teach your children to fish in one of our many creeks or a great option with picnic facilities is Storm King Dam. 7. Throw a ball. When was the last time your family went ten pin bowling? It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours when the weather is not at its finest.
CRYSTAL RIDGE
8. Be aMazed. Get lost in the Granite Belt maze as many times as you wish and experience the tranquillity as you wander around the gardens and frog ponds. While you’re there play a game of jumbo chess or mini golf. 9. Learn how to make cheese and about the different varieties at the Granite Belt Diary Farmhouse. Are you an early bird - children are also welcome to watch the milking at about 7am. (bookings required) 10. Tasting for the younger generation - swirl and sip apple cider @ Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery. If it’s early in the season pick your own apples or share an enormous apple pie made from 22 apples. 11. And adults - don’t think that wine tasting with children in tow is out of the question; many of our wineries offer children’s toy boxes, vineyard tours and there is always the resident winery dog to play with (under supervision). 12. Discover our famous granite boulders and be elevated without hours of climbing @ Donnelly’s Castle. It’s only a 200 metre walk to the top providing breathtaking views over the valley. Surrounded by caves, legend tells us this was a hide-out of the famous bushranger Thunderbolt!
Feeling more adventurous - visit the renowned Girraween National Park. For spectacular 360 degree views climb Castle Rock or discover the precariously balancing rock on the Pyramid. Learn more about the park’s history, flora and fauna from a ranger at the information centre. Camping is available but in winter make sure you bring your woollies.
13. More than lavender - discover lavender’s many uses at Crystal Ridge Lavender Farm or Aloomba Lavender Farm and also have a farm experience. Aloomba is also a 4000 acre working cattle farm and Crystal Ridge is a prime lamb raising property with an animal display including alpacas, donkeys, miniature horses, goats, ducks and chickens. 14. Step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum and discover our connection with French battlefields and how Stanthorpe got its name from tin. 15. See Australia’s only privately-owned working dogs training kennel open to the public for action and training demonstrations. Get up close and personal while seated behind a safety fence and see the dogs in an experience like no other.
And before you leave make sure you have your photo taken with our famous Brass Monkey - it’s a ball freezing experience.
rejuvenate emerge a different person Winter is all about rejuvenating the soul and living life in the slow lane. The Granite Belt is the ideal destination to reconnect, relax and rest. Though the region offers a plethora of things to do, many enjoy cocooning themselves in one of our beautiful accommodation cottages and retreats. A book and a generous glass of red the perfect companions. To rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, why don’t you go on a yoga and wellbeing retreat? Go by yourself or get a small group of friends together for a weekend experiences that will leave you feeling calmer, more grounded, connected and alive! Not into yoga – spoil yourself with a massage or a beauty indulgence. You’ll emerge a different person!
MALLOW WELLBEING + COTTAGE
granitebeltwinecountry.com.au