Granite Belt Wine Country Visitor Guide 2018-2019

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

The New England Highway runs for more than 62kms through the heart of the Granite Belt, from Dalveen and The Summit to Stanthorpe, Glen Aplin, Ballandean and beyond. It meets the border with NSW at the historic town of Wallangarra. The Granite Belt is part of the Southern Queensland Country region. granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

Contents 4

National Park Splendour

6 150 Years of Winemaking History 8 Chests of Gold, Tables of Trophies 10

Meet the Vignerons and Winemakers

12

Introducing our StrangeBird Wines

15

A Year in the Life of a Vineyard

16

Getting the most from your Wine Tasting

18

Tastes of the Granite Belt

22

Arts & Heritage

24

A perfect place for a Special Event

25 – 28 Accommodation | Cafes, Restaurants & Food Wineries & Breweries | Tours 29

Town Map

30 – 31 Regional Map 32

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How to escape to the Granite Belt

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Welcome Granite Belt Wine Country The Granite Belt is situated on the northern edge of the New England Tableland, right on the border between Queensland and NSW, at an elevation of around 1000 metres. Here the air is intoxicating – so fresh and clean – and the sky seems a deeper blue.

The Granite Belt has always been a place of rest and relaxation – a place where people came to enjoy nature or recover from illness or war. In 1905 the State Government gazetted the region as Queensland’s official ‘health resort’. And it remains so to this day.

This is a landscape of dramatic beauty and diversity with four distinct seasons. Here, 200-million-year-old Triassic granite formations emerge from thick forests and housesized boulders balance precariously one on top of the other. On the Granite Belt you can feast on local fresh produce and choose from a wide range of accommodation from simple to simply luxurious. Granite Belt Wine Country hosts work hard to make your stay in our region unforgettable. It’s a wonderful place to grow wine grapes, apples, strawberries and all kinds of stone fruit and vegetables. There are more apples grown on the Granite Belt than anywhere else in Australia.

Visit award-winning wineries and chat to the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. A craft brewery offers hand-made beers.

Come for the cool summer nights or the apple blossoms of springtime. Come for the red and gold of autumn trees and vineyards, or warm log-fires on crisp winter days – and on rare occasions you may even come to see snow. Come whenever you wish, the Granite Belt is always beautiful. It’s part of Queensland yet it’s another country.

When you arrive Make sure you visit the friendly Visitor Information Centre located on the southern bank of Quart Pot Creek (through town and over the bridge if you’re coming from the north), at 28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe | Open daily 9am – 4pm For more information: 07 4681 2057 | Disabled parking and access E: info@granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

Granite Belt Wine Country

Find out more on our website: www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

QUEENSLAND GRANITE BELT WINE COUNTRY

BRISBANE

Sunrise on The Pyramid, Girraween National Park Cover Image: Sam Costanzo – The Eye of the Needle, Girraween National Park 3

Sunrise at Girraween National Park

National Park Splendour Whether you seek rest and repose or want to be active, there is nothing quite like time spent out-of-doors in our extraordinary environment – it’s ancient, beautiful and bountiful.

Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul with a yoga session in a vineyard, stargaze under stunning night skies, or sit beside a rocky cascade to listen to the sound of rushing water and watch the birds flit amongst the trees. You may even see

some of the animals that make our national parks their home. This is a place to enjoy nature at its best, especially if you love the seasonal changes – the soft sunshine and wildflowers of springtime, the cold, crisp days of winter that make those rocky summits that much more reachable.

Noticeably absent is that high humidity that often makes bushwalking in summer in lower climes, sticky and uncomfortable.

Girraween National Park Girraween National Park is renowned for its massive 200-million-year-old Triassic granite boulders. Climb the Pyramid, Castle Rock or take the hike to Mount Norman.

A gentle stroll to the Granite Arch is a less strenuous adventure.

Girraween’s almost 12,000 hectares of eucalypt forests are teeming with wildlife and rare and lovely plants. Girraween is an Aboriginal name for ‘place of flowers’ and in spring and summer it really does live up to its name. At Girraween there are excellent facilities for camping and picnicking and 17km of well-defined walking tracks – from a gentle 1.4km ramble to more than 10km hikes. The summit tracks have steep slopes.

The winding 9km bitumen road to Girraween National Park can be entered 26km south of Stanthorpe or 11km north of Wallangarra at the turn-off to Wyberba.

For a shorter hike to Mount Norman, enter from the south via Wallangarra. Follow Mount Norman Road across a couple of grids and gain entrance through a gateway into the park. A few kilometres further is a parking and picnic area and the signposted track to Mount Norman.

Sundown National Park

Mt Norman, Girraween National Park

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

South-west of Stanthorpe is the wild and beautiful Sundown National Park – a contrast to the rounded giant ‘marbles’ of Girraween, Sundown is a wilderness park hidden in the Severn Valley to the west of the New England Highway. Over millennia, the Severn River has cleaved

through the park’s ancient rock, forming spectacular sharp ridges and steep-sided gorges. It is popular with birdwatchers as many uncommon birds find a haven in its remote gorges.

About 5km from Sundown’s 4WD entrance via Ballandean, a side track leads to the spectacular Red Rock Gorge where 50m high falls tumble over cliffs stained red with lichen. At the southern end the Broadwater camping area is a family camping spot (great fun when the river is running). The ranger station is located here and this is the starting point for visitors wishing to experience the true Sundown wilderness.

Access to this park is via three directions – the access via Ballandean is suitable for 4WD vehicles only, but there are two all-vehicle entrances that can be found south from Nundubbermere Road to Nundubbermere Falls and east from Glenlyon Dam Road to the Broadwater camping area.

Closer to Stanthorpe Not far north of Stanthorpe, reached via The Summit village, a winding gravel road leads to Donnelly’s Castle, a small park and picnic area where huge caves have been formed from house-sized granite boulders. Walking tracks lead over, under and around the massive boulders.

The Granite Arch Girraween National Park

In a small reserve off Jardine Street right in the heart of Stanthorpe township, is a group of huge granite boulders that just beg to be explored. A pleasant walking track leads around the top of the small hillside. Locals call the formations ‘Sentimental Rocks’.

If you’re a fishing fan, take a rod or line out to Storm King Dam, which is stocked with Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch and many other fish species. At Storm King you can sail, kayak, water-ski or swim and there is a boat ramp, picnic area with

electric BBQ and a playground. (Fishing and Power-Boat Permits are required).

Further afield To the east, just over the NSW border, reached via Tenterfield, is Bald Rock National Park and Boonoo Boonoo Falls.

Or north-east of Stanthorpe, the lovely Queen Mary Falls near Killarney. About 90km west is the huge Glenlyon Dam, also a haven for fishing enthusiasts as it is well stocked with several excellent fish species.

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Autumn colours creep into Granite Belt vineyards after harvest

150 years of winemaking history Wine grapes were first planted on the Granite Belt in the 1860s by the local Catholic parish priest, Father Jerome Davadi. Later many Italian families settled in the region and grew vines to make wine for their own consumption.

The children of those first pioneers studied at home and overseas, bringing with them a new enthusiasm for lesserknown grape varieties. Over the past decade Granite Belt wineries have made their mark at national and interstate wine shows and the region is now recognised as a small but unique producer of

premium wines and one of the most exciting wine regions in Australia.

reputation as one of Australia’s top producers of alternative variety wines.

At just under 1000 metres’ elevation, the Granite Belt is one of the highest wine regions in the nation and almost 900 metres higher than Bordeaux in France or the Napa Valley in the USA. The unique terroir with its longer growing season and deep granitic gravels, combined with the innovative approach of the region’s winemakers and vignerons, produces wines of elegance and complexity.

Cool climate wines as individual as a fingerprint.

A host of cellar doors offer a personal, unhurried and friendly wine experience.

Some offer free tastings, others charge a nominal fee, refunded with a wine purchase.

While making a purchase isn’t obligatory, if you have enjoyed the wines, it is considered a courtesy. You can taste mainstream varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, verdelho and pinot gris – or discover the StrangeBirds – luscious alternative varieties. Many are old European varieties that delight the senses with new and exciting aromas and flavours.

The last few years have seen a number of emerging varieties grown with great success on the Granite Belt, which is officially recognised as a wine-producing region under its own GI (Geographical Indicator). The region has a growing

For those who enjoy a great craft beer or cider, a premium craft brewery has some excellent brews. The Granite Belt Brewery is gaining a reputation for the quality of its hand-made beers.

Three generations of passion, love and the strive for excellence.

Mainstream varieties and a long list of Strangebird wines to tempt every palate.

Cultural, food and wine events throughout the year.

OPEN DAILY 337 Sundown Road, Ballandean Qld 4380 Ph: 07 4684 1291 • Email: sales@goldengroveestate.com.au www.goldengroveestate.com.au

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

A tale of two families The region’s reputation for providing visitors with a friendly, personal wine experience has been built on the efforts of many passionate people. Two families stand out. The Puglisi family of Ballandean Estate Wines, who were the first to establish a cellar door on the Granite Belt in 1970, and the Costanzo family, who established Golden Grove Estate winery just a few hundred metres away, in the late 1980s.

The Puglisi family tradition of wine-making dates back to 1930 when Salvatore Cardillo, an Italian immigrant, brought his family to the region and planted table grapes on his farm. He made wine from this fruit, which he sold locally. His son-in-law, Alfio Puglisi, then took up the baton before passing it to son Angelo and his wife, Mary. The couple saw the potential for a new industry in the area and decided to make wine commercially, replanting their vineyard with wine grapes. Ballandean Estate Wines is now one of the region’s leading wineries, producing high quality wine grapes from The Puglisi Family of Ballandean Estate Wines

which their winemaker, Dylan Rhymer, makes many outstanding and awardwinning wines. Now the fourth generation, the couple’s daughters, Leeanne Gangemi and Robyn Henderson, have taken on the management role. The girls grew up working in the business.

Another Sicilian immigrant, Salvatore Patti, grandfather of current Golden Grove owner Sam Costanzo, also made wine from his surplus table grapes. His daughter Nita and husband Mario Costanzo – also from Italy, continued this practice, selling their wines privately. Their second son, Sam, together with wife Grace, purchased the family property in the mid 1980s, gradually replacing table grapes with wine grapes and converting the farm to a fullscale winery. Now their sons Raymond and Jason have taken up the reins. Raymond studied wine-making at university, graduating with a B. App Science, then worked in a number of important wine regions, including Washington State in the USA, before returning home and taking over as winemaker. Raymond has taken Golden Grove Estate’s wines to a new level.

Jason became a qualified chef and caters for functions at Golden Grove as well as helping in the vineyard.

There are now more than 30 cellar doors open to Granite Belt visitors. Many are relative newcomers who have seen the potential offered by the granitic soils and dry, cooler climate for growing quality wine grapes. They all make their own special contribution to the region’s growing credibility and reputation for quality wines.

Wine Experiences & Education A number of wineries offer private tasting rooms for groups, vineyard tours and wine master-classes and the Queensland College of Wine & Tourism has Winemaker for a Weekend courses.

Find out more on our website or ask at our Visitor Information Centre on Quart Pot Creek. www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

The Costanzo Family of Golden Grove Estate

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Chests of Gold, Tables of Trophies The sheer number of gold medals and trophies proudly displayed in cabinets, tables and on walls in cellar doors throughout the Granite Belt, is testimony to the region’s growing reputation as one of Australia’s most interesting and go-ahead wine regions.

Granite Belt wines have gone from being a curiosity many years ago, to now taking their place among the respected wine regions of Australia. It is a small region, but one that produces some excellent cool climate wines.

At an elevation of 1000 metres above sea level, wines grapes take longer to ripen, ensuring luscious, full flavours with great diversity between individual vineyards.

That sense of place (or terroir) is reflected in the quality of fruit produced on the Granite Belt. Wines from this region have been said to be as individual as a fingerprint.

Respected wine judge and writer Mike Bennie, who contributes articles on wine for most of Australia’s leading magazines, and is also Editor-At-Large and contributor to The Wine Front, a major online wine commentary website, visited the region for the first time early in 2017 and made the following observations: “Granite Belt has to be one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions. Indeed, the scope of wines possible from the region is startling, and the overall sense of quality, very high.

Few regions in Australia manage to excel at so many varieties and styles, and few regions in Australia have a culture of innovation, and, importantly, a willingness to let the region speak clearly through its wines.”

Here on the Granite Belt we are proud of our wines and the people behind them.

Not all Granite Belt wineries enter wine shows or submit their wines for assessment by wine writers, but those who do, provide gold-standard proof that our wines can compete with the best other regions have to offer.

Mike Hayes Australian Winemaker of the Year 2017

Mike Hayes wins Australian Winemaker of Year 2017 Symphony Hill Wines Chief Winemaker, Mike Hayes, upstaged some of Australia’s finest winemakers to win the 2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year award.

This prestigious award is presented by the Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology, which is based in Adelaide. It is the first time a Queenslander has won this award.

Mike Hayes has worked in the wine industry in 16 regions, four states and two countries and last year was appointed an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Queensland. He holds a Masters in Professional Studies (Viticulture) and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Level 3. He is holder of a Churchill Fellowship and an expert on alternative wine varieties.

With Mike at the helm, Symphony Hill Wines has won countless trophies and gold medals for its wines. Mike also makes premium wines for Savina Lane Wines.

Wine Grape Harvest at Golden Grove Estate

Home of the 2017 – 2018 Australian Winemaker of the Year, Mike Hayes

Free Wine Tastings at 2017 Eukey Rd, Ballandean 7 Days 10am - 4pm

2017 Best QLD Winery Trophy 2017 Best Alternative White Wine Trophy at National Wine Show of Australia 2017 Best QLD Red Wine Trophy | 2017 Best QLD White Wine Trophy 2017 Most Successful QLD Exhibitor Trophy at Royal Brisbane Wine Show

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Not all wineries enter wine shows. It is common for vignerons to decide their trophy cabinets are full and they no longer need to benchmark their wines.

However, here are some of the Granite Belt wineries that have won accolades over the last couple of years.

Balancing Rock – 2 gold medals sagrantino Ballandean Estate Wines – 8 trophies, 18 gold medals saperavi, late harvest sylvaner, nebbiolo, fiano, muscat

Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Three Granite Belt wineries win international gold medals

The Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Three local producers of wine made from the Saperavi grape, an ancient variety which has its origins in Georgia, eastern Europe, each won gold medals at the recent World Saperavi Prize competition in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Created as a joint venture between the Queensland Government and the University of Southern Queensland, the Queensland College of Wine Tourism is an industry training establishment dedicated to raising quality and service standards in the food and wine tourism sector.

The Saperavi grape can be traced back about 6000 years and some believe all other vines are its descendants. It is a rich, full-bodied wine, perfect with hearty meat dishes.

Better known locally by its acronym QCWT, the College provides a real-world industry training context for hospitality, tourism, commercial cooking and wine industry operations for students.

Ridgemill Estate, Symphony Hill Wines and Ballandean Estate Wines all won gold medals in the international competition.

The College’s excellent function room and well-equipped seminar facilities have become a hub for wine industry training and workshops which draw industry professionals from across Australia as well as southern Queensland and northern NSW.

Wines came from the United States, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Armenia and New Zealand as well as Australia.

Ridgemill Estate and Ballandean Estate Wines have been growing saperavi on the Granite Belt for some years now, and Mike Hayes of Symphony Hill Wines says it shows the level of professionalism here and highlights the success of emerging grape varieties in this climate.

The on-site restaurant, Varias, overlooks the ‘Vineyard of the Future’, planted by Granite Belt viticulturists to preserve and trial new and heritage wine grape varieties.

The restaurant is open every day for lunch and for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. It is air-conditioned and the ambiance is calm and serene.

Robert Channon Wines – 4 trophies, 4 gold medals petit verdot, verdelho, pinot gris Girraween Estate – trophy, gold medal, shiraz/cabernet Heritage Estate – trophy, gold medal chardonnay Hidden Creek Winery – gold medal – tempranillo Jester Hill Wines – 2 trophies, 6 gold medals, shiraz, petit verdot Just Red Wines – 4 trophies, 5 gold medals, shiraz/viognier, tannat, cabernet/merlot Ravens Croft Wines – trophy, gold medal tempranillo Ridgemill Estate – 3 trophies, 4 gold medals, cabernet/sauvignon/merlot, chardonnay, pinot gris, saperavi Savina Lane Wines – 5 trophies, 7 gold medals, fiano, viognier, graciano, shiraz Summit Estate – 2 trophies, 3 gold medals, viognier, cabernet Symphony Hill Wine – 19 trophies, 46 gold medals, gewürztraminer, viognier, cabernet/sauvignon, vermentino, petit verdot, fiano, saperavi, lagrein, verdelho Twisted Gum Wines – trophy, gold medal, shiraz Whiskey Gully Wines – trophy, 2 gold medals, shiraz

Welcome to a premium wine experience Beautiful wines. Passionate people.

One of the Granite Belt’s loveliest vineyards overlooked by a modern, architect-designed cellar door.

Open Saturdays & Sundays 10-4pm 61 Savina Lane, Severnlea - off Back Creek Road - Enquiries: 0419 723 755

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Tasting wine at a Granite Belt cellar door

Meet the vignerons and winemakers The Granite Belt is one region where single-vineyard, hand-picked, handcrafted wine is the norm and not the exception.

Unlike most of Australia’s wine industry, the vast majority of wineries on the Granite Belt are owned and operated by individual families who work in the vines, make the wines and often, run the cellar door too.

None of our wineries are owned by big corporations or listed on the stock market.

Wherever you go on the Granite Belt you will be greeted by people who know and love good wine. People who spend their lives seeking excellence, both in the quality of fruit produced and the quality of wines made from that fruit.

Opening Hours There are at least a dozen Granite Belt cellar doors that open seven days a week, however the remainder generally open for three or four days, or even just at weekends.

Wineries do their best to always be open when advertised and it is rare to find them closed at these times. While winery owners understand that visitors would like to be

HERITAGE ESTATE WINES Heritage Cool climate high altitude award winning wine.

Producing stunning red wines from our 50-year-old vines at Ballandean.

Elegant aromatic whites from our high altitude vineyards on the Northern Granite Belt.

Our wines reflect the essence of cool climate viticulture. Varieties include Fiano, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Marsanne, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Merlot and Cabernet.

07 4685 2197 E: sales@heritageestate.com.au www.heritageestate.com.au 747 Granite Belt Drive Cottonvale OR Crossroads at Thulimbah

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We now have two cellar doors on the Granite Belt - both are open 7 days a week 10am-4pm weekdays and 9am-5pm weekends.

The Old Church Cellar Door (New England Highway, Thulimbah, 12km north of Stanthorpe).

Set amongst beautiful native gardens. Taste all our wines and liqueurs or enjoy Paddy’s home cooked country food.

The Winery Cellar Door (747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale).

A room you will never forget with its warehouse atmosphere, antiques, log fires and our full range of wine and liqueurs - it is wine tasting in style.

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

able to visit all wineries any day of the week, for the small wineries this is just not possible. The vineyards take priority and there is much work to be done all year round. Winery owners are friendly and hard-working and love nothing better than showing their wines to Granite Belt visitors, however the many demands of running a small winery place some restriction on times they can be in the cellar door.

If you have your heart set on visiting a particular winery and they are not open when you are in the area, it is always worth giving them a call to see if you can make an appointment. While it might not always be possible, it is always worth a try. Phone numbers are on pages 30-31.

Tasting Etiquette Around Australia it is now common to find wineries asking for a small tasting fee to sample their range of wines. This small amount is normally not charged if visitors make a wine purchase.

The Granite Belt has been slow to adopt this practice, but increasingly wineries are being forced to follow the trend as visitor numbers grow. If a visitor tastes five or six wines at a winery, that amounts to a glass of wine. Imagine how many free glasses of wine that adds up to over a busy weekend.

Increasingly visitors are coming in groups and instead of free glasses, these tastings can add up to free bottles! No business can keep giving away their product and expect nothing in return.

Tastings in front of a log fire

Of course when a wine purchase is made, that helps to cover the cost of a tasting, so most Australian wineries are happy to forgo the tasting fee, although there are some in the southern states that do not offer a refund with purchase.

Granite Belt winery owners are not highpressure sales operators. They want you to enjoy the tasting experience and spend a lot of time ensuring you do. They are happy to answer all your questions, and, if they are not too busy, will even take you for a walk in their vineyards or show you their winery or wine storage cellar.

If you have enjoyed your visit, it is a courtesy to buy something. If you don’t like the wines or just aren’t in a position to buy (travelling on a bicycle for example), then paying the small tasting fee is a good way to recompense the winery for their time, effort and product.

Granite Belt visitors enjoy a wine tasting

Wines in the cellar door Lunches in the Singing Lake Café Concerts in the Swigmore Hall

“They are by far the best Verdelhos I have ever tasted.”

James Halliday 2003

“Arguably Australia’s foremost producer of Verdelho.”

James Halliday 2009

“Takes the Verdelho to another level of length and intensity altogether.”

James Halliday 2013

Verdelho · Chardonnay · Pinot Gris · Pinot Noir · Shiraz · Cabernet Sauvignon · Malbec · Rosé · Sparkling

Bradley Lane (Off Amiens Rd), Amiens · Ph: (07) 4683 3260 · E: info@robertchannonwines.com

www.robertchannonwines.com

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Introducing our StrangeBird wines What to serve with StrangeBird wines

StrangeBird White Wines

Roussanne chicken, pork, veal, paté

Alvarinho seafood, poultry

Lighter-flavoured wines match lighterflavoured foods and full-flavoured wines are best with full-flavoured dishes. There’s a Granite Belt StrangeBird wine variety that matches perfectly with your favourite dish.

Here are a few recommendations:

Chenin Blanc light creamy chicken & fish

Sylvaner (sweeter styles) blue cheese, crème brulee

Fiano seafood, poultry, pork, veal or sushi

Verdelho seafood & light meats

Gewurztraminer Indian & Thai dishes

Vermentino strongly flavoured seafood dishes

StrangeBird Red Wines

Mourvedre game meat & duck dishes

Barbera pizza & antipasto

Nebbiolo hearty meat dishes, beef casseroles & salami

Durif game or red meat dishes

Marsanne pork, veal or lobster in cream sauce Petit Manseng Asian dishes, seafood

Graciano red meats, Mediterranean dishes, venison, tajines

Nero d’Avola rich red meats, spicy casseroles & salami

Malbec grilled game, red meats & pasta

Petit Verdot lamb shanks & beef casseroles

Montepulciano grilled meat, lamb, bolognese sauce & pasta

Pinotage red meats, duck & venison

Viognier soft cheeses, creamy chicken, rich seafood, pork

Sangiovese pizza margarita, Italian-style pork, veal or chicken Sagrantino pizza, pasta, truffles Saperavi rich meat dishes Tannat beef, lamb, strong cheeses, cassoulet Tempranillo tapas, cured ham, herbed meat, smoked sausages

Balancing Rock Wines rustic little cellar door sits at the bottom of the mountains and vines in the heart of Southern Queensland’s high, cool climate Granite Belt region.

Be delighted by the wine; be inspired by the landscape, views and vineyard; and enjoy the cellar door experience from the owners, David & Lori Broadbent.

Award winning, cool climate wines, from Mike Hayes, Australia’s 2017 Winemaker of the Year.

We have officially found our favourite winery!

Open Friday to Monday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and all other times by appointment. Also open on public holidays and school holidays (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day).

SARAH

P 0407 127 903 E hello@balancingrockwines.com.au BALANCING ROCK WINES

P 0407 127 903 E hello@balancingrockwines.com.au 221 Old Wallangarra Road, Wyberba via Ballandean QLD 4382

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

The StrangeBirds Beyond chardonnay. Beyond Shiraz (although both do brilliantly on the Granite Belt), there are our StrangeBirds.

Our alternative varieties, also known as emerging varieties.

To be called an alternative, a variety must represent not more than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia as defined by Wine Australia. Over the past decade, the Granite Belt has become known for the sheer number of different, delightful and award-winning varieties available for tasting at cellar doors.

Pursue the StrangeBirds and discover wines you’ve never tasted. Wines that delight the senses and quench your desire for something new and exciting.

Enjoyed in Europe for generations, these alternative varieties are now emerging as Australian favourites due to their ability to match perfectly with our food preferences.

Ask for your copy of the StrangeBird Alternative Wine Trail Map, which will give you more information about them and tell you where you can taste them.

StrangeBird wines are available for tasting at more than 24 cellar doors on the Granite Belt.

Serving Temperatures – No ice cubes please!

Serving wine at room temperature doesn’t mean that of a Queensland summer’s day when inside your home can be up to or more than 30˚C. In fact you might need to chill your red wines!

The practice of serving red wine at room temperature came from Europe where

Fiano awaits a dawn harvest

home cellar and room temperatures are much lower. Many wine critics have written that Australians drink their white wines too cold (often straight from the fridge) and their reds far too hot.

White wines release their full aromas and flavours between 10-13˚C, not chilled like Champagnes – although serious Champagne aficionados would never drink their Krug straight from the refrigerator.

They would also recommend you serve your bubbly around 8-10˚C, even up to 13˚C. Reds should be enjoyed at between 18-20˚C. Ten or twenty minutes in the refrigerator should do the trick in a Queensland summer.

There are several types of wine thermometer on the market and the use of one will add to your enjoyment of the wine as you will know it will be served ‘just right’.

There are small cubes or ‘pearls’ made from stainless steel or plastic widely available that you can use to keep both red and white wines cool. These can be kept in your freezer until required. If the weather is very hot, just pop one or two into your glass and your wine will stay at the perfect temperature without being diluted by melting ice. After all, you wouldn’t want to spoil all the hard work of the people who went to so much trouble to make the wine for you.

k weekend getaway

an award winning modern winery in the heart of queensland’s stunning granite belt open 7 days luxury studio accommodation must visit cellar door only 2½ hours from brisbane, 218 donges road, severnlea 07 4683 5211 ridgemillestate.com

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A Taste of the Granite Belt in a glass...

“No wine maker is gifted enough to make those wonderful flavours and aromas – all of the work happens out there, in the vineyard,” he said.

It’s the flavours of Adrian’s vineyard which shine through his wines. It also means they perfectly reflect a sense of place, evoking Queensland’s Granite Belt in a glass.

“No other wine growing region in Australia has what we have in terms of geography, topography, altitude and climate,” Adrian explains of his home. “It’s this combination which produces wine of such high character and quality.”

Looking at the History of Tobin Wines While his love of the region is evident, Adrian Tobin didn’t grow up among the grapes of the Granite Belt. A citybased pharmacist and businessman for more than 20 years, it wasn’t until he

“When the fruit comes into the winery at harvest, it is just crushed, fermented and bottled, with minimal interference,” Adrian explains of his process.

As a result, you won’t see any blends at Tobin Wines, with each grape varietal given the spotlight to reveal its own unique flavour. It is this characteristic that has led to Adrian’s vintages, each named after his grandchildren, being described as “the best of the best”.

“Our wines express their origins in the rugged & majestic landscape of the Granite Belt”

The Granite Belt is Queensland’s home of wine, but who are the people behind the vintages and what does it take to produce a fine drop in one of Australia’s highest wine regions? Meet the man behind award-winning Tobin Wines.

Understanding the Tobin Wines Philosophy It’s not about making wine, it’s about growing it. That’s the philosophy Ballandean vineyard owner Adrian Tobin lives by.

the belief exceptional fruit is the foundation of superb wine.

It’s a location with a strong history of viticulture and wine making. The first grapes were planted in the region by the local Italian community in the 1960s. When a property boasting some of those original Semillon and Shiraz vines hit the market in 2000, Adrian knew it was time to move from his professional life in Brisbane to a life among the vines on the Granite Belt.

approached retirement that Adrian decided to follow his dream of establishing a vineyard.

“I’ve had a life-long love affair with wine,” he conceded “and spent my life visiting wineries and reading and learning as much as I could about grape growing and wine making. As a parochial Queenslander, I wanted to involve myself in lifting the profile of Queensland wine and always held the firm belief that the little valley of Ballandean, less than 20 kilometres south west of Stanthorpe, was the place to establish a vineyard.”

When he arrived, he discovered those 50-year-old vines were the only plants on the property, so with his work cut out for him, Adrian embarked on a strict planting program.

Tobin Wines now boasts Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc vines, all painstakingly cared for by Adrian.

His wines have won multiple awards, and yet Adrian remains humble about what he has achieved.

“Life is all about chasing dreams and trying to fulfil them. Mine was to make some exceptional wine before I died,” he quipped. “It’s all very self-indulgent really.”

Bringing to Life Tobin Wines “Quality rather than quantity” is the mantra of Tobin Wines. This determination to produce only the very best sees Adrian and his wife Fran clock 100-hour weeks, tending to the vines by hand. Their hard work is driven by

Tobin’s Wines is located at 34 Ricca Rd, Ballandean. The cellar door is open for tastings every Friday – Monday from 10am – 5pm.

Adrian’s Insider Tips when visiting the Granite Belt Tell us how to create an amazing Granite Belt experience?

The night sky is always a source of wonder because of our altitude and clarity of the atmosphere, the stars seem close enough to touch.

The wild life appears in abundance at dusk if you take a quiet walk. In daylight hours, be overcome with the majesty and starkness of the high Granite Belt rugged country.

Any secret you can give the travelers?

For bird watchers there is a huge diversity of birdlife in the region.

Granite Belt offers a beautiful area for unique Australian landscapes and flora and fauna. Make sure you visit Girraween National Park.

Open Cellar Door Tastings Friday – Monday Inclusive, 10am – 5pm Other Days Private tastings, by appointment only* (Excluding Good Friday, Anzac Day until 1pm & Christmas Day) *If you are booking private tastings, you are more than welcome to bring your wine-loving friends along. These tastings are restricted to 10 – 12 people.

A year in the life of a vineyard While the vineyard might pass through a 12-month cycle, for most vignerons, a month can feel like a year as they battle everything from the weather to the wildlife.

Like farmers everywhere, vignerons are at the mercy of the elements. Spring is bud burst time and the most dangerous time for frosts that can burn off new growth overnight and affect yield. Increasingly vignerons are using anti-frost equipment – either sprinkler systems or huge anti-frost fans that prevent frost from settling on the emerging shoots.

By the arrival of those hot summer days, it is hailstorms that become a vineyard owner’s worst enemy. Every year vineyards at one end of the Granite Belt or the other, will suffer hail damage to their fruit. Some years whole crops can be lost and nothing can be harvested at all that vintage.

Vintage (or harvest-time) on the Granite Belt usually commences in late January or early February for growers who have earlyripening varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Verdelho. Late February and early March sees the aromatic whites, such as Chardonnay, Fiano and Viognier being harvested. Most reds like Merlot, Malbec and Shiraz are picked mid to late March, however some varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano and Montepulciano, can still be on the vines towards the end of April or in cooler years according to Leeanne Gangemi of Ballandean Estate Wines, into early May. Extreme hot summers will bring the grapes on early.

Cool, rainy summers not only bring issues with disease, but delay ripening.

Bird netting usually goes out when grapes turn red (veraison)

Keeping the wildlife at bay Visitors to the region in summer may also notice black or white netting in vineyards, either over each individual row, or multiple rows. This is to protect the fruit from huge flocks of birds that we love having around most of the year, but wish they would go to the beach for the summer months.

Vignerons can take a short break over autumn as pruning of the vines is usually left until late winter before the sap starts rising again in spring. At that time vignerons have to be fresh and ready to face another year of challenges.

The birds and the feral foxes love the sweet fruit, however our mobs of kangaroos only wish to laze between the shady vine rows and leave the grapes alone. For the Ballandean wineries, feral deer can also be a problem. They do like eating grapes and can get antlers caught in bird netting and in an effort to escape, can cause mayhem.

After all the fruit has been picked, the vine leaves turn red or gold and one by one, fall off until only bare sticks are left. Frosts that arrive over autumn and winter do not harm the vines themselves, nor does snow, providing the temperatures do not drop too far below zero.

Frost on a dormant grapevine

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Getting the most from your wine tasting Many visitors to the Granite Belt are wine experts themselves, so they really know how to get the most out of their wine tasting. However, some visitors are new to wine or perhaps have not had an opportunity or have not had the time to learn the finer points of tasting wine.

The first thing to remember is not to hurry.

Here are a few brief guidelines to increase your enjoyment of the wine tasting experience:

Look, swirl and sniff The colour of wine tells you a lot about where it’s at in terms of age and taste, even before you put a drop into your mouth.

Hold your glass against a white page, tilt it slightly and really look at the colour. White wines tend to gain colour as they age.

Most white wines are meant to be enjoyed young and they will have a pale straw colour. Some aromatic white wines (such as Viognier and Fiano) do age well and take on a more golden hue. White wines that come from cooler climates won’t be as golden as those from warmer places.

Not everyone is an experienced wine taster

alcohol content only. The higher the alcohol, the more viscous the wine will be and those ‘legs’ will stay on the side of the glass longer. It is a myth that long-lasting ‘legs’ denote wine quality.

There are areas on the tongue that sense different taste sensations such as bitter, sweet, sour and salty for example so letting the wine roll over your tongue may assist you to identify more flavours.

Swirl the wine around again and put your nose right into the glass, at the same time taking a full sniff. What can you smell?

Young wines will have fresh fruity aromas and older ones more earthy or spicy smells.

Finally, identify the finish of the wine

Note the sensation of taste

Almost all red wines start out bright purple but change with age towards a red ‘brick’ colour. Of course not all red wines have the same colour intensity – Pinot Noir for example is lighter in colour than most reds.

Now, after looking, swirling and sniffing, it is time to taste the wine. Take a good sip.

Swish it around in your mouth and note the taste in the back of your throat and how it feels in your mouth (e.g. is it rich and heavy (viscous) or light and thin)? The higher alcohol content the more viscous the wine will feel – that is it will be light, medium or full-bodied. Give the wine a little slurp to release flavours – don’t be embarrassed to make a noise.

Once you have had a good look at the appearance of the wine, swirl it around in your glass to check its ‘legs’ (or if you prefer, its ‘tears’) and release the aromas.

The ‘legs’ or ‘tears’ are an indication of

The body of a wine is a term used to describe the sense of ‘fullness’ in your mouth. Full-bodied wines are big and powerful, and light-bodied wines are more delicate and lean.

This is best done by simply swallowing, but many people can assess the finish and still spit the wine out. In fact if you plan to visit a number of wineries, then use the spittoons provided, otherwise your ability to assess wines as the day passes will diminish as your blood alcohol level increases.

The finish of a wine is just how long the taste of the wine stays on your palate after swallowing. The length of the finish is the final indicator of the wine’s quality. The taste of some exceptional wines will remain on your palate for more than a minute.

The finish is important because it is your final impression of a wine. If the flavours drop off quickly it can be disappointing. A good finish will leave you delighted and wanting another sip. A bad one might make you wish the finish would hurry up and end!

Vineyard • Cellar Door • Winery • Cafe • Weddings & Functions • Home-made & Local Produce Well behaved pooches (on a lead) always welcome!

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Wineries to visit It is best to check websites for the latest news on winery opening times. Winery locations and website details are listed on the Regional Map on pages 30-31. Alternatively, you can collect a Wine Trail Map from the Visitor Information Centre in Stanthorpe.

Balancing Rock Wines Open Fri-Mon 10-4pm, 7 days School & Pub Hols Ballandean Estate Wines Open 7 days 9-5pm Boireann Winery Open Fri-Mon 10-4pm Bungawarra Wines Open 7 days 10-4pm

Take a Tour Let someone else do the driving on an escorted winery or brewery tour.

Granite Belt tour operators are not only professional, they are determined that their guests have a thoroughly rewarding experience.

They offer a wide range of possibilities, whether you just want a get-together with friends and a tour of the wineries, or are serious about wine and want a more in-depth experience. Or perhaps something in the middle. Take a half-day or full day tour with lunch included, or just enjoy a morning or afternoon tour if that’s all the time you have. Whatever you choose, it will be fun-filled and enjoyable.

Casley Mount Hutton Winery Open Fri-Mon 9.30-4.30pm & Pub Hols

Pyramids Road Wines Open 7 days 10-4.30pm Qld College of Wine Tourism (Banca Ridge) Open 7 days 9-4pm Closed Pub Hols Ravens Croft Wines Open Fri-Sun & long weekends 10.30-4.30pm Ridgemill Estate Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 10-3pm

Girraween Estate Open Sat-Sun & Pub Hols 10-5pm

Robert Channon Wines Open Mon, Tues, Fri 11-4pm; Sat-Sun 10-5pm

Golden Grove Estate Open Sat 9-5pm; Sun-Fri 9-4pm

Rumbalara Estate Wines Open 7 days 10-5pm

Granite Ridge Wines Open 7 days 9-5pm

Savina Lane Wines Open Sat-Sun 10-4pm from Easter until Sold Out

Heritage Estate Wines & Churchyard Café Open Mon-Fri 10-4pm; Sat-Sun 9-5pm Hidden Creek Winery & Café Open Mon & Fri 11-3pm; Sat-Sun 10-4pm Jester Hill Wines Open 7 days 10-5pm

Sirromet Wines* (Mt Cotton Brisbane) Open 7 days 10-5pm Summit Estate Open Fri-Sat 10-8pm; Check website for other times Symphony Hill Wines Open 7 days 10-4pm

Recommended:

Just Red Wines Open Fri-Mon 10-5pm Closed September

Filippo’s Tours www.filippostours.com.au

Kominos Wines Open 7 days 9-5pm

Twisted Gum Wines Open Sat-Sun 10-4pm

Granite Highlands Maxi-Tours www.maxitours.com.au

Masons Cellar Door, Café & Deli Open Fri-Mon 10-5pm

Whiskey Gully Wines Open Fri-Tues 10-5pm

Stanthorpe Tours www.stanthorpetours.com.au

*Sirromet Wines vineyards are on the Granite Belt but their cellar door is located in Mt Cotton Road, Mt Cotton.

Tobin Wines Open Fri-Mon 10-5pm

Jester Hill Wines Est 1993 – not ‘jester’ notha winery

CELLAR DOOR & JESTER CAFE DAILY – Tastings/sales: 10am to 5pm  THURSDAY TO SUNDAY (MAR to SEP) – Lunch: 11.30 to 2.30pm Enquiries for dinner bookings of 10 or more welcome.

Visit us to find the perfect wedding/event venue.

Estate Grown Stunning Wines Family Owned Family Friendly Tranquil Setting

jesterhillwines.com.au  info@jesterhillwines.com.au 292 Mt Stirling Rd, Glen Aplin QLD 4381  (07) 4683 4380

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Granite Belt eateries offer fresh, local produce

Tastes of the Granite Belt Great food is an important part of any Granite Belt visit. Fortunately, for such a small region, we have a wonderful selection of delightful restaurants, casual cafes and winery dineries. During the busy log-fire season and school holidays, bookings are essential, but at most other times, our excellent hosts will find you a table.

Quite a few of our eateries are located within vineyards, so enjoying a glass of award-winning Granite Belt wine with lunch or dinner offers a chance to enjoy the best of what is produced in this cool, mountain climate.

Remember it is always good to phone ahead to check opening hours and make a reservation. In the busy times, bookings are essential at many.

Varias Restaurant at Queensland College of Wine Tourism aims for excellence with its contemporary Australian menu that

focuses on seasonal produce sourced from local producers. The purposedesigned College also has an impressive tasting room and cellar door.

The Barrelroom and Larder at Ballandean Estate Wines is overlooked by an array of magnificent old barrels. The cuisine is modern Australian, prepared from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients by two expert Chefs. A seven-course degustation menu with matching wines can also be enjoyed.

The bar at the Granite Belt Brewery is open from 10am every day. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Enjoy fresh local produce and great craft beer along with country hospitality.

At Hidden Creek Winery & Café, lunch can be served indoors or outside under the trees beside one of the prettiest lakes in the region. The menu has been selected to pair beautifully with their wines.

Heritage Estate Wines offers wine tastings and morning coffee or lunch at its Churchyard Café on the Highway, which was beautifully transformed from an old wooden church and decorated with elegant period furniture.

Varias Restaurant Qld College of Wine Tourism

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Jester Hill Wines serves delicious lunches four days a week in their warm-hearted family-run café, which has lovely vineyard views from the terrace. Wine tastings are available every day.

Mason Wines Cellar Door Café serves all day platters and lunch in a rustic setting overlooking the vineyard. Bookings are preferred, phone 0439 530 535. Taste the wines, olives, jams, chutneys, chilli sauces, fudge and plenty more.

Fruit box

Top Tip

Robert Channon Wines Singing Lake Café offers a lunch menu in a serene setting overlooking a wide expanse of water. An ideal spot for a celebration.

There are monthly concerts at the winery’s Swigmore Hall. Phone 4683 3260.

• L ook for the signs ‘Sam’s Fruit’ on the highway near Thulimbah if you want to stock up on the freshest, justpicked local fruit and vegetables.

Turn at Middleton Road.

Whiskey Gully Wines’ restaurant in the historic Beverley Homestead offers an exquisite lunch or dinner by reservation.

The imaginative six-course Saturday night degustation menu is a true gourmet experience. Diners are entertained by the talented host, on one of his many guitars.

The menu is fresh, diverse & delicious Long before the Granite Belt gained a reputation as Queensland’s premier wine region, a multi-million dollar horticultural and agricultural industry flourished – growing apples, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and dozens of row crops such as tomatoes, capsicums and hand-picked beans, all of which are still grown here with great success.

The Granite Belt is now the nation’s largest producer of apples and supplies the vast majority of summer salad vegetables, such as tomatoes and lettuces, to Australian consumers.

Vast fields of strawberries were planted in recent years to supply this luscious berry from October to May, when growers in other regions are unable to grow them because it is too hot. One of the largest is Ashbern Farms where you can pick your

own strawberries, enjoy their delicious strawberry ice cream or indulge in a fresh strawberry dipped in chocolate.

Granite Belt Christmas Farm & Chocolate Shop is a fun-filled experience for all ages. The hand-crafted chocolates are made in-house from the finest Belgian chocolate and are combined with fresh local fruits to produce a range of mouthwatering treats. Enjoy a hot chocolate.

Browse the Mistletoe Store for Christmas decorations, cookbooks and gifts. Let the children enjoy the sight of reindeer and feed farm animals.

See a forest of living Christmas trees being prepared to grace happy homes in the festive season.

A combination of 1000 metres’ elevation, low humidity and granitic soils enables our local producers to supply fruit and vegetables of a quality unparalleled in Australia.

Most visitors to the region aren’t aware that fresh local venison is available. Or locally-produced organic lamb, pork, bacon and processed meats like prosciutto and chorizo. Premium beef is sourced just across the border from quality New England producers.

Whether you’re enjoying breakfast in one of our excellent bed & breakfasts, lunching or dining in one of our Tourism Awardwinning restaurants or eateries or even just enjoying a sandwich in a café, it’s likely you’ll be served fresh local produce.

Di Lunc nne h rF 7d ri & ays Sa t

(07) 4685 5050 www.qcwt.com.au

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Jamworks Gourmet Café & Larder

Jamworks gaining renown In home kitchens, restaurants and successful commercial enterprises – passionate people are converting our local produce into gourmet delights – from preserves, jams and chutneys sold at purpose-built boutiques such as Jamworks, or at our Market in the Mountains.

The talented young owner-chefs at Jamworks are now exporting their products widely outside the region and many visitors arrive on the Granite Belt

to meet the owners and sample their growing range of outstanding products and enjoy a gorgeous meal in their fascinating café. They are licensed and sell local wines and beers.

The Market in the Mountains is normally held on the second Sunday of the month and on other special dates to coincide with long weekends. The market is from 8am to 12 midday.

Just inside the Queensland border with NSW, the Wallangarra Railway Café & Museum offers a taste of history and

heritage with home-style breakfast and lunch, home-made cakes and great coffee every day. Markets on the platform first Sunday each month.

The Rocks Restaurant at Honeysuckle Cottages off the Highway near town, offers a fusion of Korean and Japanese cuisine in a lovely setting.

Steeped in European culture with produce as diverse as its seasons, the Granite Belt is a food enthusiast’s delight from the paddock to the pantry to the plate.

Stanthorpe Tours with Filippo’s, the tour specialists, are for people who enjoy great wine, great food and a great day out on the Granite Belt near Stanthorpe.

Discover the famous wineries and special places of interest, whilst enjoying award winning wines with friends. All our drivers are courteous and knowledgeable in the Stanthorpe South East Queensland area.

TOUR PROFESSIONALS Showing you the BEST of the Granite Belt District

FREE CALL 1800 020 383 www.filippostours.com.au p: 07 4681 3130 m: 0409 877 973 e: tours@filippostours.com.au

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

RECOMMENDED (see maps on back pages for location) Ashbern Farms Café (formerly Strawberry Fields) Open Wed-Sun 9-4.30pm Oct to May

Jester Hill Wines Café Open March-September Fri-Sun 11-2.30pm for lunch; 7 days for coffee & cake

The Barrelroom at Ballandean Estate Wines Open Thurs-Sun 12-10pm; Mon 12-2pm

Mason Wines Cellar Door Café Deli Open Fri-Mon 10-5pm; lunch 11.30-2.30pm; All Day platters

Granite Belt Brewery Open 7 days lunch 12-2.30pm, dinner 5.30-8.30pm, buffet breakfast Sun 7.30-10am Granite Belt Christmas Farm & Chocolate Shop Open Wed-Sun 9-5pm Heritage Wines Churchyard Café Open Mon-Fri 10-4pm; Sat-Sun 9-5pm Hidden Creek Winery Café Open Mon & Fri 12-2pm; Sat-Sun 12-2.30pm Jamworks Gourmet Foods Café & Larder Open Fri-Tues 9-4.30pm; 7 days school holidays

The Rocks Restaurant at Honeysuckle Cottages Open 6 days 5.30-9pm; closed Tues Robert Channon Wines Singing Lake Café Open Sun-Mon 11-3pm for lunch

Whiskey Gully Winery & Restaurant

Stanthorpe RSL Club Open 7 days lunch 12-2pm & dinner 5.30-8pm Varias Restaurant Open 7 days, 9-4pm; dinner Fri-Sat from 6pm; closed public holidays Wallangarra Railway Café Open 7 days; Sat-Sun 8-3pm; Mon-Fri 9-3pm for breakfast and lunch Whiskey Gully Wines Lunch or dinner (incl. Sat night degustation menu) by reservation

Enjoying a Granite Belt craft beer

Sunset picnic amongst Autumn vines

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Stanthorpe Art Gallery

Arts & Heritage

The railway arrived in 1881 bringing an influx of German settlers.

The Somme. Stanthorpe is still a place that welcomes newcomers.

Long before explorer Allan Cunningham came this way in 1827, the region was a heartland of the Kambu Wal people as their summer hunting grounds. By 1844 four squatters had taken up a vast area of the Granite Belt.

The Crown Land Act of 1868 led to an influx of selectors, as well as enabling shepherds and other farm labourers to acquire land of their own. The large holdings began to shrink.

The cool, dry climate was valued as an aid to health from the early nineteenth century especially for those suffering from tuberculosis or chest conditions.

Following the First World War, Stanthorpe was a major resettlement area for soldiers recovering from mustard gas exposure. Many of these Soldier Settlers took up the land leased to them in the areas around Stanthorpe which now bear the names of WW1 battlefields, such as Pozieres, Messines, Fleurbaix, Amiens, Passchendaele and

A drive or walk around Stanthorpe will reveal some wonderful vintage Queenslander-style houses, but the town is dominated by its beautiful old post office, which is still in use. Stanthorpe Post Office was built of local granite and brick in 1901. It is a good example of Edwardian Classical design with arched windows and an ornamental ceiling and was the first in Australia to be built after Federation, however its magnificent English-made clock, installed in 1903, bears the British Coat of Arms.

The 1870’s discovery of tin at Quart Pot Creek brought miners hoping to strike it lucky. As the settlement grew in importance, Quart Pot, as it was then known – named that by a miner who accidentally left his quart pot beside the creek at which he had camped – was changed to Stannum (Latin for tin). Later the name was gazetted as Stanthorpe, literally meaning ‘tin town’. The Stanthorpe tin field was the greatest tin producer in Queensland and its production has not been eclipsed to present times.

When the tin prices fell many miners turned to farming. The climate was suitable for growing cool climate fruits and vegetables. Grapes were first planted here in the 1860s with encouragement from the local Catholic parish priest Father Jerome Davadi, in order to produce altar wine. His Italian descent made grape growing and wine production a familiar pastime and the notion caught on in the area. There were plenty of Italian settlers and wine was made for home enjoyment.

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Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Stanthorpe Museum is housed in the 1914 old Shire Council Chambers

services stopped in 1997. In 2003, after major refurbishment, the station was reopened as a museum and now also houses a delightful café where morning teas and lunches can be enjoyed seven days a week.

The railway line from Stanthorpe to Wallangarra has continued to be maintained and steam trains taking tourists to Wallangarra occasionally operate from Warwick, stopping in Stanthorpe to pick up extra passengers.

A thriving centre for Arts and Crafts

Wallangarra Railway Café & Museum

Stanthorpe Museum – a must-see treasure Winner of multiple Awards for Excellence, Stanthorpe Museum is an outstanding regional museum housed in the 1914 old Shire Council Chambers.

There is the School Residence built in 1894, complete with inkwells, school desks and slates. Gracious Ardmore House, once the summer residence of a wealthy Brisbane family, was built in 1920 and is now filled with wonderful period collections.

Heath House, built in 1940, has complete rooms dressed with household furniture and items from the Thirties and Forties including some gorgeous vintage clothes.

Wilsons Downfall Gaol, also on the Museum site, was built in 1876 and used for more than 100 years. See antique farm machinery, fire engines and an important and poignant WW1 display as well as the old Glen Aplin Telephone Exchange which carried all interstate military calls during WW11. There are fifteen complete buildings

on the large site so make sure you set aside enough time to enjoy them all.

The Red Bridge Stanthorpe’s famous Red Bridge railway crossing over Quart Pot Creek was built between 1885 and 1888 using horse-drawn drays and manpower to move the tonnes of rock needed for banking. Many who came to build the bridge stayed to build new lives in the region. The stroll to the Red Bridge along Quart Pot Creek follows a well-made path and in hot weather the cool, rocky pools upstream are a delight.

Wallangarra Railway Station The railway station was created to service a break-of-gauge between Queensland’s narrow gauge railway line and New South Wales’s standard gauge when the two systems met in 1888. Until 1932, the railway was the only rail link between Queensland and New South Wales. From that time on, the Wallangarra station lessened in importance. All scheduled rail

This is a perfect climate for artists and artisans. Here are a few highly recommended places to visit: Stanthorpe Art Gallery Stanthorpe is privileged to have an Art Gallery of this size and quality. Established in 1972, the collection now comprises more than 900 pieces and represents the diversity of Australian art practice through wide-ranging mediums – fibre/textile, painting, ceramics, works on paper and sculpture. The collection includes works by Margaret Olley, Charles Blackman, William Robinson, Jon Molvig, Gordon Bennett and Barbara Schey. New exhibitions are regularly presented. Open Tues-Fri 10-4pm; Sat-Sun 10-1pm.

Stanthorpe Museum Open Wed-Fri 10-4pm; Sat 1-4pm; Sun 9-1pm.

Wallangarra Railway Station & Museum Open 7 days; Sat-Sun 8-3pm; Mon-Fri 9-3pm for breakfast and lunch.

The place to lose yourself There’s always more to explore in our backyard Leave the city hustle behind and lose yourself in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. From Warwick, Killarney and Allora, to the Granite Belt in the south, we have the perfect mix of breathtaking natural landscapes, immersive wine experiences, spectacular heritage sites and exhilarating events across our whole backyard.

Visit southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au for trip ideas Main Range National Park, Southern Downs

Southern Downs & Granite Belt granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

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A perfect place for a Special Event Whether it is a wedding or a party to celebrate a significant birthday, there is a venue just right for you on the Granite Belt. From vineyard and winery restaurants to the magnificent function rooms of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. You won’t have any problems finding the perfect place.

Stanthorpe is known as the coolest place in Queensland and our log fires and glorious crisp sunny days in winter are renowned throughout the State. But perhaps it’s not quite so well known that no matter how hot the summer days on the coast, it will be cooler with lower humidity at 1000 metres up on the Granite Belt. Our four gorgeous seasons mean holding your special event or small conference here offers the perfect escape from heat, noise and bustle.

Check our website for updates of coming events: www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au.

We’ve not long celebrated our renowned biannual Apple & Grape Festival which was held at the beginning of this year. Thousands of visitors came to the region for a week of wonderful music, food and wine. The next one will be in 2020, so keep an eye on their website for details: www.appleandgrape.org.

This is a magnificent event so make your accommodation bookings early.

Queensland’s premier winter event, Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival will be held in 2019 with real snow fields, iceskating rink, winter markets, human snow globes and activities for every age. Don’t miss this. Check the website: www.snowflakesinstanthorpe.com.au.

Sippers

at Ballandean

E: sippers@ballandean.net.au P: Graham 0409 788 772 www.ballandean.net.au

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Stanthorpe Zonta Club holds its Pink Dinners at QCWT

Grazing the Granite Belt is held every year in mid-May. Two days of lazy grazing on gourmet local produce matched with premium Granite Belt wines and ciders with a hop-off, hop-on bus to take you from one delicious experience to another. Find out more on www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au Recognised nationally is the Australian Small Winemakers’ Show, held annually in Stanthorpe in October, this event attracts thousands of entries from small wine producers all over Australia and NZ. Find out more on www.asws.com.au.

Simple or simply luxurious places to stay The choice of where to stay on the Granite Belt is as diverse and enticing as our environment and our wines.

From private bushland cottages or cabins in a vineyard, to secluded forest and garden locations, luxury villas or affordable family cabins and friendly motels in the heart of town. We have listed our recommendations and you can find out more details about them at www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au.

Recommended for your next visit Find them all on www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

31 The Rocks • Accommodation Creek Cottages • Alpine Lodges Stanthorpe • Briar Rose Cottage • Connor House • Country Style Caravan Park • Diamondvale Cottages • Fergie’s Hill Cottage • Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park • Granite Belt Brewery & Retreat • Grovely House • Highland Croft Cottage • Honeysuckle Cottages • James Farmhouse & Cottages • Just Red Wines Vineyard Cabins • Loggers Rest • Loughmore House & Cottage • Lynrose Place • Mallow Cottage • MJs Yurts Ballandean • MollyMac Cottages • Possum’s Hollow & Hooter’s Hut • Ridgemill Escape • Rovers Rest Guesthouse • Sancerre Estate • Severn-Dipity • Sippers at Ballandean • Stannum Lodge Motor Inn • Twisted Gum Vineyard Cottage • Whiskey Gully Wines Bush Cottages

Sippers at Ballandean is your perfect escape. Located in the heart of the Granite Belt Wine Country, our Ballandean 4.5 star accommodation provides the reassuring comforts of home, as well as a jumping off point for wine, bush walking and touring activities.

If you enjoy the finer details of staying away from home then our boutique 4-bedroom guest house is perfect for you. Ideal for groups of friends, couples and families, our luxury 4.5 star accommodation in Ballandean is fully equipped with all the facilities you need for a relaxing trip.

Downstairs you’ll find four themed bedrooms each with a large ensuite and reverse cycle air-conditioning caters for all temperatures. Open a beautiful bottle of wine with friends, cook up a BBQ or play a few hands of poker at the games table. With a spacious kitchen, laundry, fireplace, television area and native garden, you will not be disappointed when you choose to stay at Sippers luxury accommodation in Ballandean.

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

ACCOMMODATION

31 The Rocks

Villas with Style “Relax – Revive – Re-energise” Private 10-acre property with valley views and rock outcrops. Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Villas each with a unique aspect and privacy. Wood fire, reverse cycle AC, private BBQ and fully self-contained. Stylish, modern design with comfort in mind. Allow us to ensure your stay is memorable.

Country Style Caravan Park Nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt Wine Region just a few minutes south of Stanthorpe.

Large drive through powered sites and unpowered camping along the water’s edge. Six fully self-contained ensuite cabins – cosy wood burners or electric heating. Non-ensuite and bunk style cabins suitable for large groups. Clean well behaved pets welcome (subject to approval).

Stanthorpe’s best location

• Less than 3 kms to town, set in bushland on the banks of Quart Pot Creek • Enjoy a hot cooked breakfast, observe our native wildlife or walk to town along the creek trail • Peaceful and luxurious self-contained country style cottages with log fires and balconies

31therocks.com 07 4681 2726

E: info@countrystylecaravanpark.com.au

diamondvalecottages.com.au 07 4681 3367 E: stay@diamondvalecottages.com.au

31 Brunckhorst Avenue, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

27156 New England Highway, Glen Aplin QLD 4381

26 Diamondvale Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

Granite Belt Brewery Retreat

Grovely House B&B

Honeysuckle Cottages

• Contemporary B&B with 4 Queen Rooms and 1 King Suite each with own ensuite.

• Spectacular views of the Severn Ranges.

• Enjoy a full breakfast served in our dining room.

• Extensive library and welcoming hospitality.

• Beautiful gardens to sit and enjoy.

• Open fireplace for those chilly nights.

Located close to the centre of town, but hidden away in native bushland, our eight fully selfcontained cottages enable you to relax and enjoy the comforts and serenity of country living.

Formerly Happy Valley Retreat

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the peaceful bush setting of Granite Belt Brewery Retreat. With 20 cabins, restaurant and function room and of course Granite Belt Brewery, there’s no need to leave if you don’t want to. Enjoy our famous ‘Brewer’s Platter’.

countrystylecaravanpark.com.au 07 4683 4358

Diamondvale Cottages

Where you come to Relax

The perfect escape

• Log fire • Spa bath • Kitchen • Outdoor entertaining area with fire pit • Breakfast hamper

granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681 1370

grovelyhouse.com.au 07 4681 0484 E: info@grovelyhouse.com.au

honeysucklecottages.com.au 07 4681 1510 E: info@honeysucklecottages.com.au

146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

1A Torrisi Terrace, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

15 Mayfair Lane, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

James Farmhouse & Rose Cottage

Just Red Wines Vineyard Cabins

Logger’s Rest B&B, Cottage & Bungalow

The Farmhouse is an amazing venue full of rustic charm, located in the heart of Ballandean with impressive views overlooking a vineyard.

15 Award winning wineries within a 10 min drive and Girraween National Park is a 12 min drive.

The Farmhouse suits a large group as it sleeps up to 14 people. Rose Cottage sleeps 2 people.

Just Red Wines has two self-contained twobedroom cabins situated overlooking the vineyard in a tranquil setting, adjacent to native bush and giant granite boulders. Enjoy a glass of your favourite wine on the veranda as you watch the sun go down. Wake up to the melodious sound of native birds. Take a walk in the bush or just relax.

Logger’s Rest is a luxury B&B within walking distance of the centre of Stanthorpe with a warm and friendly atmosphere in a home full of old world charm, modern comforts, air-conditioning, electric blankets, doonas, en-suites, most rooms have French doors onto the veranda. Wood fireplaces in lounge and games room. Perfect for small groups of 4 couples or a romantic get-a-way.

justred.com.au 07 4684 1322 or 0419 795 329 E: cellar@justred.com.au

loggersrest.com.au 07 4681 2572 E: admin@loggersrest.com.au

2370 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

33 Sugarloaf Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

jamesfarmhouse.com.au 0412 889 678 (James) or 0403 233 699 (Mary-Ann) E: jamesbooking@optusnet.com.au 2635 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

25

ACCOMMODATION

Loughmore House & Cottage

Lynrose Place

MJs Yurts Ballandean

Comfortably accommodates up to 6 people, includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, electric blankets, reverse cycle air conditioning throughout, TV/media room, separate lounge with fireplace, dining room with garden views, full laundry facilities, outdoor fire pit, picnic table and carport for up to 3 vehicles. Nestled in a quiet and peaceful position, on the edge of town.

The Yurts are a modern and unique style of accommodation and each will sleep up to 4 people. Located in the heart of Ballandean with impressive views overlooking a vineyard. 15 Award winning wineries within a 10 min drive and Girraween National Park is a 12 min drive. You can choose to stay in either Zuny (Mongolian word for Summer) or Namar (Mongolian word for Autumn).

stayatloughmore.com.au 0419 782 625 E: info@stayatloughmore.com.au

lynroseplace.com.au 07 4681 4676 E: info@lynroseplace.com.au

jamesfarmhouse.com.au 0412 889 678 (James) or 0403 233 699 (Mary-Ann) E: jamesbooking@optusnet.com.au

2 Armstrong Lane, Eukey QLD 4380

115 College Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

2635 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

MollyMac Cottages

Possum’s Hollow and Hooter’s Hut

Rovers Rest Guest House and Studio Units

Comfortable house and cottage accommodation, conveniently located along a scenic drive between Stanthorpe and Ballandean. Relax with family and friends in our fully renovated, three bedroom Queenslander, or take a break in our self-contained one bedroom cottage. Granite Belt vineyards on your doorstep, Girraween National Park over your back fence.

Rural Retreat and Gallery

Modern brick cottages – 1 x 2 bedroom and 2 x 1 bedroom – in a quiet setting of 5 acres on the Severn River.

Cottages are fully equipped with kitchen, TV/ DVD, wood fire heating, queen bedroom and linen supplied. Recreational room has gas BBQ, lounge, table tennis table, games and laundry.

Gallery of dolls, bears, art and historical photos.

Possum’s Hollow and Hooter’s Hut are homestead style twin cabins which offer cosy, comfortable accommodation sleeping up to six people in each. Cabins are fully self-contained and located a short two minute walk from each other for those looking for a group booking.

Great for kids, couples... everyone really!

cobbncocabins.com.au 0438 213 216

The Rovers Rest Guest House is 10 minutes south of Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt. The house sleeps 6 in bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room and lounge with fire place. The Studio Units – each unit has its own bathroom, small kitchen and sleeps 2+. There is a communal area. It has a gas stove, 8 seater dining table and wood fire place. 34m north facing under cover verandah.

mollymac.com.au 0431 778 912 E: bookings@mollymac.com.au

E: possumsandhooterscabins@gmail.com

roversrest.com.au 0409 788 772 E: bookings@roversrest.com.au

895 Thorndale Rd, Glen Aplin, Stanthorpe QLD 4381

216 Butler Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

20-46 Fletcher Road, Glen Aplin QLD 4381

Occasional snow means playtime

Severn-dipity Private and secluded in bushland on Severn River. Modern, fully equipped 2 bedroom 2 bathroom cabin with sauna. Self-contained.

Experience the Severn Sins. Midweek and Summer Specials available.

Also Terata House 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms renovated Queenslander with 360º views of the working farm from 4 decks. Features a woodfired pizza oven and open plan living.

severn-dipity.com.au 0418 797 791

38 Mungall Lane, Ballandean QLD 4382

26

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

CAFES, RESTAURANTS & FOOD | WINERIES & BREWERIES

Ashbern Farms Pick your own strawberries fresh from the patch or buy them packed daily from the cafe. Ashbern Farms offers a range of yummy strawberry treats, including their famous homemade ice cream and delicious fresh waffles.

Strawberry season is from October to May. Farm open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9am – 4:30pm. Closed on public holidays.

Granite Belt Brewery Restaurant Celebrate the fusion of Australian flavours, local produce and craft beer. Tuck into the chef’s signature dish – The Brewer’s Platter. A romantic table for two or a large group, Granite Belt Brewery can cater for every occasion. Open daily* for lunch and dinner, this family friendly restaurant has an attached microbrewery, bar, kids room and outdoor seating – dog friendly. * see website

Sam’s Farm Fresh Fruit and Veg Support local growers!

Specialty grocery store with locally grown farm fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, local berries, jams, honey, cheese, bread, juices and lots more.

Drop into Sam’s and say hi – you’ll find fabulous farm fresh produce and great customer service.

ashbernfarms.com.au 07 4681 0124

granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681 1370

07 4685 2156 E: samsfruitshop@gmail.com

2 West Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

44 Middleton Road, Cottonvale QLD 4375

Boireann Winery

Casley Mount Hutton Winery

Wallangarra Railway Museum & Cafe Open daily for breakfast and lunch, you can enjoy dining inside in air conditioned comfort or outside, undercover on the platform then take a stroll through the onsite museum. Suitable for group bookings and functions, wheel chair friendly, open 7 days, including Public Holidays from 9am till 3pm and now fully licensed.

With a red Five-Star James Halliday rating, Boireann Wines has been producing premium quality red wines for over 20 years. Hand-picked and crafted, our meticulous attention to detail allows us to produce remarkable red wines with exceptional character and varietal expression.

With specialties including Shiraz Viognier, Barbera and Sangiovese, we invite you to join us for a tasting at Boireann Wines.

• Cellar Door Open: 10am–4pm Friday–Monday

A cellar door with a difference • Just 10 mins from Stanthorpe on the Texas Rd • Wine tasting with the winemaker and winery tours available • Showcasing a range of 10 varietal medal winning red, white, sweet and dry wines including muscat port and StrangeBird varieties Open 9.30–4.30 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and P/ Hols.

07 4684 3376 E: wallangarracafe@gmail.com

07 4683 2194 E: cellardoor@boireannwinery.com.au

casleywines.com 042 709 9981 E: gcasley@hotmail.com

Rockwell Street, Wallangarra QLD 4383

26 Donnellys Castle Road, The Summit QLD 4377

94 Mount Hutton Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

Granite Belt Brewery • Create your own beer tasting paddle from the range of 8 beers all made onsite • Take a tour of the brewery to learn about how much love goes into making every beer • Enjoy lunch or dinner and grab a mixed carton to take away • A visit to the Granite Belt is not complete without a visit to Granite Belt Brewery

Just Red Wines A family-run boutique winery specialising in red wine. All wines are made on the premises from grapes grown on our property. Grape varieties are Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Viognier. Chances are you will find the winemaker in the cellar door when you visit.

Open Friday to Monday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm or by appointment (closed September).

Pyramids Road Wines Ralph, the famous winery dog will greet you in the car park before escorting you to the historic tasting room where Warren and Sue will warmly welcome you. The couple hand planted their vines in the scenic valley which lies in the foothills of Girraween National Park. A few years later they established their winery and cellar door and invite you to savour the handcrafted wines at your leisure. Open daily 10:00am to 4:30pm.

granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681 1370

justred.com.au 07 4684 1322 or 0419 795 329 E: cellar@justred.com.au

pyramidsroad.com.au 07 4684 5151 or 0432 849 212 E: info@pyramidsroad.com

146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

2370 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

25 Wyberba Lane, Wyberba QLD 4382

granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

27

WINERIES & BREWERIES | TOURS

Savina Lane Wines Welcome to a premium wine experience. Try Fiano, Viognier, Tempranillo and Graciano or the superb cool climate Shiraz. Wander through one of the region’s loveliest vineyards or relax in a leather armchair in the beautiful cellar door.

Browse the gorgeous boutique. Or just grab a barstool and enjoy a taste of our hand-crafted, single vineyard wines. Open weekends 10am to 4pm from Easter until Sold Out.

Summit Estate Wines The Romance of Wine

• Queensland Cellar Door of the Year 2017 • Open Late Friday/Saturday nights

Symphony Hill Wines • 2017–2018 Australian Winemaker of the Year • 2017 Best Alternative White Wine Trophy at National Wine Show of Australia

• Cellar door and function venue + wine education and masterclasses

• 2017 QLD Winery of the Year Trophy

• Visit us on Facebook – @summitestatewine and Instagram – summitestate

• 2017 Best QLD White Wine Trophy

• 2017 Best QLD Red Wine Trophy • 2017 Most Successful QLD Exhibitor Trophy • Open 7 days – 10am to 4pm – FREE wine tasting

savinalanewines.com.au 07 4683 5258 or 0419 723 755 E: savinalane@bigpond.com

summitestate.com.au 07 4683 2011

symphonyhill.com.au 07 4684 1388

61 Savina Lane (off Back Creek Rd), Severnlea QLD 4380

291 Granite Belt Drive, Thulimbah QLD 4376

2017 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

Twisted Gum Wines

View Wine @ Sancerre Estate

Whiskey Gully Wines Wine, Dine & Recline

Enjoy a leisurely wine tasting in our stylish cellar door, set in a classic 1920s Queenslander surrounded by lush vineyards and native forest.

Explore our crisp dry whites, deep inky reds and hedonistic Pink Moscato. All wines are crafted exclusively using hand-picked grapes from our dry grown vineyard. Winner of Premier’s Sustainability Award. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm or by appointment.

Brad & Stacey welcome you to experience their small batch Estate Grown View Wines – the B&B and Guesthouse accommodation overlooks the vineyard. Tasting available to in-house guests, as well as visitors by appointment. Please call to enjoy the View.

twistedgum.com.au 07 4684 1282 E: info@twistedgum.com.au

SancerreEstate.com.au 07 4684 1139 E: stay@SancerreEstate.com.au

whiskeygullywines.com.au 07 4683 5100 E: denice@whiskeygullywines.com.au

2253 Eukey Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

60 Zambelli Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

25 Turner Road, Severnlea QLD 4380

Stanthorpe Tours

Granite Highlands Maxi-Tours

A unique touring style providing you with an unforgettable experience whatever the occasion, wherever the destination. We specialise in private tours, and work closely with the wineries, breweries and food boutiques to deliver a truly unique package. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, contact us to create your own tour. Head over to our website to discover where your next experience will take you.

stanthorpetours.com.au 0437 707 765 E: info@stanthorpetours.com.au

28

Award-winning winery set in historic homestead overlooking the Severn Valley. Hand-crafted wines with cottage accommodation and degustation dining with home-grown produce, wine matching and entertainment on Saturday nights.

Open: Friday-Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm for wine tasting and sales. Group dining and functions by appointment.

Specialising in winery/beer and food, and district tours on the Granite Belt offering full day/half day and private group tours.

Also offering group tours from Brisbane/ Toowoomba and other areas.

For more information visit our website/email or phone Granite Highlands Maxi-Tours.

maxitours.com.au 1800 85 29 69 or 07 4681 3969 E: allan@maxitours.com.au

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Perfect weather for picnics

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STANTHORPE TOWN MAP

Town Map 2017 (2)_Layout 1 5/03/2018 10:18 AM Page 1

granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

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STANTHORPE TOWN MAP Connor House – www.connorhouse.com.au 07 3203 7170

Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery – www.srag.org.au 07 4681 1874

Vinland Estate

Stanthorpe Agricultural Society – secretary@stanagsociety.com.au

Southern Downs Regional Tourism

Rosemary Hill Vineyard – grape grower

Peter Bethel - grapegrower

MJ & PS O’Reilly – grape grower

Misty River Vineyard – grape grower

Giorgio’s Mobile Chef - catering service

Gillmore Estate – grape grower

Carniel Lane Wines – grape grower

Andelas Estate – grape grower

Ambar Hill Wines – grape grower

OTHER SUPPORTERS OF GRANITE BELT TOURISM

Stanthorpe Tours - www.stanthorpetours.com.au 0437 707 765

Granite Highlands Maxi Tours – www.maxitours.com.au 4681 3969

Filippo’s Tours – www.filippostours.com.au 07 4681 3130

TOUR OPERATORS

Stanthorpe Museum – stanthorpemuseum@gmail.com 07 4681 1711

4 8

ATTRACTIONS

Varias Restaurant (Qld College Wine Tourism) – www.qcwt.com.au 07 4685 5050

3

17 Ashbern Farms PYO Strawberries – www.ashbernfarms.com.au 07 4681 012 2 Market in the Mountains – www.marketinthemountains.org 0417 760 529

Stanthorpe RSL Club – www.stanthorperslclub.com.au – 07 4681 2324

7

17 Ashbern Farms Strawberries & Cafe – www.ashbernfarms.com.au 07 4681 0124

FOOD

16 Stannum Lodge Motor Inn – www.stannumlodge.com.au 07 4681 2000

19 Lynrose Place – www.lynroseplace.com.au 07 4681 4676

21 Logger’s Rest B & B and Cottage – www.loggersrest.com.au 07 4681 2572

18 Grovely House – www.grovelyhouse.com.au 07 4681 0484

15 Diamondvale Cottages - www.diamondvalecottages.com.au 07 4681 3367

6

ACCOMMODATION

22 31 the rocks – www.31therocks.com 07 4681 2726 20 Briar Rose Cottage - www.briarrosecottages.com. au 0427 327 344

Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019

Mt Hutton

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ACCOMMODATION

Country Style Caravan Park – www.countrystylecaravanpark.com.au 07 4683 4358

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17

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47

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41

13

16

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5

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21

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Whiskey Gully Wines Vineyard Restaurant – www.whiskeygully.com.au 07 4683 5100

Wallangarra Railway Café - www.facebook.com/.../Wallangarra-Railway-Cafe 07 4684 3376

Varias Restaurant Qld College of Wine Tourism - www.qcwt.com.au (07) 4685 5050

The Rocks Restaurant - www.honeysucklecottages.com.au 07 4681 1510

Sam’s Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Shop 07 4681 1643

Robert Channon Wines Singing Lake Café - www.robertchannonwines.com 07 4683 3260

Mason Wines Cellar Door & Café – www.masonwines.com.au 0439 530 535

Jester Hill Winery Restaurant & Café – www.jesterhillwines.com.au 07 4683 4380

Jamworks Gourmet Foods Café & Larder– www.jamworks.com.au 07 4683 4171

Granite Belt Christmas Farm & Chocolate Shop - www.granitebeltchristmasfarm.com.au

Granite Belt Brewery & Retreat - - www.granitebeltbreweryt.com.au 07 4681 1370

Hidden Creek Winery Café – www.hiddencreek.com.au 07 4684 1383

Heritage Churchyard Café & Cellar Door – www.heritagewines.com.au 07 4685 2197

Barrelroom & Larder (Ballandean Estate) - www.thebarrel-room.com 07 4684 1226

Ashbern Farms PYO Strawberries & Café – www.ashbernfarms.com.au 07 4681 0124

FOOD & ATTRACTIONS

Whisky Gully Wines Bush Cottages – www.whiskeygully.com.au 07 4683 5100

Twisted Gum Vineyard Cottage – www.twistedgum.com.au 07 4684 1282

Sippers at Ballandean – www.ballandean.net.au 0409 788 772

Severn-Dipity – www.severn-dipity.com.au07 4684 1300

Sancerre Estate – www.sancerreestate.com.au07 4684 1139

Roversrest Guesthouse – www.roversrest.com.au 07 4683 4121

Ridgemill Escape – www.ridgemillestate.com 07 4683 5211

Possum’s Hollow & Hooter’s Hut –www.cobbncocabins.com.au 07 3892 7443

MollyMac Cottages – www.mollymac.com.au 07 3286 2338

Mallow Cottage - cottage@mallow.net.au 0401 557 338

Loughmore House &Cottage – www.stayz.com.au #195880 0419 782 625

Just Red Wines Vineyard Cabins - www.justred.com.au 07 4684 1322

James Farmhouse & Cottages – www.jamesfarmhouse.com.au 07 3715 6310

Honeysuckle Cottages – www.honeysucklecottages.com.au 07 4681 1510

Highland Croft Cottage - 0412 337 340

Granite Belt Brewery & Retreat - www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681 1370

Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park - www.glenlyondamtouristpark.com.au 02 6737 5266

Fergie’s Hill Cottage – www.graniteridgewines.com.au 07 4684 1263

Alpine Lodges – www.alpinelodges.com.au 0428 887 999

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Accommodation Crk Cottages - www.accommodationcreekcottages.com.au 07 4684 1144

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REGIONAL MAP INDEX REGIONAL MAP INDEX A-Z

To Sirromet Wines - Mt Cotton Brisbane

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65 64

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62 61 67

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CRAFT BREWERY

Wallangarra Railway Café - www.facebook.com/.../Wallangarra-Railway-Cafe 07 4684 3376

31

59

63

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63 x 59 9

9 33 60 x

x 15 x 46

46 22 33 26

26 68 15 18

22 47

18 35

68 57

47 39

35 58

58 64 39 62 57 5

5 70

50 69 24 65 70 10 64 50 62 24

10

65

69 16

WINERIES & CELLAR DOORS

Whiskey Gully Wines - www.whiskeygullywines.com.au 07 4683 5100

Twisted Gum Wines - www.twistedgum.com.au 07 4684 1282

Tobin Wines - www.tobinwines.com.au 07 4684 1235

Whiskey Gully 07 4683 Symphony Hill Wines Wines -- www.whiskeygullywines.com.au www.symphonyhill.com.au 07 4684 13885100

Symphony Hill Wines - www.symphonyhill.com.au Sirromet Wines - www.sirromet.com 07 3206 2999 07 4684 1388 www.tobinwines.com.au 07 4684 1235 Tobin Wines Squished Berry - www.squishedberry.com.au 0409 635 101 Twisted Gum Wines www.twistedgum.com.au 07 4684 1282 Summit Estate - www.summitestate.com.au 07 4683 2011

Squished - www.squishedberry.com.au 0409 635 101 RumbalaraBerry Estate Wines - www.rumbalarawines.com.au 07 4684 1206 Summit Estate www.summitestate.com.au 07 4683072011 Savina Lane Wines - www.savinalanewines.com.au 4683 5258 or 0419 723 755

Savina Lane Wines - www.savinalanewines.com.au 075211 4683 5258 or 0419 723 755 Ridgemill Estate - www.ridgemillestate.com 07 4683 Sirromet Wines -Wines www.sirromet.com 07 3206 2999 - www.robertchannonwines.com 07 4683 3260 Robert Channon

Wines - www.robertchannonwines.com 4683 3260 Robert Channon Qld College of Wine Tourism - www.qcwt.com.au 07 4685075050 Rumbalara Estate Wines www.rumbalarawines.com.au 07 4684 Ravens Croft Wines - www.ravenscroftwines.com.au 07 4683 32521206

Ravens Croft Wines www.ravenscroftwines.com.au 07 4683 3252 Mason Wines Cellar -Door & Cafe- www.masonwines.com.au 0439 530 535 Ridgemill Road EstateWines - www.ridgemillestate.com 07 4683075211 Pyramids - www.pyramidsroad.com.au 4684 5151

Pyramids Road -Wines - www.pyramidsroad.com.au www.justred.com.au 07 4684 1322 07 4684 5151 Just Red Wines Qld College of Wine Tourism www.qcwt.com.au 4685 5050 Kominos Wines - www.kominoswines.com 07 468307 4311

KominosCreek Wines - www.kominoswines.com 07 4683 4311 07 4684 1383 Hidden Winery & Cafe - www.hiddencreek.com.au MasonHill Wines Cellar Door & Cafe- www.masonwines.com.au 0439 530 535 Jester Wines - www.jesterhillwines.com 07 4683 4380

Jester Wines - www.jesterhillwines.com 07 4683 4380 GraniteHill Ridge Wines - www.graniteridgewines.com.au 07 4684 1263 Wines www.justred.com.au 07 4684 1322 Just Red Heritage Wines & Churchyard Cafe – www.heritagewines.com.au 07 4685 2197

Granite Ridge Hutton Wines -Winery www.graniteridgewines.com.au 4684 0991263 981 Casley Mount - www.casleywines.com 07 0427 Heritage Wines & Churchyard Cafe – www.heritagewines.com.au Girraween Estate Wines – www.girraweenestate.com.au 0448 866 07 8904685 2197 Hidden Creek Winery Cafe - www.hiddencreek.com.au 4684 1383 Golden Grove Estate -&www.goldengroveestate.com.au 0707 4684 1291

Girraween Estate-Wines – www.girraweenestate.com.au Boireann Winery www.boireannwines.com 07 4683 21940448 866 890 Golden GroveWines Estate- www.bungawarrawines.com.au - www.goldengroveestate.com.au 4684 1291 Bungawarra 07 07 4684 1128

Bungawarra Wines - www.bungawarrawines.com.au 07 4684 1128 Balancing Rock Wines – www.balancingrockwines.com.au 0407 127 903 099 981 Casley Mount Hutton Winery www.casleywines.com 0427 Ballandean Estate Wines - www.ballandeanestate.com 07 4684 1226

Boireann Winery - www.boireannwines.com 07 4683 2194

WINERIES & CELLAR DOORS CRAFT BREWERY

Balancing Rock Wines&– Retreat www.balancingrockwines.com.au 0407 127 903 Granite Belt Brewery - - www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681 1370 Ballandean Estate Wines - www.ballandeanestate.com 07 4684 1226

WhiskeyBelt Gully Wines & Vineyard – www.whiskeygully.com.au 07 1370 4683 5100 16 31 Granite Brewery RetreatRestaurant - - www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au 07 4681

71

How to Escape to the Granite Belt If you’re heading south from Brisbane, it’s a scenic 230km drive. Take any highway or byway that puts you onto the Ipswich Motorway heading west, then take the Warwick exit onto the Cunningham Highway. When you reach Warwick on the Southern Downs, follow the signs towards Sydney on the New England Highway. If you’re coming from the south, just follow the New England Highway, crossing the NSW/ Queensland border into Granite Belt country at Wallangarra, 20km north of Tenterfield.

Before you leave home visit our website to plan your visit and find out where to stay. www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au Granite Belt Wine Country

32

@GraniteBeltWine

BRISBANE

Toowoomba

Warwick

Gold Coast

Beaudesert Killarney Legume

STANTHORPE Wallangarra

Tenterfield

Lismore Casino

Byron Bay Ballina

Distance from: Brisbane ...............................................................230km Toowoomba ....................................................... 140km Gold Coast ..........................................................250km Sunshine Coast .................................................350km Granite Belt Wine Country Visitors’ Guide 2018–2019