Queensland - On the Strange Bird trail - Granite Belt wine region
Winsor Dobbin
Vineyard views in the Granite Belt wine region in Queensland [©Granite Belt Wine & Tourism Inc]
Queensland is building an increasing reputation for the quality of its table wines as producers in the Granite Belt region, three hours south-west of Brisbane, release an ever-improving range of wines.
There are now over 50 cellar doors in this high-altitude region, which runs from Thulimbah in the north, along the New England Highway to the New South Wales border. In addition to shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay, the region is also known for a wide range of alternative varieties. Producers of wines made from grapes as diverse as durif, mourvedre, petit verdot, pinot gris, sylvaner and tempranillo have set up the “Strange Bird” trail to introduce visitors to the different styles.
Stop 1 - Wine tasting
There are a number of alternative varieties produced by talented Argentine-born winemaker Paola Cabezas Rhymer at this rustic Thulimbah winery, including petit verdot, tempranillo, malbec and marsanne.
The winery, established in 1997, is owned by a syndicate of Brisbane families and produces just 2500 cases a year. Winery tours are available by appointment. Before or after your tasting pop into nearby Granite Belt Dairy Shop (open Friday-Monday) to sample a range of locally produced farmhouse cheeses.
You must taste:
- The 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Petit Verdot are both outstanding.
Open: Daily, 10am-4.30pm.
291 Granite Belt Drive,
Thulimbah.
Tel (07) 4683 2011
Stop 2 – Wine tasting and lunch
One of the most impressive cellar doors in the region, with a newly refurbished café, Robert Channon Wines produces one of Australia’s very best verdelhos vintage after vintage, and the 2008 maintains his record of excellence.
Channon’s winemaker Mark Ravenscroft also creates very good chardonnays and pinots gris (the only Channon wine officially on the Strange Bird trail).
Stop for an early lunch at the Singing Lake Café, with vineyard and lake views, which offers dishes like duck, mushroom and leek pie, Ploughman’s lunch platter and daily blackboard specials. The winery also hosts monthly concerts.
You must taste:
- The 2008 Pinot Gris and 2008 Verdelho are extremely fresh and lively wines, while the 2007 Reserve Chardonnay is beautifully balanced.
Open: 10m-5pm weekends, 11am-4pm weekdays.
Amiens Road,
Stanthorpe
Tel: (07) 4683 3260
Stop 3 – Wine tasting
This modern and funky winery/cellar door produces probably the most complete range of wines in the district, as well as the highest quality.
Strange Bird wines include pinot gris, viognier, tempranillo and petit verdot but there are no disappointments here. Visitors are welcome to tour the winery.
You must taste:
- The gold-medal winning 2008 Pinot Gris is searingly good, while the 2006 Wild Child Viognier is also outstanding.
- Also try the very savoury 2007 Tempranillo.
Open: Daily from 10am-4pm.
2017 Eukey Rd, Ballandean
Tel (07) 4684 1388.
Stop 4 – Tastings and afternoon tea
The Bramble Patch and Mason Wines
Pop into the Bramble Patch at Glen Aplin to sample seasonal berries and a wide range of jams, chutneys, desserts and sauces made from local fruits.
Open: Seven days 10am-4pm
381 Townsend Road, Glen Aplin
Tel (07) 4683 4205
Mason Wines, on the highway at Ballandean, offers wines made from petit verdot and viognier to those traversing the Strange Bird trail, and is also home to an excellent little café serving comfort food like bangers and mash, and Thai chicken salad, as well as a range of fresh cakes.
Open: Daily. 9am-5pm
New England Highway,
Ballandean
Tel (07) 4684 1341.
Stop 5 – Wine tasting
Golden Grove Estate
You’ll get a warm welcome from the Costanzo family, who specialise in Mediterranean grape varieties including barbera from Italy, tempranillo from Spain and durif (petite syrah) from France.
More Strange Bird varieties are on their way after recent plantings of vermentino and nero d’Avola.
You must taste:
- The 2007 Tempranillo is a lovely soft and savoury wine, the 07 Durif intense and powerful and the 07 Mediterranean a delightful blend for everyday drinking.
Open: Daily 10am-5pm,
Sundown Road, Ballandean
Tel (07) 4684 1291.
Stop 6 – Dinner
Part of the Honeysuckle Cottages complex (which means you don’t have far to travel if you are staying in-house), The Rocks serves city quality food in the country. An al a carte menu offers dishes like blue cheese, caramelised onion and walnut tart to start with, followed by confit of duck, or char-grilled Bangalow pork. The wine list has a good selection of both local and interstate offerings.
Open: Tuesday-Sunday for dinner. Reservations essential.
15 Mayfair Lane,
Stanthorpe.
Tel (07) 4681 3400.
Regions
- Granite Belt (QLD)
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