Wine tours, vineyards and Queensland wines
Wine Trails
Lazy Chardonnay days become starry nights of peppery port, smooth Merlots and spicy Shiraz wines. Queenslands wine industry is one of the State's best keep secrets and is growing. The history of the industry dates back to the 1860's - and like all good wines it has developed with age.
There are seven major areas in Queensland's South East Queensland Country that boast a great selection. Be sure to explore all the charms of cellar doors, vineyard restaurants and gourmet food, and take advantage of the cosy accommodation that accompanies many of our vineyards.
Southern Downs
The beauty of the Southern Downs is captured in every drop of wine produced from over 35 wineries in the region. The region crushes approximately 1000 tonnes of grapes each year with new vineyards and planting's seeing the areas production grow to well over 4000 tonnes in the next few years. The predominant varieties produced are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The region can be attributed to an altitude of up to 924m, which compensates for the area's northerly location, providing a temperature range similar to that of central Victoria. Very frosty winter days, mild summers and the vineyards remarkable soil (decomposed granite) are ideal for producing grapes with fully developed flavour and excellent wine making qualities.
The Granite Belt is also home to several festivals and events celebrating the food and wine of the region:
- Annual Spring Wine Festival (October)
- Apple and Grape Harvest Festival (March)
- Australian Small Wine Makers Show (October)
With more than 35 wineries in the region, you'll be sure to find something you love. You should also make the time to sample some of the locally grown produce such as strawberries, raspberries and apples. Also, look out for pears, peaches, plums, and over 100 different vegetables and herbs.
Toowoomba and the Western Downs
Wine enjoyment in this area is synonymous with tasty regional food, great touring opportunities and rural charm. Across the region, you will find cellar doors perched on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, nestled among rolling hills and beside meandering country rivers. A number of the region’s wineries are as steeped in history as they are in winemaking traditions. Many offer a lunch experience that combines the special aspects of wine, food, wonderful people and great views across the landscape.
The climate varies from the cool dry mountains in the east to the warm sandy inland rivers of the west and the region supports the production of a range of wine styles. Sample tasty muscats and sweet table wines that are a speciality of warmer regions. You'll also be able to pick up award winning whites and reds.
South Burnett
The South Burnett, north west of Brisbane, is the fastest growing wine area in Queensland. Full-bodied Chardonnays and award-winning Shiraz wines are produced in the region. Currently there are 600 acres in the areas 25 vineyards.
With its warm summer days, crisp cool nights and fertile soils, the South Burnett is a haven of vineyards stretching from Goomeri in the north, through the Murgon region to the Bunya Mountains, Kingaroy and South Burnett. The full flavoured whites of Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho and the rich full-bodied reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot are specialities of the region. The region is considered "boutique" with small vineyards concentrating on quality wine products.
While many people may only associate peanuts and cattle with this area, agricultural production in the South Burnett region is far more varied. Look for olives, grapes, vegetables, watermelons and rockmelons as you travel along the region’s gourmet trail.
Gold Coast Hinterland and the Scenic Rim
Encompassing the rainforest beauty of Mount Tamborine and the emerald countryside of Albert River and Canungra, the Gold Coast is a spectacular wine region featuring boutique wineries and vineyards. All wineries are located approximately half an hour from the beaches of the Gold Coast. Including Mt Tamborine, Springbrook, Albert River and Canungra, the region enables a diverse range of grapes to be grown.
Ideal grape growing conditions prevail, as this area is known for a temperate climate. Cooling ocean breezes create the perfect microclimate in which specially selected varieties flourish, including Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz and Chambourcin through to Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Verdehlo. Many of the cellar doors offer superb restaurants, cheese tastings, gourmet picnics and vineyard tours.
Visitors to the region's vineyards and wineries can choose to join a tour, charter a coach or leisurely self-drive. Whether it is a family day trip, a day out for a social club, or a romantic getaway, the Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country offers a wine experience for everyone.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The wineries of the Sunshine Coast hinterland use the unique ambience of the Sunshine Coast surroundings as an integral part of their wine experience, whether it be panoramic views, the more intimate, old time Heritage appeal, or the unusual "wine by the sea" at Noosa Heads. Most wineries offer light meals featuring wonderful local produce including delicious Kenilworth cheeses.
The Sunshine Coast Wine region is one of the most diverse and fastest growing wine regions in Queensland. It encompasses vineyards situated high up in the cooler climate Blackall Range, Kenilworth and Traveston areas through to the milder climates in the valleys near the coast. The diversity of microclimates allow for a wide range of grape varieties to be grown within the region. These range from plantings of Shiraz, Chambourcin and Chardonnay through to Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. All are small boutique vineyards that handpick their grapes and hand prune their vines. The personalised attention in the vineyards allow for wines that are distinctive in character.
With several cellar doors, the region offers diverse tourism experiences. From veranda dining overlooking the rolling vineyards, barrel tastings in cellar doors, relaxing with a glass of great Queensland wine by the harbour or having a break in some of the gorgeous vineyard cottages and guest houses, there is something for everyone. Many of the wineries offer restaurants, cheese platters, gourmet picnics and winery and vineyard tours.
Around Brisbane and the Scenic Rim
A number of wineries and vineyards have been established close to Brisbane. From Mt Cotton to the picturesque Brisbane Valley including Ipswich, Purga, Samford, Harrisville, Mt Alford, Boonah, Stockyard and Marburg.
Brisbane also holds a number of food and wine events throughout the year:
- Brisbane Wine Festival
- Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival
- Queensland Masterclass
North Burnett and Central Queensland
The Central Queensland region is poised to become an expansive wine making area through the innovation of several wine makers currently trying various grape styles. The Bundaberg region, encompasses the north Burnett, is world-renowned for its Bundaberg Rum production has many vineyards and wineries. Currently there are several established wineries in the region including Monto, Bargara, Mt Perry, Gin Gin, Childers, Biggenden, Gladstone and Hervey Bay.
