South Australia’s Barossa Valley, tick. Western Australia’s Margaret River, of course. Victoria’s Yarra Valley, you bet. New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, been there done that. What about Queensland? You’ve probably heard of the Granite Belt before, but chances are you’ve never heard of these Queensland wine regions, let alone put them on your must-see list.
Rescu. com sat down with Sirromet’s Chief Winemaker, Adam Chapman, to find out about the Queensland wine regions you should be visiting on your next weekend getaway…
image via Spicers Retreat
Granite Belt
It was once barely considered as an artisan wine destination, but Queensland’s Granite Belt has managed to turn itself into a world-class contender since the first wine grapes were planted in 1965, with a bout of international awards prompting visitors to flock to the region, glass in hand.
While other wine regions have enjoyed much of the lime light over the past decade, the Granite Belt has quietly earned its viticulture credentials over the past 51 years and has become a pilgrimage-worthy destination for wine enthusiasts globally – especially those who choose to concentrate on quality over quantity.
At just under 1,000 metres above sea level, the Granite Belt is one of the highest wine regions in Australia and is almost 900 metres higher than Bordeaux in France or the Napa Valley in the States – providing the perfect cool climate terroir for producing premium wines.
The Granite Belt holds its own as a leading wine and tourist destination by offering it’s influx of tourists more than 55 vineyards and 40 boutique cellar doors, coupled with a scenic 530 hectares of vineyard plantings. It’s sought after varieties include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho and Pinot Gris.
“Due to the climate and soil, most of the wines are fruit driven, and very elegant, and there’s a great regional influence throughout the wines,” says Chapman.
Top pick winery: Sirromet.
South Burnett
Bordered by the Great Dividing Range and the peanut farms of Kingaroy, the South Burnett is Queensland’s fastest developing wine region.
While vines were first planted in the early 1900s, the South Burnett’s modern wine history commenced in 1993 and has since grown to 600 acres of 25 vineyards which range from experimental plots to large commercial vineyards.
The region’s breathtaking scenery paired with warm summer days and crisp cool winter nights draws food and wine enthusiasts year round thanks to the array of vineyards planted alongside olive groves, orchards and fruit and vegetable farms.
Top pick wineries: Barambah Wines, Clovelly Estate and Tipperary Estate.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Who would have thought that Queensland’s boutique wine region is just moments from the Gold Coast’s pristine beaches and glitter strip?
The Gold Coast Hinterland has got it all, dense rainforests and rolling green countryside scattered with boutique wineries and vineyards that grow a diverse range of grape varieties.
Extending from the beauty and cooler climate of Mt Tamborine to milder temperatures of the Albert River and Canungra countryside, the Gold Coast Hinterland is renowned for cellar doors and restaurants located in historic homesteads, offering visitors an outstanding wine experience.
It’s no wonder the Gold Coast Hinterland wine region has established a reputation for producing premium and award winning wines.
Top pick wineries: Cedar Creek Estate, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and Sarabah Estate.
Sunshine Coast
Known for winding roads that follow rolling hills and lead to quaint little mountain towns, the Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s most diverse wine regions.
With vineyards set high on hilltops in the Hinterland and in valleys near the coast, the Sunshine Coast wine region features established vineyards in the Blackall Range, Kenilworth, Traveston, Flaxton, Montville, Maleny, Gympie and Eumundi.
The varying climates and altitudes mean the Sunshine Coast wine region produces a large variety of wines and the region’s accessibility makes the wineries and vineyards popular destinations for tourists from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Top pick wineries: Flame Hill and Settlers Rise.
North Burnett
When we think of Bundaberg our minds automatically drift to the world-renowned Bundaberg Rum distillery but what many don’t know about Bundaberg and the surrounding North Burnett is that it’s on the cusp of becoming a superior wine region.
Childers might be recognised for its sugar plantations and macadamia trees, but it’s also home to one of Queensland’s thriving wine trails with cellar doors offering tastings as well as preserves, jams and liqueurs and the opportunity to chat to experienced and passionate winemakers.
Top pick wineries: Vintner’s Secret Vineyard, Hill of Promise and Brierley Wines.
“If you’re looking for an escape that features handmade, family-owned wineries with greater personality – look no further than the lesser known wine regions of Queensland. Here you’ll find winemakers out in the vineyard checking the fruit, flavours and analysis, making the calls to bring in the fruit and overseeing the full production,” says Chapman.
“Next time you are planning a grape escape, add Queensland to your itinerary and try something different, you’ll feel the region in the glass.”
