Granite Belt Wine Region

With its spectacular natural attractiveness, cool climate and mountainous terrain, the Granite Belt is Queensland`s most well renowned wine region with more than 50 vineyards, wineries and cellar doors. The region is famous for its Shiraz and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and many other varieties are being planted and new wines evolving into local styles. The district spans the southern area close to the Queensland and New South Wales border districts. The major towns are Stanthorpe and Ballandean. The region is located high on the Great Dividing Range with altitudes of 700 - 1000m above sea level and is 95 km inland from the coast. The region is easily accessible and just two hours drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and the Northern Rivers area of Northern NSW, from Tweed Heads, Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. The altitude and unique soils produce a unique terroir and the wines are unique to this area. The winters are freezing and frosty; the summers warm, but not too hot. There are four distinct seasons. The late winter and spring rainfall coincides with bud burst and the star of the growing season. The rich soils are mostly derived granite and are relatively free draining. The Granite Belt wine industry commenced in the 1920s and was pioneered by Italians and their descendants. They made wine for their own pleasure and for sale to the Italian cane-growing groups to the north. The modern commercial wine production era started in the1960s when the first Shiraz grapes were planted. Many wineries were planted on apple and stone fruit properties, with the vines replacing the fruit trees. The red wines of the district have are renowned for their cherry, plum and blackcurrant flavours. The cool climate, lighter fashioned Shiraz and Merlot have an established reputation. Verdelho and Chardonnay are the prominent white wine varieties of the region. Some of the more famous wineries in the area are Robert Channon Wines, Summit Estate, Ballandean Estate, Golden Grove Estate, Robinson`s Family Wines, Aventine Wines and many more. A unique feature of the The Granite Belt is the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, established on campus of Stanthorpe State High School. The college integrates the school`s own Banca Ridge vineyard and wine maker in its innovative educatiion program. The courses include vineyard management, wine making, hospitality and wine tourism from the University of Southern Queensland and Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE. T he College's cafe and up-to-date cellar door and wine outlet are now open to the public.

While in the area it is worthwhile visiting the wineries in the nearby region of the New England, NSW Region.

The region is divided into six districts for mapping and listing purposes: The local wine districts are: Amiens ; Glen Aplin ; North Ballandean ; South Ballandean ; Stanthorpe ; Tenterfield ; The Summit ; West Ballandean;.

Granite Belt Region Wineries. Source: Google Maps - Map data ©2019 Google - Map data ©2019 Google

Search for a Winery

No Match for Your Search

Find a Winery Australia

Granite Belt Wine Region

Search for a Winery