09/08/2026
A winter wonderlandâŠ.
A few weeks ago I packed the faithful Ute and pointed her south. 8 hours later the elevation had changed to 811 metres, and the air temp was sitting at a very respectable 17 degrees⊠This would not last!
The granite Belt sits in Queenslandâs south, perched just a stones throw from the NSW border, and 4 hours inland from Brisbane.
I first travelled to this region around 15 years ago, and my last visit was just prior to the covid lockdownsâŠ. And event that would benefit this region in the years to follow in a major way!
The first thing that strikes you about Stanthorpe and itâs surrounds, is that it doesnât strike you immediately as a w**e region. In fact, in a lot of areas in the granite belt, you will have to traverse side roads and sometimes back tracks and dirt roads to find the hidden gems that lie in this stunning region. But I can assure you, it is absolutely worth the exploration.
I had come to town for a specific little launch event but figured I may as well make a weekend of it, the 6 long years since I had been in the region have seen significant leaps forward in the w**e and agricultural industry in this previously little talked about part of Queensland. And I have some very dear friends living just south of the town of Stanthorpe, so felt it a fantastic opportunity to spend some time with Doug and Mel as we discussed the worlds problems and surely solved them all over a few bottles of the Granite belts finest!
After a lengthy drive down from Wide Bay Qld, I was pretty keen to settle in to the region with a couple of glasses of something unique, and so it was out to Dear Vincent W**es for a wind down and a taste through the rangeâŠ.. First impressions? WowâŠ.. Stanthorpe has grown up a LOT in the 6 years since I was here last. Beautifully balanced w**e, and a thoroughly beautiful outlook as we took in the fading light. I was impressed, and on weekends, the guys have food trucks operating, as well as the Ballandean pub right next door to the vineyard. But little did I know, my mind would be blown several times in the following daysâŠ. This is a region that has found itâs groove, and it is not letting go any time soon!
Saturday started with an early tasing at rokkwell w**es. Another stunning vista, and a series of stunning younger w**es by 2026 emerging young w**emaker of the year Dawn Walker. I had my favourites here, but I will refrain form mentioning specific w**es, otherwise this story would end up being more of an odyssey! But what Dawn has achieved here since opening Rokkwell in 2021 is unbelievable, and I highly recommend a stop here!
Next stop was New Tricks w**ery, another newer cellar door in the region, offering lunch and grazing platters, this is the perfect place for those who plan to bring their four legged friends away with them, The sprawling lawns a perfect setting to take in the rolling vines and distant granite hills while you casually sip the day away.
Onward to View w**es. Now I had the great fortune of meeting Brad and Stacey back in 2020, and was fortunate enough to leave then with a few bottles of their straight semillon. W**e that I have still been enjoying up to this year. The guys recently opened their brand new cellar door, and in my opinions, they have arguably some of the best views out across the valleys than any other establishment in the region. And I am happy to report that their w**e portfolio has grown, and is still so incredible unique! Do the flight tasting when you come here!
Saturday culminated in a launch at one of my very favourite places in the granite belt, the wonderful Brad and Cheryl at Savina Lane w**es. This was the main reason I had made the journey south. The guys were releasing their âPianomanâ w**e. A tribute to Brads jazz piano playing father. And a unique blending of their portfolio of reds. It did not disappoint! Brad and Cheryl are warm, welcoming and kind people. A tasting here is a must, but bookings are recommended. (As is the case with most w**eries in the region)
Out to Ravenscroft Vineyard Sunday. Another w**ery I was familiar with, however new owners took over in recent times, so I was keen to see what had changed in their offering. Thankfully the Pinotage I loved so much was still very much a staple of the w**ery, along with some unusual w**es including a skin contact Fiano. This is an intimate cellar door away form everything, and well worth seeking out.
Lunch was to be an occasion I will not forget in a hurry!!!! The regions newest arrival and an absolute giant of a presence in the region, is Meteora Vineyard Vineyard. When I was there, the restaurant had been opened just two weeks, and the massive cellar door, marble pathways and polished marble cellar, is truly something to see! There is a LOT going on at Meteora. If you are going to visit, allow yourself a couple of hours to do a tasting, have some lunch and wander the impressive and sprawling estate! You will not be sorry. But bookings are a must, this is a high demand establishment.
The weekend was rounded out with a beautifully relaxed afternoon beneath dramatic granite monuments at Balancing Heart Vineyard . This sits on the edge of the beautiful and mysterious Giraween national park, and I highly recommend the Sunday sessions here with woodfired pizzas, live music and great w**e! There are even a couple of highland cows for the kids!
Here I was lucky enough to run in to renowned Qld w**e maker Mike Hayes for a bit of a chat, then we just sat and took in a stunning winter afternoon in the hills with great tunes and sneaky bottle of Anglianico.
I am in awe of the genuine enthusiasm and energy pulsing through the granite belt region right now. This is a region on the cusp of the next huge phase of growth, and area highlighted during Covid when many could not travel internationally or interstate, and the tourists have not stopped coming back! I recommend booking accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out, but mostly I just recommend getting your backside up to the Granite belt and checking out the vibe. It is buzzing!
In vino veritas
Dossy
