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The Queensland Wine Industry is over a hundred years old and 140 yeas ago you could
have gone to Newmarket or Mt Ommaney to have lunch at a vineyard, they are gone but
today, after 10 years of heightened activity in the production of wine, you again
have a opportunity to enjoy a Sunday lunch at a Queensland vineyard. The Queensland
Government has in recent years become active in the development of wine as a
potentially viable business and vineyards as an integral part of Tourism in the
Sunshine State.
“Wine is sunlight, held together by water” Galileo 1640, a view held by a growing number
of successful Queensland winemakers driven by passion and enthusiasm and a desire to
produce quality Queensland wines. It’s happening…… This year alone we have had a number
of new vineyards and cellar door outlets opening in Queensland, many close to Brisbane. “The Albert River Wines” located in the Gold Coast Hinterland is a
magnificent property perfect for a Sunday lunch. Drink in the view and atmosphere of
the cellar door in the beautifully renovated “Auchenflower House”, and enjoy quality
wine paired with excellent cuisine based on local produce. Mount
Tamborine Winery” is the longest established winery and a rewarding lunch destination.
The property already has a constant cellar door business being close to the Gold Coast.
“Canungra V alley Vineyards” run by the O’Reilly Family is a picturesque location for an
a la carte lunch or a gourmet picnic. “Cedar Creek Estate”, “Heritage Wines” and
“Witches Falls ” are also part of the winery trail in this region.
Moving East, Brisbane’s closest vineyard and lunch destination is the newly launched
“Sirromet”. This impressive property is perched high on a hill with views
to Stradbroke Island. Downstairs the views are also good, a brand new winery,
sparkling wine and a methode champenoise production unit. The lunch menu and
cellar door will certainly please with wine made from grapes grown on the granite
belt and other wine growing regions.
Heading north to “Settlers Rise” at Montville again a new vineyard not far from
Brisbane, offers wine tasting, hospitality and panoramic views. While in the
general Sunshine Coast region there is “Maleny Mountain Wines”, “Moonshire Valley”,
“Kenilworth Bluff”, “Eumundi Winery” and “Chantilly” at Glasshouse Mountains.
Still only a short run for lunch are “Copper Country” at Nanango “Delaneys Creek”
at Woodford and “Nirvana Estate” at Kilcoy.
Up the Mountain towards the Darling Downs “Rimfire” at Maclagan and “Preston
Peak Wines” are well worth the trip rewarding you with multi medal winning wines.
“Ironbark Ridge” and “Woodland Estate” near Ipswich are close to the west of Brisbane,
both long established vineyards with wonderful hospitality.
There are certainly many Wine Trails possibilities around Brisbane, then again,
if you’ve got the whole weekend, take a tour to the South Burnett winegrowing
region between Kingaroy and Murgon you can taste wines from all 12 vineyards
offering many dinner, lunch and picnic opportunities.
The Granite Belt has its Spring Wine Festival and the Australian Small Winemakers
Judging and Tasting in October. There is always an event or two happening at one
of the 33 vineyards situated from the Summit, north of Stanthorpe to Wallangarra
near the Qld - NSW boarder.
We certainly can’t forget the historic birthplace of the Queensland Wine Industry,
the Western Downs “Bassetts Romavilla”, “Villacoola” and “Riversands” at St George
would be a rewarding long weekend destination. The Queensland vineyards are all
open for tasting, talking and lunching so take in one of our 132 vineyards soon………
you’ll be keen to visit more.
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