Granite Belt Wine Country’s Strange Birds: A Curated Weekend Itinerary

Liz Bond
Aug 4
3 min read

When you think of Queensland, you don't often think of roaring fires, crisp winter mornings, and full-bodied red wines. But travel three hours southwest of Brisbane and you'll find yourself in a place that defies all expectations.

Welcome to the Granite Belt, the state's biggest surprise, where giant granite boulders and outcrops surround award-winning cool-climate wineries.

At 811 m above sea level, Stanthorpe can get chilly - with the occasional snow fall in winter. In fact the town once recorded -14.6°C - the coldest temperature ever recorded in the Sunshine state. The unusual microclimate makes it ideal for alternative Mediterranean varieties, aka Strange Birds. These are the lesser-known, alternative grape varieties that thrive here.

To help you experience the very best of it, we've put together a plan for the ideal wine lover's weekend. Take this itinerary as your guide to discover unconventional but delicious wines that make the Granite Belt unmissable.

Granite Belt Wineries — Mary and Angelo Puglisi

Start at the very beginning, Ballandean Estate. As the oldest, family-owned winery in Queensland, with some of the country’s oldest Shiraz and Merlot vines, the Puglisi family understands wine. Here, taste their superb Fiano, a vibrant white varietal originally from Southern Italy. It's a perfect food wine, both textural and crisp, but with notes of tropical fruits, including pineapple.

Next on the Granite Belt Wine Country itinerary, the unconventional Bent Road. Their distinctive wine labels, and onsite artisan distillery is only the start. They make some of their wines using terracotta pots (qvevri) submerged in the ground. Try the aromatic blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne (VMR) and the Gamay Noir - the grape behind France’s famed Beaujolais.

No trip to the Granite Belt is complete without experiencing its wilder side so a visit to Girraween National Park is essential. Girraween means ‘place of flowers’ (the Kambuwal people were the custodians of this land for more than 50,000 years) and it features some epic hiking and walking tracks.

Start your morning with a walk among the gargantuan granite boulders and take in the dramatic landscapes. It's this granite that makes the distinctive terroir and distinguishes the wines from Australia’s more well known wine regions.

At Dear Vincent, Adam Penberthy has put his extensive winemaking knowledge and sheer determination to good use. The Pink Fizz Pet Nat (100% Nebbiolo) is the ultimate party starter while the Skinsy Boy is textural and bright. You can taste from the back of Adam’s ute and enjoy an unforgettable lunch amongst the vines from the onsite food truck.

For dinner, try Balancing Heart that’s named for the gobsmacking heart-shaped boulder right in the middle of the vines. Go for the Mike Hayes' (former Australian winemaker of the year) excellent drops and stay for wood-fired pizza under the stars.

To complete the quintessential Granite Belt experience, it has to be a private cabin with a fireplace. Check into the cozy Ridgemill Estate, and watch the stars come out in the clear, night sky for a perfect end to a day of discovery.

Your ECSC Itinerary Details

We believe planning should be as enjoyable as the trip itself. Here are the key details to help you turn this curated itinerary into a reality.

The Logistics & Timing:

This trip is designed as a full weekend escape from Brisbane, best enjoyed over two nights to truly unwind.

Brisbane to Stanthorpe (the heart of the Granite Belt): Approx. 2 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Our Recommendation: Leave Brisbane on a Friday afternoon to settle in for the evening. Spend Saturday exploring the National Park and the wineries, followed by a special dinner. With a designated driver at the wheel for your winery visits, you can relax and fully savour the unique varietals before a leisurely drive home on Sunday.

Booking & Contact Information:

• Ballandean Estate Wines:

Bookings for tastings are recommended.

Website: ballandeanestate.com

• Bent Road (for tastings and experiences)

For tastings and experiences booking is essential

Website: https://bentroad.com.au/

• Dear Vincent (tastings, experiences and lunch)

For tastings, experiences and lunch bookings are essential

Website: https://dearvincent.com.au

• Balancing Heart for a Special Dinner

Reservations are essential