Explore the Granite Belt’s best wineries, where passionate winemakers craft award-winning wines in Queensland’s premier cool-climate region.
The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Kambuwal people, Malintji and Kuunkari people, the Traditional Custodians of the Granite Belt Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
The Granite Belt is one of Queensland’s premier wine regions, renowned for its cool climate, rich soils, and diverse range of high-quality wines. Nestled in the high-altitude landscapes around Stanthorpe, this region has a collection of boutique wineries, each offering unique varietals, award-winning drops, and warm country hospitality.
As Queensland’s premier wine region, it’s home to over 50 boutique wineries, offering everything from bold Shiraz and crisp Chardonnay to rare Strange Bird alternative varieties you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic vineyard escape, an intimate cellar door experience, or a tasting of award-winning wines, the Granite Belt has something to suit every palate.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best wineries to visit, showcasing not only their standout wines but also the unique experiences that make this region a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
So, grab a glass and let’s explore the top wineries of the Granite Belt!
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Granite Belt Wines: Classic Varieties to Rare Strange Birds
As mentioned the Granite Belt is known for its diverse range of grape varieties.
At an elevation of over 800 meters, the region experiences distinct seasons, with warm days and cool nights that help develop complex flavours and balanced acidity in the wines. This climate is ideal for producing bold reds and crisp whites, including well-known varieties such as shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, and verdelho.
However, what truly sets the Granite Belt apart is its Strange Bird alternative wine varieties.
The Strange Bird Wine Trail is a unique initiative that showcases the region’s dedication to rare and lesser-known grape varieties. To qualify as a Strange Bird, a grape must account for less than one per cent of the total vines grown in Australia, making these wines a special experience for adventurous wine lovers.
Some of the most popular Strange Bird wines found in the Granite Belt include saperavi, a deeply coloured and intensely flavoured red from Georgia; tempranillo, a smooth and earthy Spanish variety; fiano, an aromatic and textural Italian white; and petit manseng, a rare French grape producing beautifully rich white wines.
These varieties thrive in the region, offering wine enthusiasts the chance to explore something beyond the usual Australian staples.
Granite Belt Wineries Map
Before diving into the best wineries to visit on the Granite Belt, take a moment to check out the map below. It highlights the locations of all the featured wineries, making it easier to plan your wine-tasting journey.
To make the most of your visit, start by listing your top priorities—whether it’s sampling award-winning wines, discovering unique Strange Bird varieties, or enjoying a long lunch at a vineyard. Then, use the map to create a well-organised itinerary, ensuring you can explore the region efficiently without unnecessary backtracking.
I’ve also included a brewery and a couple of distilleries – but I’ve marked them in red.
Best Wineries on the Granite Belt
There are 50+ wineries on the Granite Belt, so I haven’t visited them all, but here’s a list of favourite wineries in the region:
Balancing Heart Vineyard
Balancing Heart Vineyard derives its name from a unique granite rock formation resembling a balancing heart amidst its premium Shiraz vines. This natural landmark symbolises the winery’s dedication to harmonising passion, nature, and the art of winemaking to create exceptional wines and memorable experiences.
Wine Selection
The vineyard’s portfolio includes reds such as Campfire Red, The Rock Shiraz, and Reserve Sagrantino and whites like Campfire White and Verdelho. Each wine is crafted to express the distinct characteristics of the region’s cool climate and granite-rich soils.
Their Strange Bird varieties include saperavi, vermentino and viognier.
Wine tasting is free.
Visitor Experience and Food
The picturesque setting, overlooking a serene lake, provides an ideal backdrop for a relaxing meal.
Visitors can enjoy cheeseboards, ploughman’s platters, and mezze platters daily for lunch from 10 am to 4 pm. While on weekends, visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and roast dinners on Friday nights.
Live music performances further enhance the ambience, creating a delightful dining experience.
On Saturdays, you can even book the Balancing Heart bus service to take you from your accommodation.
Balancing Heart is pet-friendly, too!
If food and wine wasn’t enough, Balancing Heart has a host of other things to do while visiting.
Aficionado Masterclass
A wine-tasting masterclass led by winemaker Mike Hayes showcasing Balancing Heart’s premium range of Aficionado wines. After the masterclass, you can join Mike for an informal drink.
Saturday’s 4:00 pm | 60 minutes | $35 per person
Philosophy of Wine
Wander through the Balancing Heart Vineyard with winemaker Mike Hayes. Learn about the intricate history of the vineyard’s soils spanning 250 million years, then enjoy wine tasting in the cellar room.
Saturday’s 1:30 pm | 75-90 minutes | $35 per person
Farm Animals
Balancing Heart is home to a lively menagerie of friendly farm animals, many of whom love a scratch or a treat. Free animal feed is provided so you and your little ones can enjoy feeding the vineyard residents, including:
- Vinnie – a miniature blonde Highland cow
- Shiraz – a miniature Belted Galloway
- Michael Jackson – an alpaca with a tuxedo-like coat and white socks
- Black Velvet – a miniature mule (horse and donkey mix)
- Muleo – a blonde donkey and Black Velvet’s father
- Shropshire sheep and lambs
- Axel & Luca – the owners’ German Shepherds who help patrol the vineyard
Beyond our resident animals, you might also spot wallabies, kangaroos, and native birds, especially at sunset as they roam through the vines.
Balancing Heart Rowboat Hire
For something special, you can take out the Balancing Heart timber rowboat for a cruise around the dam. This is perfect for a romantic date or something different with the kids.
$15 for 20 minutes | Call 1300 000 221 to book your row boat experience
The Rabbit Hole Whisky & Cigar Bar
Tucked behind an old barn door, this cozy retreat offers a curated selection of whiskies aged 25, 23, 18, and 15 years from around the world, alongside premium gins, tequilas, and cigars.
Settle into a leather Chesterfield by the crackling fire, surrounded by warm lighting and timeworn timber, and savor an experience like no other.
Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm | By booking only
Location: 221 Old Wallangarra Rd, Wyberba
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 4.30 pm | Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm | Sunday, 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Ballandean Estate Wines
Ballandean Estate Wines, established in 1932, is Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.
The Puglisi family’s commitment to viticulture began with Angelo and Mary Puglisi in 1968, marking the start of a legacy that has spanned generations. Their dedication has been instrumental in shaping the Granite Belt wine region, with Angelo affectionately known as the “Father of Queensland Wine.”
Wine Selection
The estate offers a diverse portfolio of wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Granite Belt. Notably, its Shiraz and Merlot vines are among the oldest in Australia, producing wines with depth and character.
In addition to these classics, Ballandean Estate is renowned for its Strange Bird alternative varietals, including Fiano, Malbec, Durif, and Viognier.
Wine tasting is $10 per person and is credited towards wine purchases. Or if you prefer wine flights start at $15.
Visitor Experience
Guests are welcomed at the rustic cellar door to immerse themselves in the estate’s rich history and extensive wine selection.
The Barrelroom Wine Lounge, open from 11 am to 4 pm, offers signature grazing platters and cheese boards perfectly paired with premium wines.
The lounge’s ambience, characterized by leather seating, ambient lighting, and the warmth of a roaring fire, provides a cozy setting for an extended tasting experience.
Another option is to pre order a picnic hamper and enjoy a romantic afternoon among the vineyards.
Location: 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean
Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Summit Estate Wines
Established in 1997, Summit Estate Wines has grown into a renowned winery, celebrated for its dedication to producing premium wines that embody the region’s unique terroir.
Wine Selection
Summit Estate offers a diverse portfolio of wines, emphasizing aromatic Mediterranean and European varieties. Their selection includes:
- Red Wines: Cabernet Malbec, Cabernet Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz/Syrah, Tempranillo, and the signature ‘Alto Blend’—a creative combination of Shiraz, Malbec, Monastrell, Pinot Noir, and Grenache.
- White Wines: Albariño, Chardonnay, Marsanne, Verdelho, Fiano, Viognier, and blends like Avant Garde (Marsanne/Viognier) and Avant Garde Verdelho.
- Sparkling Wines: Sparkling Tempranillo, Sparkling Red (Mourvedre/Petit Verdot), Sparkling Pinot Noir, Sparkling Marsanne, and White Sparkling Muscat.
- Fortified Wine: Anchorage Tawny Port.
The winery actively participates in the ‘Strange Bird’ initiative, focusing on alternative varietals like Tannat, which is cultivated by only a few vineyards in the Granite Belt.
Wine tastings are $10 per person (waived upon purchasing a bottle) or wine flights start at $25.
Visitor Experience
Summit Estate’s rustic cellar door, housed in a former packing shed, provides a welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. Features include wood-burning stoves for cozy tastings during colder months and a covered terrace with lawn and picnic tables offering vineyard views during warmer seasons.
On certain nights throughout the year, visitors can experience the estate’s ‘Sunset Sessions.’ Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and savor Summit Estate’s wines while enjoying the picturesque sunset.
Grazing boxes are available for purchase, and the venue is dog-friendly, making it a delightful outing for all.
Location: 291 Granite Belt Dr, Thulimbah
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm | Sunday to Monday, 10 am to 2 pm | Thursday 12 pm to 4 pm
Ridgemill Estate
Established in 1998 by Spanish couple Tom and Cath Jimenez under the name Emerald Hill, Ridgemill Estate has evolved into a prominent boutique winery.
In 2004, Martin Cooper, acquired the property, and under the guidance of head winemaker Peter McGlashan, the estate has continued to explore and refine the art of winemaking, focusing on varieties that best suit the region’s terroir.
Wine Selection
Ridgemill Estate produces an impressive range of wines, with a focus on cool-climate varieties that thrive in the Granite Belt’s high-altitude conditions.
Signature wines include their elegant Shiraz, crisp Chardonnay, and vibrant Vermentino, alongside their Strange Bird offerings such as Tempranillo and Saperavi—a deep, rich red that showcases the region’s versatility.
Wine tastings are $10 per person (waived upon purchasing a bottle).
Visitor Experience
Guests can enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards featuring local produce, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the vineyard.
On select Fridays throughout the year, the estate hosts evening events that pair their elegant wines with local food, live music, and stunning sunsets that fade into a twinkling night sky.
One of Ridgemill Estate’s most unique experiences is the Pink Crush Plunge, a must-do for anyone wanting to get hands-on with winemaking. This fun and interactive event happens during harvest season, giving guests the rare opportunity to learn about the grape picking, crushing and plunging process.
Ridgemill Estate is also pet friendly.
Accommodation
Ridgemill Estate offers boutique accommodation, allowing guests to wake up among the vines.
There are 12 stylish, self-contained cabins offering cozy interiors, private decks, and beautiful vineyard views, making them perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or wine lovers looking to immerse themselves in the region.
Each cabin features a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, air conditioning, and a private deck. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Ridgemill Estate wine and a plate of canapés, along with a generous breakfast basket to prepare at their leisure.
There is also a three-bedroom house has luxe furnishings and contemporary facilities, including free and reliable Wi-Fi, offering a comfortable stay for larger groups or families.
Location: 218 Donges Rd, Broadwater
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm | Sunday 10 am to 3 pm
Dear Vincent Wines
Dear Vincent Wines is a vibrant addition to the Granite Belt wine region, located in Ballandean at the St Judes Vineyard. This boutique winery pays homage to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, embodying a philosophy centered around enjoyment and community.
Wine Selection
The winery offers a diverse selection of small-batch, artisan wines crafted from estate-grown fruit. Their portfolio includes:
- Pinot Gris: A crisp and refreshing white wine with notes of pear and citrus.
- Viognier: An aromatic white wine showcasing floral and stone fruit characteristics.
- Shiraz Viognier: A co-fermented blend offering a harmonious balance of red fruit flavors and floral nuances.
- Field Blend Pet Nat: A naturally sparkling wine made from a blend of grape varieties, resulting in a lively and unique flavor profile.
- Nebbiolo Rosé: A rosé crafted from the Nebbiolo grape, offering a juxtaposition of slightly sour and ripe strawberries, red apple freshness, and acidity.
Visitor Experience
While the winery is developing future plans to enhance its offerings, including accommodation options, current visitors can indulge in unique experiences.
After dining with Dear Vincent’s owner Adam, I’d highly recommend the private wine tasting with him. Perched on top of the hills within the vineyards, in the back of his vintage landcruiser ute, you’ll enjoy wine tastings and a grazing platter as well as no doubt plenty of laughs hearing Adam’s stories.
Enhancing the wine-tasting experience, Dear Vincent features an on-site upscale food truck operating Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 3 pm. Guests can enjoy dishes like fresh pasta and other Italian specialties, perfectly paired with the winery’s selections, while taking in the picturesque vineyard setting.
Accommodation
For those wanting a truly immersive wine experience, Dear Vincent offers a two-night stay at the newly renovated Artists Residence, a charming three-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage nestled among the vines.
Included in the rate is a two-course lunch under a 100-year-old olive tree and a private wine tasting with Adam, from the back of his vintage Landcruiser ute accompanied by a grazing platter of local produce.
Location: 64 St Judes Ln, Ballandean
Hours: Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Rokkwell
Rokkwell is a newly established boutique winery and accommodation provider in Ballandean. Situated atop a hill, the property offers panoramic views of vineyards, farmland, granite outcrops, and distant mountain ranges.
After studying a Bachelor of Science in Wine Science and Plant Agricultural Science, In 2016, Dawn Walker and her partner Jaymie took a bold step, relocating to Ballandean on the Granite Belt to purchase their own vineyard.
Dawn also gained hands-on experience as an Assistant Winemaker, learning from one of the region’s most respected vintners. By late 2022, Rokkwell was born, and the first wines were produced on-site, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in her winemaking journey.
Wine Selection
The winery specialises in small-batch, handcrafted wines produced from estate-grown grapes. Its portfolio includes classic varietals such as Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, and Sauvignon Blanc. Additionally, it has introduced newer plantings of Nero d’Avola and Arneis, reflecting its commitment to exploring diverse wine styles.
Visitor Experience
Wine tasting is currnetly inly available by appointment which can be pre booked at the cost of $10 per person (deducated from any wine purchases).
Cheese platters can also be pre purchased for $13 per person.
Accommodation
For guests seeking a tranquil retreat, Rokkwell offers an adults-only studio cabin among vineyards, natural bushland, and grazing paddocks. The cabin features a well-equipped kitchenette with a stovetop and bar fridge, a comfortable lounge area with a fireplace, queen bed and an open deck ideal for outdoor dining.
Guests can enjoy luxury bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. The property ensures privacy and convenience with secure entry, private covered parking adjacent to the cabin, and self-check-in facilities.
Location: 104 St Judes Ln, Ballandean
Hours: Appointment only – click here to book
Serrena Que Estate
Serrena Que Estate Winery is a boutique winery in Eukey. Situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, it proudly holds the title of Queensland’s highest vineyard. The estate captures the serenity of the picturesque landscape, offering unique, quality wines that reflect the region’s distinct terroir.
Cindy, who grew up in rural Western Australia far from any wine regions, always dreamed of owning a vineyard. That dream became reality in 2016 when she and her husband, Simon, fell in love with the Granite Belt during a visit the year before.
Together Cindy and Simon planted every vine at Serrena Que Estate and after years of nurturing their vineyard, they proudly bottled their first wines in 2021.
Wine Selection
The winery specialises in emerging and alternative grape varietals that are meticulously chosen to suit the Granite Belt’s distinct soil and climate. This careful selection results in premium wine styles that are truly distinctive, reflecting the region’s unique terroir.
Serrena Que Estate produces Strange Bird varieties such as Cortese, Garganega, Mencia, Maturana Tinta, Fiano, Barbera, Saperavi, and Tempranillo.
Visitor Experience
Serrena Que Estate is dog-friendly, welcoming pets inside the cellar door and off-leash outside, with water provided for furry companions.
Location: 1498 Eukey Rd, Eukey
Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Symphony Hill Wines
Symphony Hill Wines is a distinguished winery located in Ballandean, renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Granite Belt region.
Under the visionary leadership of owner Ewen Macpherson, the winery is the only one in Queensland to have won gold medals for both red and white wines at prestigious events such as the Royal Sydney Wine Show and the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.
Wine Selection
Symphony Hill offers a diverse portfolio of wines, showcasing both classic and alternative varietals:
- Red Wines: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Nero d’Avola, Durif, Graciano, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Saperavi.
- White Wines: Gewürztraminer, Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Fiano, Moscato, Vermentino, and Viognier.
- Sparkling Wines: Moscato Sparkling, Prosecco Sparkling, Sparkling Rosé, and Brut.
The Gewürztraminer, has earned multiple accolades, including the Best Dry White Other Varieties trophy at the 2017 National Wine Show of Australia and the Best Single Varietal White at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show in 2014.
Furthermore the 2016 Reserve Shiraz was served to the Royal couple during their Brisbane visit in 2014.
Visitor Experience
The winery’s cellar door offers visitors the opportunity to taste their award-winning wines in a welcoming and family-friendly environment.
The winery is also pet friendly.
Location: 2017 Eukey Rd, Ballandean
Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm
Granite Belt Breweries and Distilleries
While the Granite Belt is best known for its wineries, the region is also home to a growing number of craft breweries and distilleries, offering visitors a taste of locally brewed beer and artisan spirits.
Granite Belt Brewery
Established in 2012, Granite Belt Brewery has become a cornerstone of Stanthorpe’s craft beverage scene, offering a diverse range of handcrafted beers and ciders. Situated on a picturesque 30-acre estate, the brewery combines rustic charm with modern amenities, providing visitors with an authentic Granite Belt experience.
Craft Beverages
At the heart of the brewery is a 1000-litre microbrewery where a variety of beers and ciders are meticulously crafted. The core range includes:
- Pale Ale: A balanced brew with subtle hop aromas and a crisp finish.
- Lager: A refreshing beer with a clean and smooth taste.
- IPA: An India Pale Ale boasting bold hop flavors and a robust profile.
- Session Ale: A lighter ale perfect for extended enjoyment.
- Applethorpe Cider: A crisp cider made from locally sourced apples.
- Irish Red Ale: A malty ale with a rich, reddish hue.
Seasonal brews are also featured, such as chocolate porters, spiced pumpkin ales, and wheat beers, offering something new for returning patrons. For those who prefer other beverages, the brewery provides an extensive selection of local wines and spirits.
Dining Options
The on-site restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, serving dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients.
The lunch menu features items like Grilled Veggie Pizza, Pulled Pork Burger, and Salt & Pepper Squid Salad, while dinner offerings include Chargrilled Rump, Crispy Skin Barramundi, and House-made Pappardelle.
Each dish is thoughtfully paired with the brewery’s craft beers and ciders.
Accommodation
Guests seeking an immersive experience can stay in one of 20 private cedar cabins, each equipped with a log fire to enhance the cozy ambiance. Nestled amidst natural bushland, these cabins provide a serene retreat just five minutes from Stanthorpe.
Location: 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
The Ginyard
The Ginyard is a boutique distillery specializing in premium gins and vodkas, all crafted on-site from locally grown and seasonal ingredients, The Ginyard offers visitors an authentic taste of the region’s unique flavors.
Owners Phil and Nicole, both process engineers, have built their distillery with sustainability at its core. Harnessing solar energy, they ensure that distillation only takes place when the sun is shining, using their extensive solar system to power the entire process with renewable energy.
They source ingredents locally, further reflecting their commitment to sustainability and utilizes rainwater exclusively for distillation, ensuring an eco-friendly operation.
Gin Selection
The Ginyard’s handcrafted spirits showcase a variety of botanicals cultivated on-site, including fruits, spices, herbs, florals, and Shiraz grapes, which contribute to their popular Shiraz gin.
Their goal is to create memorable craft spirits that balance flavors such as juniper, coriander, gentle florals, lemon, lime, basil, lemon myrtle, and pepper berries, catering to diverse palates.
Visitor Experience
The light-filled cellar door, overlooking the vineyard and a family of curious alpacas, provides an inviting setting for tastings. Guests can enjoy spirit tastings, relaxed lunches, and afternoon cocktails while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Wood-fired pizzas are available during Saturday openings, offering a delightful pairing with the gin and vodka selections.
Accommodation
For those seeking an extended stay, The Ginyard Cottage offers comfortable accommodation in a fully equipped cottage. The kitchen features a convection microwave oven, induction cooktop, and BBQ facilities. A slow-combustion fireplace enhances the rustic charm of the cottage during the winter months.
Location: 1747 Eukey Rd, Eukey
Hours: Saturday 11 am to 4.30pm
Castle Glen
Established in 1990 by Cedric Millar, Castle Glen is a distinctive winery, distillery, and brewery. Designed and built in 1994, the castle-like structure serves as an iconic cellar door, offering visitors a unique experience amidst the scenic landscape.
A commitment to natural production methods sets Castle Glen apart. All products are 100% natural, chemical-free, and preservative-free, ensuring a pure and authentic taste without adverse effects.
The vineyard employs organic practices, avoiding harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In line with environmental stewardship, the facility operates on renewable energy, utilizing a substantial solar power system to minimize its carbon footprint.
Product Range
Castle Glen is renowned for its extensive selection of over 500 products, all handcrafted on-site. The offerings include table wines, fortified wines, sparkling wines, traditional English-style liqueurs, beers, and distilled spirits such as single malt whiskies and gins.
A notable innovation is their world-first crème liqueurs, which are vegan and fat-free, catering to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions.
Visiting Experience
Visitors to Castle Glen can explore the impressive castle structure, complete with stained-glass windows and a grand fireplace, creating a medieval ambiance.
The cellar door offers free tastings of their diverse product range, allowing guests to discover new flavors and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each creation.
Location: 3184 Amiens Road, Thulimbah
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Price: Free
ENJOY THE GRANITE BELT!
Hopefully, this guide has given you lots of inspiration on wineries to visit in the Granite Belt Region.
If you’re planning a trip to the Granite Belt, I highly recommend you check out our guide to Southern Queensland Country, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.
If you’re heading to the Granite Belt, you might also be interested in these articles:
- Best things to do in the Granite Belt
- Where to stay in the Granite Belt (coming soon)
- Review: Glen Lough Cabins