If you’re in need of a weekend getaway with the opportunity to sample some amazing wines, then make sure the Granite Belt is top of your list. The Granite Belt is home to Queensland’s premier wine region, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience underground cellar doors, eco-friendly vineyards and sample some of the lesser known grape varieties that are now grown in the region.
With over 40 cellar doors in the area, you are sure to fall in love with loads of the locally produced wines. Here are things to do in the Granite Belt wine region:
1. Unwind on Local Tours
One of the best ways to explore the region’s vineyards, markets and sights is on a private guided tour. Taste everything without the stress of having to drive, and listen to the commentary of the knowledgeable local guide. With the ability to choose the places you want to visit, your day can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose.
We have tour operators who can help you with whatever tours you choose to take in the area. Your best bet is to arrange a local tour guide, who has the insider knowledge of the best spots to suit your wine preferences.
2. Drive the Granite Belt Wine Trail Yourself
A breathtaking drive through the vineyard covered hills is a fantastic way to soak up the beauty of the local scenery. The Granite Belt Wine Trail is an easy to navigate and well signed road trail designed for self driving visitors. Self driving allows you the flexibility to enjoy the area at your own pace, without the need for scheduled stops.
You can choose which vineyards you want to visit and how long you want to spend at each one. There are no set times, routes, and itineraries, allowing you to create your very own Granite Belt journey.
The region is home to over 40 cellar doors, and many artisan food producers. These include cheesemakers, olive growers, chocolatiers, vinegar makers, bakers, and more.
3. Pick Any Vineyard on the Granite Belt Wine Trail
The region’s cellar doors are open to visitors all-year-round, with a friendly welcome and a range of tasting options.
We recommend starting with the top cellars in the Granite Belt to get the most out of your stay. Then, drop in and discover some of the hidden gems that you come across along the way. All are happy to share their passion for the region and their stunning locally grown and made wines.
For those wanting to try some of the lesser known wine varieties, the Strange Bird Wine Trail is the Granite Belt’s self drive, alternative wine trail. The trail showcases wineries that are producing wines using alternative or the lesser known grape varieties such as Roussanne, Sagrantino, Nero d’Avola, Marsanne and Barbera. To be classified as a ‘Strange Bird’ the grape variety must make up less than 1% of Australia’s vineyard plantings. So if you love trying new and different wines, the Strange Bird Wine Trail is for you.
4. Taste Your Way around the Granite Belt
From the region’s best-loved chocolatiers to award-winning cheesemakers and passionate bakers, the Granite Belt is a unique place to find artisan goods and get a taste of local food. With a large number of local food producers and farm’s offering produce, you will struggle to find space in your car.
5. Adventure on a Bike and Wine Trail
For those wanting to experience the Granite Belt wine region on 2 wheels, then a bicycle tour is a great alternative. With the option of self guided or guided tours, a cycling tour provides an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing, self paced tour of Queensland’s premier wine region.
Bikes can be hired locally, enabling you to discover boutique wineries, gourmet local produce, fruit orchards and ever-changing scenery with four distinct seasons at your own pace. A pick up service is also offered, for those who would prefer to be collected from their last destination.
Conclusion
With so many cellar doors to explore and wine trails to ride, you’ll find yourself crisscrossing the region for days on end. The great thing about the Granite Belt is that you can join a local tour of the area or make your own Granite Belt Wine Trail.
Granite Belt Retreat is a great option if you are looking for Stanthorpe accommodation. Our country estate, located only five minutes from Stanthorpe, has twenty cedar cabins with log fires, a 1000-litre microbrewery, a bar, a restaurant, and a function centre. Book now!
