Ballandean Estate Winery courtesy of Tourism Queensland
Located on the Southern Downs, the Granite Belt is Queensland's apple and grape capital. Each year it produces approximately $130 million in fruit and vegetables and it is home to many of the state's most established and successful wine producers. Situated 600-1500 metres above sea level, the Granite Belt is unique in Australia for its combination of cool weather and decomposed granite soils, creating the conditions which produce Queensland's most awarded wines. This multi-cultural region is rich in the diversity of its produce, events, attractions, accommodation and climate.
Grapes
Grapes were first planted in the Granite Belt in the 1870s and today there are more than 50 cellar doors producing wine. Almost 65% of plantings are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot vines. Verdelho represents a mere 5% of all plantings but is receiving significant success on the wine show circuit, hailed by some as the hero grape variety of the Granite Belt.
Food
The Granite Belt is the only area in Queensland to produce apples. Severe winter frosts and Queensland sunshine combine to produce intense flavour in apples, pears and stone fruit. There's a vibrant and diverse horticultural sector with an increasing number of organic producers.
How to get there
The Granite Belt is situated on the western spine of the Great Dividing Range. It is served by the New England Highway and lies 220 kms south west of Brisbane. Within three hours drive of Brisbane/Gold Coast, the region is the only place in Queensland to enjoy four distinct seasons.
Things to see and do
Visitors have long been attracted to the region's high quality orchard fruit, magnificent national parks (including the iconic Girraween National Park), spectacular views and crisp winter conditions. Today, outstanding local wines can be enjoyed with excellent accommodation, popular events, good food and country hospitality in a fresh, clean environment.
- Wander a wine or food trail
- Climb a rock or conquer the maze
- Golf with kangaroos, feed ducks and photograph birds
- Relish a cool summer night under a starry sky
- Follow a heritage trail or meet an artisan
- Pick a spring blossom, catch an autumn leaf
- Participate in an event or be entertained by musicians
- Treat the body, feed the mind
- Titillate the palate, nourish the spirit
- Lie in and chill out
Visit www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au for more information.
