Escape to the cool climes of the Granite Belt this March for the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival. This biennial celebration of the bountiful produce and thriving wine industry of the Granite Belt region returns for 10 days from Friday 23 February to Sunday 3 March 2024.
The popular festival will feature the return of much-loved events including grape crushing fun and the Grand Parade. If you’re looking for a luxe weekend in the vineyards, just short getaway from Brisbane, here’s a our pick of the festival program for the discerning traveller:
Banchetto Italiano: Italian Long Lunch | 25 February
Celebrate the Granite Belt’s Italian heritage at this Italian long lunch. Expect a sit-down traditional Italian five-course lunch accompanied by a bit of Italian fun and live entertainment. The Italian influence is ever present in the Granite Belt, with the Italian community bringing their horticultural knowledge and European grape varieties to the region.
Meet the Apple Farmer & Orchard Tour |29 February
Take a behind the scenes tour of a family owned commercial apple orchard and hear from third generation apple growers. Nicoletti Orchards grows Granny Smith, Gravenstein, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Sundowner and Fuji. Opportunity to pick your own farm fresh apples and enjoy the crunchy harvest.
Meet the Truffle Maker Tour | 26 February
Talk all things truffle and learn how the French Black Perigord Truffle grows in cold climate areas of Australia, meet some impressive truffle detection dogs and taste truffles.
Food & Wine Fiesta | 1-3 March
Considered the festival hub and held over the main weekend of the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival in Weeroona Park, settle in for a day of delicious tastes and music that continues into the cool summer night. Taste wine from local wineries and meet the makers from Ballandean Estate, Ridgemill Estate, Robert Channon, Symphony Hill and more as well local ciders and breweries.
Poet’s Breakfast | 2 March
A new addition to the festival is the Bush Poet’s Breakfast featuring renowned poets Ray Essery, Jake Drake and Gary Fogerty. Drawing on inspiration from the bountiful orchards and vineyards of the region, these wordsmiths will weave their words into a tapestry of emotions, connecting the audience with the essence of the land and the beauty of its harvest over a traditional Aussie breakfast.
Festival-goers can expect 10-days of fun with the main weekend of festivities held 1-3 March. Stanthorpe, in the heart of the Granite Belt Wine Region is located on the New England Highway just north of the NSW border, a comfortable three-hour drive from Brisbane, Gold Coast or Byron Bay.
Alluxia Approved Granite Belt Accommodation includes:
Luxe self-contained studio cabins located at Stanthorpe’s Ridgemill Escape with vineyard views, ideal for wine lovers and romantic getaways.
Stay onsite at this working winery in Ballandean and let your friendly hosts welcoming you to this vineyard bed and breakfast.
View the full program for Stanthorpe’s Apple & Grape Harvest Festival and you’re your Granite Belt festival accommodation with alluxia.com.au.
