Country charm and hospitality still exists and can be found in Queensland’s Granite Belt. The Granite Belt’s reputation is steadily growing as a quality food and wine destination.
Pulling up under the shade of the local pub’s wide verandah, I spot a CWA sign next door for Tea, Coffee and Pikelets, ahhhh inhale that fresh mountain air and rejoice in the simplicity of life, you’ve arrived in the country.
Re-fuelling at the local petrol station I’m greeted by the owner who pumps the petrol herself and we have a chat. The fuel stop is kinda falling apart but somehow charming and the owner says they “embrace the retro”. Well it seems the whole town embraces the retro and this unpretentious style is exactly why you should visit.
The Granite Belt’s appeal is that it offers a unique and intimate experience between you and the makers - you’ll meet entertaining winemakers and the many characters of the region. Easily accessible from Brisbane and Gold Coast, the Granite Belt region of Stanthorpe and Ballandean makes the perfect weekend getaway.
Enjoy our tips for the best places to wine, dine and relax!
SHOP
The locals agree, the best coffee in town is the Campos coffee served at Brinx. Brinx is the oldest deli and largest supplier of local product in town. Stock up on local favourites including Mallow Lamb and New England Larder.
Stop by the Granite Belt Dairy and sample a selection of homemade cheeses. Grazing on the selection it was hard to pick a favourite, perhaps the Brass Monkey Blue - a sophisticated blue, with a rich, sweet, & creamy style. Stay for lunch at Jersey Girls Cafe
Medal winning gourmet preserves are made on-site and available for tasting at the showroom. Stay for berry desserts including waffles, sundaes and berry ice-cream, enjoyed fireside or in the garden depending on the season. If you’re lucky enough, your accommodation may stock some Bramble Patch goodies in your breakfast provisions!
Sutton’s Juice Factory & Cidery
You simply must stop at Sutton’s on your way into town and partake in a lusciously large slice of their famous apple pie. It looks like a tin shed in the backyard, but houses a café with home made goodies, a variety of apple juices and apple products. Delish!
DINE
Don't let the basic furnishings fool you, the Barrel Room Café is a divine dining experience. Husband & wife team Matt & Bobbi Wells serve up hearty servings of modern Italian cuisine accompanied by Ballandean Estate wines in the quaint Barrel Room. Torn between the Mallow Organic Lamb fillet and the Salmon, I opted for the Crispy skinned Atlantic Salmon with prawn and pea risotto, fresh asparagus, grilled lemon and petit herbs and was pleasantly sated.
Housed in a beautiful old church complete with stained glass windows, The Vineyard Café has a welcoming lounge area, which would be ideal in winter to enjoy a fireside pre-dinner drink. The extensive menu focuses on fresh, local produce and a great selection of award winning wines, including Tobin Wines by the glass, it certainly helps to secure this on your wine list if you’re friends with the winemaker!
WINE
Drive up to the contemporary cellar door with vines on your left and accommodation cabins on your right and indulge in some quality Queensland wine from winemaker Peter McGlashan. There's an extensive list of wines to taste and we're loving the Cabernet Malbec Merlot...heavenly. Open Friday to Monday or by appointment for in-house guests.
I’m not sure we should share this hidden secret, but Tobin Wines is a must visit for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Adrian Tobin is a passionate winemaker who produces premium, limited edition, single vineyard, handcrafted wines of style and distinction. Named after each grandchild, naturally Adrian can’t pick a favourite but we loved the Luella Plum Cabernet.
There is no official cellar door, so book an appointment ahead of your visit to be educated and entertained about the wine making process and a hands on experience with the affable winemaker Glen Robert.
FESTIVALS
Don't miss the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival on 7-9 March 2014, celebrating the produce and lifestyle of the Granite Belt.
Elevated Taste on 5-6 April 2014, is a weekend of grazing the Granite Belt and enjoying award winning wine, gourmet local produce and fabulous entertainment!
STAY
Complete your unique holiday experience with a stay at Alure Boutique Villas. Choose either the spacious and romantic villas or upgrade to the luxury tent for a true “glamping” experience. Fully self contained with kitchen, laundry, fireplace, outdoor spa, luxurious bathroom with L’Occitane amenities and even a GHD hair straightener for total pampering and indulgence. All this luxury, but with the blissful sound of the canvas tent flapping in the breeze to remind you of the great outdoors beyond. Wake to delicious gourmet local continental breakfast provisions including home baked bread, Bramble Patch jams and local organic honey.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, group getaway or family fun, we have the perfect Granite Belt accommodation selection for your next Southern Queensland Country holiday and embrace the retro!
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