South East Queensland Country - Brass Monkey Season - Award-winning Wines

The Granite Belt is 1000m above sea level, and this combined with the weather, well-drained soil, and viticultural expertise result in slow ripening grapes, allowing the flavour and unique variations to fully develop. The Granite Belt’s 52 wineries and vineyards grow over 600 hectares of grapes, which are transformed into a lot of very drinkable bottles of wine.

Award winning Verdelho, Semillon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc white varieties, and full-bodied Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon reds reflect the strength of the local vineyards’ products and the Granite Belt has earned a reputation as the wine capital of Queensland.

With 52 cellar doors, wineries and vineyards on the Granite Belt, you’re sure to find one (or a few) that you really like. Hop on board a tour bus or drive yourself, either way you are sure to have a great day out. The region’s wineries, vineyards and cellar doors are complemented by great cuisine, breathtaking views and a laid back lifestyle - offering the perfect short break from the day to day.

The Wine Tasting Experience
When tasting and comparing wines there are some things worth paying attention to. Swirl the wine around in your glass and notice the depth and consistency of colour. White wines take on a more golden colour with age, while red wines develop a red-brown sediment as they age.

After swirling notice the way the wine streaks down the glass, this is known as ‘the legs’. Then take in the wine’s aroma. The intensity of the wine will be apparent, and you might notice a range of specific smells. Wine is often described as floral, fruity, spicy, or nutty (and many things in between).

Finally, sip the wine and expose all your taste buds to the flavour, savouring the aftertaste. Here’s where you’ll experience how smooth, rich, light, or dense the wine is. If you really want to stick to protocol you can spit your taste out…but why waste it?