10 of our favourite Stanthorpe wineries
Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to travel to Australia’s southern states to swirl, sniff and sip award-winning wines. Just drive three hours from Brisbane’s CBD to Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt aka Queensland’s Wine Country.
Home to some of Australia’s highest vineyards (read: 1,000 metres above sea level), the Granite Belt has built a strong reputation for producing exceptional medium-bodied wines.
Not only does the region produce traditional varietal favourites like Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay, the Granite Belt has become a hotspot for growing alternative variety wines like petit verdot, gewurztraminer or durif.
Have your own Sideways wine tasting weekend, working your way through Queensland Country’s best wines with this guide.
1. Ballandean Estate Wines
Start your wine tour at Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery – Ballandean Estate.
This five-generation winemaking family has been welcoming guests through the cellar door since 1970 and producing wine since 1932. Recently awarded the Wild Card Red Wine of the year for their 2023 Saperavi at the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2027, you know you'll be in good hands when visiting for a weekend tasting.
Surround yourself with the oldest working barrels in Queensland in the Cellar Door, as you sample one of their premium reds or whites.
While Ballandean Estate is part of the Strange Bird Wine Trail (our self drive trail through the rarest varieties), they proudly serve mainstream varieties and recently celebrated 50 years of Shiraz planting and their 30th vintage of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
A: 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean Q 4382
P: 07 4684 1226
2. Ridgemill Estate
Looking to extend your wine tour overnight? Head to Ridgemill Estate.
With eight studio cabins and a three-bedroom house for groups – all with vineyard views across the 40-acre property – this is one wine tour where you won’t have to worry about a designated driver.
Combine a stay in the award-winning cabins with wine tasting in the cellar door or on the deck overlooking the estate.
Book a tasting experience with the winemaker for a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking and a chance to sample a selection of unreleased vintages.
A: 218 Donges Road, Severnlea Q 4380
P: 07 4683 5211
3. Pyramids Road Wines
Do you know how many people it takes to grow grapes and make wine? If you’re Pyramid Road Wines, just two.
Meet Warren and Sue – the husband and wife duo who wear all the winemaking hats from planting and pruning to picking, bottling, and labelling.
Growing Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon since 1999, this small-batch winery has grown from producing four wines to 10.
With Pyramid Road running through Girraween National Park, combine your next outdoor adventure with a cellar door wine stop to finish up the day. Make sure to call ahead prior to visiting as Pyramid is only open at select times.
A: 25 Wyberba Lane, Wyberba (via Ballandean) Q 4382
P: 0432 849 212
4. Golden Grove Estate Wines
What started as a fresh fruit orchard growing grapes and stone fruit in 1946, has turned into an award-winning winery at Golden Grove Estate.
While initially processing leftover grapes into table wine to service the Italian immigrant community, the Costanzo family now produce classic Shiraz, Chardonnay and Mourvèdre along with alternatives.
Golden Grove serves up a taste of Europe with its Strange Bird varieties – from the Sicilian classic Nero d’Avola to Italian favourite Vermentino.
A: 337 Sundown Road, Ballandean Q 4382
P: 0493 369 617
5. Heritage Estate Wines
This one is for the wine and foodie lovers!
Heritage Estate Wines is highly accredited across the board (5 Red Star winery James Halliday 2016-2021 and AGFG Readers Choice 2022) with their gourmet eight-course degustations held every month as well as lunch and dinner five days a week (Thursdays to Mondays), and multiple award-winning wines.
Indulge in a choice of wine flights of Strange Birds or the Oldest Vine Shiraz on the Granite Belt. Think rustic, moody and a little bit quirky as you sample from their distinctive Chardonnay, Fiano and Savagnin, forged from the older, slightly less mineralised soils of Cottonvale.
Hint: Make sure you bring your appetite.
A: 747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale Q 4375
P: 07 4685 2197
6. Dear Vincent Wines
The Saint Judes Vineyard has always been an agricultural asset of the granite belt region, operating for over 100 years. Over the last 30 the vineyard has become one of the most productive in the region. The Dear Vincent Winery is open daily during peak season in the winter months and open Friday to Sunday during the warmer months.
Beyond tastings you can enhance your visit with a range of unique experiences, choose from a long lunch amongst the vineyard, a sunset cinema and tasting experience or join Adam - Dear Vincent's owner for a tasting off and grazing platter off the back of the ute overlooking the vines for an unreal sunset experience.
A: 64 Saint Judes Lane, Ballandean
P: 0422 057 333
7. Savina Lane Wines
You’ll need to plan ahead to visit Savina Lane Wines, as wine tasting at this exclusive winery is by appointment only.
With trophies lining their cellar door – from best Fiano (vintage 2015 and 2016) as well as Best Queensland Shiraz (vintage 2012 and 2014) – it’s one not to miss on your Queensland Country wine tour.
Book one of the two wine experiences or settle into the large chesterfield lounges in front of the log fire in the cellar door.
A: 61 Savina Lane, Severnlea Q 4380
P: 0419 723 755
8. Balancing Heart Vineyard
Named after the iconic heart shaped granite stone formation in the vineyard, Balancing Heart Vineyard takes inspiration from nature. Balancing the art and science of wine making to create exceptional award winning wine and memorable experiences.
Taking out the award for Dark Horse Winery 2027 in the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Balancing Heart Vineyard brings together over 40 years of wine making experience with explorations of unconventional varieties methods and styles to create distinctive wines driven my creativity and instinct.
Open seven days a week including public holidays, Balancing Heart Vineyard offers complimentary tastings with opportunities for guided tours and experiences for those looking to dive deeper into their wine making philosophy.
A: 221 Old Wallangarra Road, Wyberba Q 4382
P: 1300 000 221
9. Robert Channon Wines
White wine lovers – we’re looking at you.
If your palate preference is white over red when it comes to wine, make sure you plan a stop at Robert Channon Wines to sample what James Halliday once said, “by far the best Verdelhos I have ever tasted.”
While Robert has earned the nickname ‘King of Verdelho’ the winery’s collection of awards for its red varieties should not be overlooked.
Offering lakeside views and Stanthorpe vistas from the back of the cellar door with a generous amount of greenspace – this is the perfect winery stop when travelling as a family.
With miniature horses and Hereford cattle calling Robert Channon Wines home, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained while you taste your way through the vintages.
A: 32 Bradley Lane, Stanthorpe Q 4380
P: 07 4683 3260
10. Summit Estate Wines
Name a more iconic duo than sparkling wine and sunset views. We’ll wait.
Plan your visit to Summit Estate Wines for Friday or Saturday afternoon for their Sunset Sessions.
Not only does this winery produce a large selection of Cuvee that you’re more accustomed to, expect to find the likes of White Sparkling Muscat, Sparkling Pinot Noir and Sparkling Marsanne as part of their Strange Bird selection.
If your wine palate prefers traditional varieties, you’ll find Merlot, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo on the menu too.
Make sure you BYO a picnic, bring your portable barbeque or order a takeaway meal from the café to make the most of your sunset session.
A: 291 Granite Belt Drive, Thulimbah Q 4376
P: 07 4683 2011
11. Hidden Creek Winery
Has your four-legged family member joined you for the day? Head to Hidden Creek Winery.
There’s no need to rush your visit at this dog-friendly winery – throw down the blanket, order a picnic basket and extend your stay while you sample their varieties.
Make sure you ask about their new release Vermouth – a wine fortified infused with botanicals.
Hint - you won’t experience this anywhere else in the Granite Belt, but make sure to call ahead to check Cellar door opening hours.
A: 2271 Eukey Road, Ballandean Q 4382
P: 07 4684 1383