Lying stretched across the border between New South Wales and Queensland, the Granite Belt is Australia’s best known wine region. The Granite Belt, centred around the town of Stanthorpe, is also one of the more interesting areas for wine lovers to explore: the tiny wineries dotted across the region produce their own brand of wines and it’s certainly worth the effort to try them.
History
The wine business in the region has religious beginnings. When the tin mining industry started a downward spiral in the late 1800s, Catholic priest Jerome Davadi encouraged his congregation seek other means of generating income. During that time, the area was used to cultivate fruits like cherries, apples, plums and pears. Davadi recognised the potential for wine cultivation and soon small vineyards sprang up when the Italian community living there produced wine for themselves and for the market.
Granite, soil and climate
The region takes its name from the huge granite rock formations throughout the area. The area is also quite elevated, which gives it the distinction of being the coolest part of Queensland. The soil itself is mostly granite, making it excellent for drainage. Along with the low rainfall in spring, this makes the area ideal for wine cultivation. Winters are bitingly cold with frost developing at night. During summer the area is a popular alternative to the heavy humidity along the coastline.
Wines of the region
The Granite Belt region is known for its whites like Chardonnay and Verdelho. Its Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlots are among the prominent red varieties. The Granite Belt is also home to lesser-known Italian grape types like Barbera, Nebbiolo and Tempranillo. Wine lovers keen to explore the smaller wineries will also find pockets of vineyards producing Colombard, Malbec, Mourvedre, Pinot Gris and Sylvaner.
Wineries
Ballandean Estate and Symphony Hill Wines wineries are located in the Granite Belt region. Both are known for impressive reds like Cabernet Shiraz blends and Pinot Noir. Some other wonderful wine estates in the area are Jester Hills Wines and Back Pocket vineyards.
You’ll find more wineries from Granite Belt wine region by clicking here: Wineries from Granite Belt
Visit these boutique wineries to grow your knowledge of boutique wine and boutique wineries:
