Located only three hours drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the region is the only place in Queensland that provides a change of season each year.
This wine producing area also experiences unique growing and ripening conditions, unlike anywhere else in Australia. The combination of cool weather and decomposed granite soils enables the production of outstanding wines.
Stanthorpe is the heart of the winery district, offering great dining experiences, golf courses and access to some magnificent national parks, including Girraween and Sundown.
Currently the region crushes approximately 1500 tonnes of grapes each year. New vineyards and plantings will see its production grow to well over 4000 tonnes in the next few year. The predominant classic varieties produced are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Granite Belt is also home to several festivals and events including the Annual Spring Wine Festival (in October); the famous Apple and Grape Harvest Festival (conducted in March of every even numbered year) and the Annual Australian Small Winemakers Show (in October).
There is a wide range of accommodation options, many offering the chance to gain a taste of true country hospitality, from home stays, farm stays, B&Bs, cottages and country pubs to caravan parks. Sample some of the locally grown specialities such as strawberries, raspberries, Stanthorpe apples or award winning Warwick cheeses.
Annual rainfall: 800 mm
Mean January temp: 20.5‹C
Sunshine hours per day: 8.1
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