As part of my quest to visit all Wine Regions in Australia. I've got 2 weeks off in Feb and visiting friends in Qld. We have decided to have a look here. Now I've been scouring the various forums for tips and stuff but there is not much around of the positive nature.
This is my basic itinerary, if anyone has any experience/suggestions etc I'm all ears. 2/nights and 3 days.
Wine
Boireann Winery
Robert Channon Wines
Castle Glen Liqueurs
Summit Estate Wines
Symphony Hill Wines
Attractions
Mount Stirling Olives
Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery
Granite Belt Dairy Farmhouse Cheese
Food (no idea here)
The Rocks Restaurant - dinner
Robert Channon Wines - lunch
Accomodation (tossing up between these anyone have any experience with them?)
Curlew Retreat - looks the nicest but a bit out of the way.
http://www.curlewretreat.com.au/Home.html
The Olive Tree Cottage
http://www.theolivetreecottage.com.au/index.htm
Beverley at Whiskey Gully Wines
http://www.whiskeygullywines.com.au/Bev ... v0201.html
Cottages at Granite Ridge Wines
http://www.graniteridgewines.com.au/accommodation01.htm
Granite Belt Advice
Give Mark Ravenscroft a call and I'm sure he'll open the door for you. Nice bloke, makes the Channon Wines too, but well worth trying his own (Ravens Croft Wines - not sure if its two or one word name). Or just ask at Channon wines for his number if he's not there.
Golden Grove is worth a visit I reckon. But you've got the major players. Don't miss out on Boireann. Hopefully Peter Stark has some reds left to taste.
Anna's is quite a nice rustic Italian Restaurant, but I'm no gourmet, just had a great dinner with Granite Belt Winemakers there.
Hope you enjoy dave.
Golden Grove is worth a visit I reckon. But you've got the major players. Don't miss out on Boireann. Hopefully Peter Stark has some reds left to taste.
Anna's is quite a nice rustic Italian Restaurant, but I'm no gourmet, just had a great dinner with Granite Belt Winemakers there.
Hope you enjoy dave.
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Maroon&Blue
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2007 1:01 pm
- Location: Southern Gold Coast
hi Dave
Did a trip to that region a few months ago & FWIW my suggestions :
1. Plan your trip around a weekend.
2. Try & stay somewhere central to cut down on travel.
3. Make contact with your fav wineries to confirm they are open.
4. Get the tourism mob to send you out some brochures, prior to your trip.
I looked at Curlew retreat but decided it was "too isolated"
Its probably a relaxing spot, but too much travelling required!
We based at Balladean....15 mins sth of Stanthorpe- Azjure studios think it was called.
There were several wineries within walking distance.
"Up Market" accommodation & bit expensive, BUT I arranged this as a surprise for my wife & we were not dissappointed.
We decided to take most of our food with us, but the locals gave a wrap to a couple of eateries!
U need to decide whether to base at Stanthorpe or otherwise!
We tried not to be in the car too much.
We contacted some wineries & most were very approachable & organised private tastings.
Lunch & tasting at Rob Channon is a definite must.
I would schedule this for weekend as bit quieter other times.
Shiraz Restaurant at Ballandean is worth a visit....once again check opening times!
Symphony Hill was worthwhile ....generally impressed by their all round quality & I signed up for their web deals!
Pyramids Road sth of Balladean is another worthwhile visit (promising reds).
Warren there will also provide useful local info for you.
Robinsons in that locality, was also a worthwhile visit.
Definitey contact Boireann as they don't seem to be open that much!
Sorry for quick response. but you may find it helpful!!
Any questions, please don't hesitate making contact or PM.
cheers
Ronaldo
Did a trip to that region a few months ago & FWIW my suggestions :
1. Plan your trip around a weekend.
2. Try & stay somewhere central to cut down on travel.
3. Make contact with your fav wineries to confirm they are open.
4. Get the tourism mob to send you out some brochures, prior to your trip.
I looked at Curlew retreat but decided it was "too isolated"
Its probably a relaxing spot, but too much travelling required!
We based at Balladean....15 mins sth of Stanthorpe- Azjure studios think it was called.
There were several wineries within walking distance.
"Up Market" accommodation & bit expensive, BUT I arranged this as a surprise for my wife & we were not dissappointed.
We decided to take most of our food with us, but the locals gave a wrap to a couple of eateries!
U need to decide whether to base at Stanthorpe or otherwise!
We tried not to be in the car too much.
We contacted some wineries & most were very approachable & organised private tastings.
Lunch & tasting at Rob Channon is a definite must.
I would schedule this for weekend as bit quieter other times.
Shiraz Restaurant at Ballandean is worth a visit....once again check opening times!
Symphony Hill was worthwhile ....generally impressed by their all round quality & I signed up for their web deals!
Pyramids Road sth of Balladean is another worthwhile visit (promising reds).
Warren there will also provide useful local info for you.
Robinsons in that locality, was also a worthwhile visit.
Definitey contact Boireann as they don't seem to be open that much!
Sorry for quick response. but you may find it helpful!!
Any questions, please don't hesitate making contact or PM.
cheers
Ronaldo
Wine improves with age....the older I get, the better I like it!
Maroon & Blue is spot on. Oh, and Anna's restaurant is in Stanthorpe. If you order a cab, make sure you call again if it is late arriving. I spent a very long time waiting one night until a taxi turned up and informed me that he had taken my call but had gone home and forgotten about it 
(admittedly the staff offered me a lift back to my accomodation if all else failed). Other than that I think ( and hope) you will find it a very friendly place.
(admittedly the staff offered me a lift back to my accomodation if all else failed). Other than that I think ( and hope) you will find it a very friendly place.Re: Granite Belt Advice
dave vino wrote:As part of my quest to visit all Wine Regions in Australia. I've got 2 weeks off in Feb and visiting friends in Qld. We have decided to have a look here. Now I've been scouring the various forums for tips and stuff but there is not much around of the positive nature.
This is my basic itinerary, if anyone has any experience/suggestions etc I'm all ears. 2/nights and 3 days.
Wine
Boireann Winery
Robert Channon Wines
Castle Glen Liqueurs
Summit Estate Wines
Symphony Hill Wines
Attractions
Mount Stirling Olives
Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery
Granite Belt Dairy Farmhouse Cheese
Food (no idea here)
The Rocks Restaurant - dinner
Robert Channon Wines - lunch
I was extremely disappointed with the product at castle Glen. Try if you must.
Annas Restaurant in Stanthorpe is a good Italian smorgasbord. Loved the stuffed mushrooms.
Chardonnay: A drink you have when there is no RED wine, the beer hasn't arrived and the water may be polluted