Granite Belt is a region of boutique family wineries in south eastern Queensland. It is the leading wine district in the state. Verdelho and chardonnay are the signature white wine varieties. They are made in an aromatic and tropical style with melon and stone fruit characters. Viognier and sauvignon blanc have also proved successful. Shiraz is the dominant red grape. It makes soft, medium bodied wines with generous, plummy fruit. Cabernet sauvignon rich in cassis and merlot are also popular. A number of alternative varieties are emerging as the region continues to grow.
Granite Belt is an extension of the New England Tableland. The region lies on the inner flank of the Great Dividing Range with the town of Stanthorpe at its centre. Vineyards were first established in the 1920s and viticulture grew through the 60s to reach a total over 600 ha today. The temperate climate is heavily influenced by the region’s northerly latitude. Typical weather patterns include warm Summers, cold frosty Winters and sub-tropical monsoonal rains. Fortunately, altitudes of 1000 metres above sea level keep high temperatures in check for premium quality wine production. Soils in the area are granitic and sandy, with free draining sand and deep clay subsoils.
The Strange Bird alternative wine trail offers visitors a chance to experience lesser known varieties like tempranillo, barbera, nebbiolo, petit verdot, gewürztraminer, sylvaner and marsanne while touring the region’s intimate cellar doors.
Granite Belt
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Granite Belt is a region of boutique family wineries in south eastern Queensland. It is the leading wine district in the state. Verdelho and chardonnay are the signatu...
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