Queensland’s Granite Belt is a premium wine-producing region with a few surprises up its sleeve.
In a state famous for sunshine and beaches, the Granite Belt wine region is a relatively cool-climate area high in the hills. Its landscape is defined by forests, mountains and huge granite boulders; its lifestyle is defined by food and wine.
Only 3 hours from Brisbane, this unexpected cool-climate wine region is home to great interpretations of classics including Chardonnay and Shiraz. But the Granite Belt also has a growing reputation as a key producer of alternative varieties. It’s a pocket of cool in the sunshine state.
Read on for more about the Granite Belt.
Climate and Altitude
The Granite Belt has some of Australia’s highest-altitude vineyards. Together with sub-tropical monsoon influences and occasional winter snowfalls they create a unique, temperate climate.
The Environment
The mountainous Granite Belt wine region surrounds the city of Stanthorpe, Australia’s apple capital. It’s a three-hour drive south west from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Climate
This is one of the only places in Queensland with four distinct seasons. Winter is cold enough to get occasional snow, summer days are warm to hot, and cool summer nights offer relief from the heat of the coast.
Soil
The region’s decomposed granite soils are ideal for producing premium wines and a diverse range of other produce.
The Makers
Top Varieties Grown
SHIRAZ
The Granite Belt’s distinctive Shiraz wines are darkly coloured and full-flavoured. As they age they develop a softer, more velvety texture.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
These wines are full, dark and rich in flavour, typically tasting of sweet fruit such as blackcurrant and dark berries.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay is a standout here, producing food-friendly wines with stone-fruit and melon flavours. They can be oaked or unoaked.
VERDELHO
This variety is well suited to the warmer days and cool nights of the Granite Belt wine region. It’s fresh and aromatic with tropical fruit flavours.
VARIETIES IN THE GRANITE BELT
