Located in the heart of Queensland’s premier wine region, Stanthorpe has a reputation for being Queensland’s coolest town. Some altitudes around the Granite Belt exceed 1,000 metres above sea level bringing frosty mornings and the odd snowfall during winter.
Wander through Stanthorpe and surrounding villages to discover award-winning artisan bread and meat pies, gourmet outlets, fresh local produce in season, locally-cured meats, jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses, and olives plus outstanding wines. Grapes have been grown around Stanthorpe since the 1870s and Granite Belt wineries are the most awarded in Queensland. The area’s proven whites include verdelho, semillon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The classic full flavoured reds include shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon varieties. But for those with a more adventurous palate, the area is renowned for its Strange Bird alternative wine trail which covers some of the more unusual varieties including viognier, mourvedre and tempranillo. The micro climate and granitic soil provide excellent growing conditions not only for grapes, but also for a range of vegetables plus stonefruit, berries, apples and pears. The Biennial Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, held each even numbered year in early March, celebrates the harvest. Eating out in Stanthorpe includes traditional Italian-themed restaurants, delis, winery cafes, a bakehouse and modern Australian cuisine. The local pubs offer traditional fare plus everything from a cosy drink beside the fire to a cool ale in the beer garden on a summer’s evening.
36 Explore - Toowoomba, Darling Downs, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
