Your regional guide to the best stanthorpe wineries (With Map)

Calling all wine lovers and weekend warriors! Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt, Stanthorpe beckons with award-winning wineries, cool-climate delights, and breathtaking scenery. This charming escape, with refreshing winter chills and sunny summer days, offers a unique Australian getaway. But where to begin? This guide is your one-stop shop for exploring Stanthorpe. We’ll guide you through the region’s top wineries, unveil the secrets behind the winemaking process, and introduce you to the unique grapes that thrive in Stanthorpe’s elevated climes.

Plus, we’ll make planning your trip a breeze, with tips on booking the perfect hotel and renting a car for navigating the scenic countryside. So, grab your glass and get ready to discover the magic of Stanthorpe!

Where Is Stanthorpe?

If you’re new to Australia’s wine scene, Stanthorpe is in the southern Queensland wine region in Australia, in the Granite Belt. As it sits at an altitude of 2,661’, Stanthorpe’s landscape is absolutely stunning. 

The Granite Belt is situated on the northern edge of the great New England Tableland, and on the border between Queensland and New South Wales.

Stanthorpe is right on the Strange Bird Wine Trail. Strange Bird wines are the alternative wine varietals that are grown and produced in Granite Belt Wine Country. 

These exciting wines are rarer to find in Australia. A wine can only be called a Strange Bird if it represents less than 1% of Australia’s vines.

The cold nights at the beginning and end of the season with low humidity contributes to the outstanding growing conditions for premium wines on the Granite Belt. 

These growing season temperatures are similar to the northern Rhône (Hermitage and Côte Rôtie) and Bordeaux.

The town of Stanthorpe is about 135 miles southwest of Brisbane which makes it a great 2-day trip if you’re vacationing in Brisbane. What we like to do is drive out in the morning, taste some great wine and stick around for evening festivities. 

Stanthorpe is surrounded by national parks with plenty of opportunities to see some amazing flora and fauna. If you stay overnight in Stanthorpe (and you should) you can go for a hike the following day.

Feel acclimated yet? Let’s talk wine.

Stanthorpe’s Winemaking 

Stanthorpe has over 50 vineyards on its hillsides and is quickly gaining a reputation for being the place to try wines that aren’t well known. Hence, Strange Bird.

The main varietals grown in the region are Syrah (Shiraz), Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. 

As the Granite Belt is one of the highest altitude wine regions in Australia it’s producing cooler climate wines. Cooler climate wines are known for expressing their terroir.

The wines are medium-bodied, fresh and have refined tannins and balanced flavor.

The high altitude delivers natural acidity allowing the grapes to ripen slowly.

Fun fact: less than 1% of Australian vineyards are located 1600’ above sea level.

What Wine Is Stanthorpe Known For?

Stanthorpe’s most well known wines are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Australians coined the name Shiraz to showcase the unmistakable and unique taste of their Syrah wines. You’ll also find in abundance Merlot, Viognier, Riesling and Chardonnay.

Stanthorpe Wineries Map

Sip The Best Wine At These Stanthorpe Wineries

Casley Mount Hutton Winery

• Address: 94 Mount Hutton Road, Greenlands, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380 | GPS: 28.6664 S 151.8045 E
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/Casleymounthutton/
• Notable Wines: The grapes planted at Casley Mount Hutton Winery are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. Since the winery’s been opened, they’ve won over 50 awards. 

It’s no secret Australia is producing some amazing wines. If you’re looking for some award winners, Casley Mount Hutton Winery is the place to be.

Sonya and Grant Casley owned the 900 acre property for years before the first vines were planted. In 1996 the land was finally ready and 24 acres of vines went into the ground. 

Having the vineyard at an elevation of almost 3000’ makes an ideal location for cool, long ripening of the grapes.

Casley Mount Hutton’s Shiraz 2006 won three best Queensland Shiraz awards, two gold medals and a silver medal. 

The 2007 Verdelho took a silver medal for Best Queensland White Wine.

All the grapes, except Verdelho and Muscat, which are from another local vineyard, are estate grown, processed and bottled. 

Casley Mount Hutton Winery pays homage to the region by having a 100% Queensland product.

For a tasting it’s best to email or call to make a reservation. They are open daily from 9:30-4:30.

Robert Channon Wines

• Address: 32 Bradley Lane, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380 Australia
• Website: https://www.robertchannonwines.com/
• Notable Wines: Robert Channon Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon have all won awards. 

Robert Channon Wines seems to have it all. You can plan to have a tasting with lake views, lunch, dessert and coffee all in one place. And you can certainly take a bottle (or a few) home with you. Bring your doggo! They’re dog friendly. 

Guided tastings are our favorite style of tasting and they’re available Friday through Tuesday. Guided tastings allow you to sit with the wine educator or owner and hear about the land, the vines and the winemaking.

Ridgemill Estate & Winery

• Address: Ridgemill Estate, 218 Donges Road, Severnlea Qld, 4380
• Website: https://www.ridgemillestate.com/
• Notable Wines: The list of varietals they’ve planted, at an elevation of 2750’, is long. You’re bound to find one you love. Main grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. Their vineyard is home to the oldest Tempranillo and Saperavi vines in Queensland.

If you’ve ever wanted to have a sleepover in a vineyard, Ridgemill Estate has got you covered! Literally! 

Ridgemill Estate is one of only a few wineries in Stanthorpe offering accommodation as part of the winery experience. Show of hand who’s interested (MEE!).

Located in Severnlea just a hop, skip and a jump from Stanthorpe, this winery has something for every palate.

Ridgemill Estate’s Riesling 2021 took 4 awards. Notes of blossoms, citrus, lemon, lime and talc with green apple, pear, lemon, lime, grapefruit on the palate, and minerality finish, it’s not hard to see how this happened. 

Pairs beautifully with oysters.

Open daily for tastings.

Boireann Winery

• Address: 26 Donnellys Castle Road, The Summit Qld 4377
• Website: http://www.boireannwinery.com.au/
• Notable Wines: Tannat, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Shiraz Viognier blend, Mourvèdre.

If you dig the color red and love red varietals even more, Boireann Winery is the place to be. The vineyard sits at 2850’ and is planted with French and Italian red grape varieties. The elevation allows for the production of cool climate wines with great intensity.

The Boireann Winery is open for tastings Friday-Monday but we recommend emailing or calling ahead to reserve a seat.

Summit Estate Wines (in Thulimbah but next door to Boireann)

• Address: 291 Granite Belt Dr, Thulimbah QLD 4376, Australia
• Website: htttps://www.summitestate.com.au/
• Notable Wines: The Estate sits at an elevation of 3000’ and grows 17 different varietals on 22 acres. Phew! All the greats are represented. Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Lagrein, Albarino, Vermentino and more.

Summit Estate Wines in Stanthorpe is checking all the boxes!

They’ve been producing wine on-site since 2006. 

The Summit Estate grown Albarino produces a bright crisp wine, with elegant spicy citrus aromas. Stonefruit on the palate with a zesty saline finish. Pairs perfectly with any Mediterranean style food and seafood (and artichokes!).

All of Summit Estate’s red wines are basket pressed. They’re wines are repeatedly given 5 stars.

Bring your best furry friend! Summit Estate Wines is dog friendly.

You can book a tour of the winery before or after your tasting by appointment. Their after hours Sunset Sessions are not to be missed. Summit Estate’s Sunset Sessions are family friendly. Check ‘em out on Saturday’s for Fractured Wood BBQ Food Truck. 

Tastings are offered Friday through Monday. The $7 tasting fee is waived of course, with the purchase of a bottle.

Heritage Estate Winery (in Cottonvale. Close to Boireann)

• Address: 747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale Qld 4375
• Website: https://heritageestate.wine/
• Notable Wines: Chardonnay, Fiano, Frizzante, Marsanne, Nero D’Avola, Petit Verdot and many more!

Heritage Estates Winery is one to visit repeatedly and is super fun even in the winter. Have a tasting and stay for lunch. 

Or, reserve your seat for their vine+dine journey experience. It’s only 1.5 hours (my kind of event, short and sweet), $52pp and includes a tour of the vineyard, wine making talk and a 5 course meal with pairing. Yes, please!  

Sittings are noon, 1pm, 2pm Thursday through Monday.

Heritage Estate Wines has won so many awards. They’re a Tripadvisor Travelers’ choice winner, Airbnb SuperHost (yes, there are accommodations available), Wine Of The Year finalist from Wine State Magazine and more.

Tastings are offered daily from 10a-4p.

Banca Ridge Cellar Door

• Address: 22 Caves Rd, Stanthorpe, QLD, 4380
• Website: http://qcwt.com.au/banca-ridge/
• Notable Wines: Varietals include Albarino, Viognier, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Shiraz Viognier, Mondeuse Noire, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a late picked Verdelho which is a sweet wine. Pale yellow wine. Notes of tropical fruit salad aromas with a hint of citrus. Rich fruity palate and orange marmalade finish. Perfect for a cheese platter. 

Banca Ridge Cellar Door and Winery is located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT) in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt Wine Region in Stanthorpe.

Opened in April 2007, the Queensland College of Wine Tourism is a joint venture between the University of Southern Queensland and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

The College provides training from secondary to tertiary levels in viticulture, oenology, tourism, hospitality and business.

The Banca Ridge Winery and Cellar Door is part of Queensland’s first Wine Tourism Training College. 

The wines are made to the highest possible standards from fruit largely grown in the surrounding Stanthorpe State High School and QCWT vineyards. Many of the wines are locally produced alternative varieties.

Tastings are offered Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 10:30.

Varias Restaurant at The Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Varias Restaurant

• Address: 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Website: https://qcwt.com.au/varias-restaurant/

Book a wine tasting at the College’s Banca Ridge Cellar Door then head across the hall for lunch at Varias Restaurant. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday and reservations are required.

Granite Belt Brewery

• Address: 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe, Queensland
• Website: http://www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au/

If you’re in need a break from the wine, as if, or someone in your group is a beer drinker the Granite Belt Brewery has just what you’re looking for. All the beer and cider at Granite Belt Brewery is hand crafted and bottled onsite.

Tastings (yes, I said tastings. Why should the winos of the group get to have all the fun?) are available 7 days a week. 

The Granite Belt Brewery does also have select Granite Belt wines available in case your wine I.V. bag is tapped. Stay for lunch and even indulge by booking your accommodation in one of their cozy cedar cabins.

Things to do In Stanthorpe

If you’re on vacation sometimes the last thing you want to do is book your own wine tastings. And then there’s the issue of driving and navigating. Ever been lost in the outback? Neither have we but I’ve seen Crocodile Dundee and I’m not risking it. 

Apologies to all the Aussies reading this. I’m sure you’re sick of that reference. 

If you’re looking for someone to not only pick the best spots and drive you around (Heritage and Ballandean) but also entertain you and provide lunch, this is it. This is not your regular run of the mill wine tour and tasting so be prepared for the fun and unusual. 

Disney fan? If you say no, you’re lying. This tour is really special. It takes you to the Mary Poppins house where author P L Travers lived when her father was transferred there in 1905 as the Bank Manager of Australian Joint Stock Bank. After that you’ll tour some Stanthorpe winery heavy hitters. Throw in a picnic lunch and you couldn’t ask for anything more.

Stanthorpe Wine And Food Pairing

Are you hosting a dinner party with an Aussie theme? Pick one or all of these amazing wines. You can always divvy them among your guests.

Ridgemill Estate’s Riesling 

Notes of blossoms, citrus, lemon, lime and talc with green apple, pear, lemon, lime, grapefruit on the palate, and minerality finish, it’s not hard to see how this happened. 

Pairs beautifully with oysters.

Banca Ridge Winery late picked Verdelho 

This is a sweet wine. Pale yellow wine. Notes of tropical fruit salad aromas with a hint of citrus. Rich fruity palate and orange marmalade finish. 

Perfect for a cheese platter. 

Heritage Estate Winery Sagrantino 2020

94 points James Halliday 2023

Sagrantino is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy and is renowned as one of the world’s most tannic and satisfying wines.  With lifted violet and nutmeg notes his inky Sagrantino reveals rich dark chocolate, aniseed and cinnamon integrated into a nicely balanced acidity.  

Pair with steak, rich cheeses, and wild mushrooms. Drink now or cellar for 10 years or so and enjoy its development.

Robert Channon Reserve Shiraz 2021

A seductive Shiraz, the 2021 reserve Shiraz is a medium bodied Rhone style Shiraz. Matured in French oak. Handpicked grapes from their estate vineyards. Notes of plum and cedar.

Robert Channon does ship to the US but you will need to order a case. I’m okay with that.

Pairs well with your main dish of beef, game, lamb or poultry.

Where To Stay In Stanthorpe

Looking for an overnight palace? You could pick an adorable B&B or charming Inn or you can stay at a vineyard. The choice is yours. Neither is incorrect. Don’t you love that.

How To Get Around Stanthorpe

If you’re traveling around the Stanthorpe wineries from Brisbane, or any other city for that matter, you’ll likely be renting a car. Discovercars.com makes it super-dee-duper easy to find the perfect rental for you and your group or fam.

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Stanthorpe wineries FAQ