Unique to the Granite Belt is the Magnificent Seven experience of grape to glass. The Granite Belt has over 40 wineries so if you are coming to the Granite Belt for a wine-tasting experience it can be difficult knowing where to start! A wine trail that we recommend is the Magnificent Seven wine trail. The Magnificent Seven is a group of seven wineries that are all small boutique operations where their owner-operators do everything from grape to glass. What this means for you is that you will enjoy a tasting experience unlike any other.
Passionate operators manage these wineries and involve themselves in every facet of the production of their wine. This hands-on management can include preparing the soil, pruning the vines, growing the fruit, obsessing about the weather, harvesting the grapes, painstakingly pressing, fermenting, clarifying, ageing and bottling. The chances are that those very same people will be the ones who pour you a glass of wine for tasting and will be quite happy to talk to you about the processes that go into every sip that you taste. It makes for a unique experience of grape to glass. Each winery embraces the incredible area of the Granite Belt in a different way to create wines that are some of the best in the country.
Remember to pre-book your wine tasting to guarantee a seat at your preferred time.
The wineries where you can enjoy the Magnificent Seven experience of grape to glass
The following wineries are the Magnificent Seven:
Bungawarra Wines:
The original vineyard of Bungawarra Wines is more than 100 years old. Angelo Barbagallo plated the original vines in the 1920’s. The name Bungawarra means ‘Granite Rock by Shallow Water’ and was first used for the winery as we know it today in 1975. Current vine varieties at Bungawarra Wines include the Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, Semillon, Traminer and the original Muscat vines as planted during Angelo’s time. Bungawarra Wines is all about sustainable agricultural practices. Their team believes fruit that is grown naturally produces the best wines. Bungawarra Wines is in the Ballandean area of the Granite Belt and is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available.
Casley Mt Hutton:
The Casley Mt Hutton winery is located on the Texas Road, only ten minutes from Stanthorpe. The Casley Mt Hutton winery planted their first vines in 1996. The cellar door opened in 2001. The Casley Mt Hutton winery is one of the Granite Belt’s most modern wineries using equipment and techniques that ensure excellent consistency in their wines. Eight classic varieties are grown on the estate which are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. Casley Mt Hutton is a multi-award-winning winery and trophies include winning two best QLD shiraz trophies. Casley Mt Hutton Winery is open for tastings from 9.30am to 4.30pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Girraween Estate:
Husband and wife team Steve and Lisa Messiter manage thee family operation that is Girraween Estate winery. Lisa and her sister Karen run the cellar door and daughters Kelly and Brooke help on the estate. Girraween Estate is home to one of the earlier vine plantings in the Granite Belt wine region. They planted their first grapevine in 1948 and added further vines in 1977 and 1981. Girraween Estate was one of the first QLD wineries to be recognised at a Capital City wine show when they received a Gold medal for their 1995 Shiraz Cabernet. Girraween Estate is in Wyberba which is just south of Ballandean. They are open on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays between 10am to 5pm.
Jester Hill Wines:
Jester Hills Wines is a family operation. Michael and Ann Burke believe that there is a wine for everyone. They grow and produce a wide range of grape varieties and produce a diverse range of wines. Jester Hill winery planted its first vines in 1993. Jester Hills aims to represent the unique European climate of the Granite Belt in every bottle. They have received multiple awards for their wines which include Champion Wine of the Show at the 2012 Queensland Wine Awards and a Gold medal for their 2009 Shiraz. Jester Hills Wines is in Glen Aplin, just 10 minutes south of Stanthorpe. The Cellar door is open from 10am to 5pm daily for tastings. The Jester Cafe is open for lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings are necessary.
Ravens Croft Wines:
Ravens Croft Wines is 12 kilometres west of Stanthorpe. It is a winery that boasts a fully automated bottling line. Ravens Croft Wines bottles all their wines onsite. The winery planted their first vines in 2015. Verdelho was the variety of choice. Since then Pinotage, further Verdelho and Pinot Gris vines have been planted. The vines around the cellar door tasting area allow for a very relaxing tasting experience. The cellar door has a beautiful outlook with views across the valley. Ravens Croft also boasts a lovely outdoor deck, which is perfect for enjoying a cheese platter with your wine tasting – please note all platters must be pre-ordered at least a day in advance.
Robinsons Family Vineyard:
Robinsons Family Vineyard is a family vineyard that boasts winemaking traditions for over six generations. Craig Robinson now runs the family vineyard. He has studied winemaking all over the world and has returned to the Granite Belt to continue the family tradition. The first wine of Robinsons Family Vineyard was a Cabernet Shiraz which was made in 1974. Robinsons Family Vineyard is located 3 kilometres south of the town of Ballandean. It is open for tastings from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, other times by appointment.
Pyramids Road Wines:
Husband and wife team Warren and Suzanne Smith run Pyramid Road Wines. They moved to the Granite Belt for a tree change and a slower pace of life. Warren and Suzanne are involved in every process of their winery operations. They are driven by a passion for fine wines. This unique winery is based on small scale production which means everything is hands-on for Warren, Suzanne and their team. Pyramids Road Wines is open daily for tastings from 10am to 4.30pm.
Where to stay when you are enjoying the Magnificent Seven experience of grape to glass
When enjoying the Magnificent Seven wine trail and the unique experience of grape to glass, following are a few great accommodation options:
Azjure Studio Retreat in Ballandean is a luxurious self-contained accommodation option that is ideal for couples. Azjure offers panoramic views and a space that embraces the beauty of the Granite Belt.
James Farmhouse and Yurts are a unique accommodation option in Ballandean. Here you will find a farmhouse that is ideal for larger groups. Rose Cottage is suited for two guests and there are two Yurts that can cater for four people. Enjoy the impressive views and sunsets over the vines.
Accommodation Creek Cottages is another accommodation option in Ballandean. It is a great place to make your base when tasting the Magnificent Seven! There are two cottages that are ideal for couples and a third that is ideal for families and slightly larger groups. Enjoy views overlooking a country dam and Girraween National Park on the horizon.
Possums Hollow & Hooters Hut is in Amiens, just north of Stanthorpe. Here you will find rustic twin cabins which cater comfortably for six people in each. Enjoy the wood-fires and the opportunity to enjoy some lovely walks on the property.
Come to the Granite Belt where you can enjoy the unique experience of grape to glass.
Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Lara Flanagan is a writer and vegan food creator who lives in Tenterfield and is delighted to call incredible region encompassing the Northern New England and the Granite Belt her home. She is the creator of My Notes From… Here she writes about her travels, her love of the local area, plant-based food and anything in between!”