At least once every year, when we are in need of visiting a wine region, we head to The Granite Belt. It’s close to home and a visit to the region soothes the soul of any wine, food and nature lover.
About Ballandean & The Granite Belt
Ballandean is situated on the Granite Belt in Southern Queensland Country, about 15k’ms south of Stanthorpe.
The region, as it’s named, is most famous for the large granite boulders and for Girraween National Park.
There is, however, also a well established and burgeoning wine scene with many alternative wine varietals as well as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.
The Granite Belt Wine Region is one of the highest altitude wine producing regions in Australia, from around 700 meters at it’s lowest point and peaks at over 1000 meters.
Ballandean is home to home of QLD’s oldest wineries. Vines were first planted in the mid 1800’s by Italian immigrants. Then during the 1960’s the first commercial wine production began. Although the region has been producing wine for around 80 years, the area is still a little lesser known on the wine map of Australia.
Wineries to visit in Ballandean & Wyberba
There are very interesting and alternative wines in this area, and each time we try something new, if we can. These alternative wines are referred to locally as a StrangeBird.
On our most recent visit we found some wines from the region we havn’t tried before: Touriga Nacional, Grillo and Albarino.
Over a few days we visited 7 wineries.
- Ballandean Estate Wines
- Granite Ridge Wines
- Golden Grove Estate Wines
- Bungawarra Wines
- Symphony Hill Wines
- Balancing Heart Vineyard
- Pyramid Road Wines
There are a number of other wineries in the area, and these are on the list for our next trip:
- Tobin Wines
- Twisted Gum Wines
- Hidden Creek Winery & Cafe Vineyard
- Just Red Wines
- Girraween Estate Vineyard
- Bent Road Winery
- St Judes Cellar Door
- View Wine by Sancerre Estate
Our tips for tasting:
- Be sure to check out the The Strange Bird Wines & Map and try at least one alternative variety
- Check ahead for current trading days and hours and also confirm if you need to book ahead for tastings as some places require bookings or are they are only open by appointment
- Take it slow and enjoy each place you visit
Where to eat & drink on the Southern Granite Belt?
Balancing Heart Vineyard serves pizzas and platters and is the perfect spot for lunch, be sure to book this in advance.
Heavenly Chocolate as you can image has loads of chocolate :), a selection of confectionery, gourmet goods and delicious European Style Hot Chocolate that can be enjoyed in the garden.
Where we stayed in Ballandean
There are numerous accommodation options around Ballandean. Some wineries have there own onsite accommodation as well.
We have stayed in the Blue Wren Cottage at Kurrajong Barn & Cottages.
We had a really enjoyable stay, the cottage is conveniently located, just off the highway but far enough not to hear the traffic. It is in walking distance to a couple of dining options, pharmacy, small convenience store that triples as petrol station and bakery and there is also a cellar door. From here it’s a short drive in all directions to over a dozen wineries.
The cottage has 2 ensuited bedrooms, a cosy lounge with fireplace, small dining & kitchen area, outdoor BBQ and covered patio to enjoy morning cuppas and afternoon beverages.
There is also super fast Internet and reverse cycle air conditioning which is a bonus. We would definitely stay here again.
Check out the location here.
If you can’t get into Kurrajong, Granite Ridge Wines also has a gorgeous cottage available.
When to visit the Ballandean & The Granite Belt
There really is no wrong time to visit. It depends on the type of weather you like and what you plan to do.
I’ve been in all seasons and my favourites are late Autumn or early Winter for the cold air and indoor fireplaces and during Spring as the flowers start to open up and the days are warmer.
Speaking of Winter, on the Granite Belt, it is known as Brass Monkey Season (yes, it gets that cold).
How to get there
Self drive is the best approach as you will need a vehicle to explore the region.
Quickest Route From Brisbane (approx. 2 hrs 50 min) : Follow the Cunningham Highway over Cunningham’s Gap to Warwick then continue on the New England Highway to Ballandean.
Quickest Route From The Gold Coast (approx. 3 hrs 15 min): Take the M1 towards Brisbane then exit onto the Logan Motorway to the Ipswich Motorway. From The Ipswich Motorway join the Cunningham Highway to Warwick then continue on the New England Highway to Ballandean.
There are also a couple of Scenic Routes, search Google Maps from your location. One of them does cross the NSW / QLD border so at the time of writing, this route was not an available option due to border closures.
Top tips for visiting Ballandean & the Granite Belt
- At any time of year, pack for all seasons and layer up and down as needed
- Stay for at least a week if you can, there is so much to see, do and taste
- Split your days between the northern, central and southern areas