The Gold Coast may not be known for its wine, but we are within driving distance of some notable wine regions. Next time you have a free weekend, hop in the car (with a designated driver), charter a private bus or – for those regions that are a bit further afield – book a few nights of accommodation and check out these wineries near the Gold Coast.
Beautiful Tamborine Mountain isn’t just home to some of the Gold Coast’s best hiking spots and adventure activities – it’s also a hidden gem for wine lovers hoping to taste a few local drops. Offering proximity and quality, it’s one of the best places to find wineries near the Gold Coast. Perched on the picturesque mountain range right in the Gold Coast’s backyard, the Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery offers an impressive cellar door jam-packed full of delicious white, red and fortified wines. Or why not try the stunning Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery? With its tree-lined driveway, sprawling collection of wines and superb food, this is one place you’ll never want to leave. Not too far away, the Witches Falls Winery serves up the most delicious range of wines – from chardonnay to cabernet – with a side of exceptional service, courtesy of the knowledgeable cellar door staff who will guide you through your wine tasting.
Home to Queensland’s biggest vineyard, Clovely Estate, the South Burnett wine region is certainly one to add to your ‘must taste’ list. One of the country’s ‘newer’ wine regions – grapes were first planted here over one hundred years ago, but wine production only began in 1993 – what the South Burnett lacks in experience it more than makes up for in variety. Expect top-quality Chardonnay, Verdelho, Sangiovese, Shiraz and Merlot as you traipse the wine trail, and be sure to pair your tastings with a sample of the region’s cheese, olives and capers. In the north, try Moffatdale Ridge, Dusty Hill and, of course, Clovely Estate.
With a cool year-round climate – at least, cooler than the coastline – and a high altitude, Queensland’s Granite Belt is ideal grape-growing country, and you can certainly taste the difference. Home to a wide array of ‘Strange Birds’ – alternative variety wines that represent no more than 1 percent of Australia’s total bearing vines – the Granite Belt offers ample opportunity to taste something new. The region’s best vineyards include Ballandean Estate Wines, which is also the oldest winery in the area, Savina Lane Wines and Pyramids Road Wine in Stanthorpe – the buckle of the Granite Belt.
This post was originally published on June 28, 2019.
