Queensland wine region

Travel Guide to Queensland Wine Region

Queensland wine region of Australia has been involved in the wine-producing business for almost 150 years. Today, the size of this region is over 3700 hectares and this is set to increase. The industry of Queensland wine region is developing rapidly in response to the increasing global demand and the number of visitors to this wine tourism region. The first vines planted in Queensland wine region were at Roma in the region of the Granite Belt in the 1860s. As the wine industry developed over time the region attracted and drew world-class winemakers from across the globe forming quite a large group of dedicated winemakers in the area. Queensland wine region is famous for its fruity and fresh wines, excellent and unique cuisine and relaxed and carefree atmosphere.

Queensland Wine Region – A Well-Kept Australian Secret

The wine industry in Queensland wine region is regarded as one of the state’s best-kept secrets and has developed over time. Today, the region is famous for producing more non-traditional, unique Queensland wines across various beautiful wine-growing areas. Queensland wine region has invested plenty of time and money into developing wine tourism in the area to develop a sustainable partnership between the wine and tourism industries and promote the wines of the region.

Wine-Producing Areas of Queensland Wine Region

The wine industry began with the Italian settlers planting vineyards and cultivating grapes as they saw the area's potential for wine production. At the beginning of the winemaking industry in Queensland wine region, most of the wine was sold locally but as the popularity of the wine increased, the market began to expand.

Today the areas that make up the Queensland wine region expand from South Burnett to North Queensland. In the early days of Australian history, viticulture was not a major industry in Queensland. However, the region changed this scenario after they established the first wineries in the Granite Belt. Currently, Granite Belt is the best wine growing area for wine production in Queensland as it produces wine of an international standard and in terms of vintage wines, South Burnett is becoming increasingly well recognized.

In the world of wine production and viticulture, Queensland is still growing compared to its competitors. Local winemakers are still experimenting with flavors, tastes, and blends.

Grape Varieties

Red Varieties: Chambourcin, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

White Varieties: Verdelho, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

What to Expect from Queensland Wines

Queensland wine region is known for its light, fruity wines that match perfectly with the area’s cuisine and laid back atmosphere. At the beginning of the wine production era in Queensland wine region, most wines produced were fortified wines and strong and bold red wines but this has changed greatly over time.

The Granite Belt is an area that forms part of the Southern Queensland wine region and which produces excellent medium-bodied wines, which are world-renowned for their stylish elegance.

Queensland Wine Region Map

Explore Queensland through its Cities and Natural Beauties

Brisbane - The Place of Eternal Sunshine

Brisbane is the riverside capital of Queensland and is perfectly located between the seemingly never-ending ocean and the rugged national parks of the area.  Brisbane is one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities and is known as a hub for culture, art, and dining while still maintaining that laid back Australian feel. Brisbane attracts thousands of visitors because of its location as the gateway to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The most popular things to do when visiting Brisbane include visiting the South Bank, getting lost in the ancient rain forests, cuddling with Koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and eating and drinking at the large variety of cafés, waterfront restaurants, and rooftop hangouts.

Gold Coast - A Real Life Movie Set

The Gold Coast has been the set for many famous movies and thanks to this and the number of world-class surfing events hosted here, the Gold Coast draws tremendous numbers of visitors from across the globe. The Gold Coast is a strip of coastline lined with hotels, resorts, beaches, and restaurants where there is something for every kind of visitor. The most popular activities for those visiting the Gold Coast are taking a surfing lesson, enjoying the local culinary scene, swimming, and sun tanning on the buzzing beaches, or visiting one of the coast’s legendary theme parks.

Cairns - Enter the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is famous for being the access point to the famous and spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.  This has given Cairns the reputation as Australia’s natural capital and a hub for adventure tourism. Cairns has a wide range of activities to suit the needs and wants of every tourist. Things to do in Cairns include doing white water rafting on the Tully River, bungee jumping on a bike, taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway into the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Learning about the local culture and history on walks through the forests, visiting the Cairns Wildlife Dome, spotting for crocodiles on a Daintree River Cruise, swimming in the Cairns Lagoon, kayaking, exploring the Josephine Falls, and going mountain biking at the Smithfield MTB Park are all activities available when you explore the bounty of Queensland wine region.

Find the best Queensland Wine Tour Guides and experience Guided Wine Tours in Queensland.

Natural Beauty at its Best

Nature is at the heart of the Australian state of Queensland. This area is home to such wonders of the world including the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and interesting natural wildlife. This part of Australia is where two of the most biodiverse places on earth converge – the extensive rainforests and the magical coral reefs and gardens.

Magnetic Island - A Serene Island Getaway

Magnetic Island is the picture-perfect Australian island getaway with days filled with sunshine, koalas, palm-lined beaches, hiking, and snorkeling. You can reach the island in only 20 minutes from Townsville by local ferry. The island is home to a tiny community of only 2500 people who have built a tourism industry suitable for every type of visitor from backpackers to luxury travelers. The must-do activities for all visitors to Magnetic Island are the Fort Walk to learn about local history and culture, sailing into the sunset, walking through the Bungalow Bay Koala Sanctuary, visiting the SS Adelaide shipwreck, and exploring the island in a topless car.

Immerse Yourself in The Rainforest

Springbrook National Park is situated approximately 100 km outside of Brisbane and consists of four sections of nature reserve around a mountain plateau. The different sections of the National Park are the Springbrook area, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge, and Numinbah. The National Park at Springbrook boasts extensive rainforests, mountain streams, beautiful landscapes, and extensive hiking trails. The National Park covers 6,558 hectares and provides a range of accommodation types from camping to self-catering cabins. The park also has guided tours for visitors and picnic sites for day visitors.

The Wet Tropics     

A Living Natural Wonder of the World

The Wet Tropics is a Natural Management Authority area in Australia that was formed in 1992 and which strives to protect, rehabilitate, and conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The area is world-famous for its natural beauty and biodiversity and visitors to the area can enjoy walks, exploring the parks and forests, and various tropical tourism activities. The Wet Tropics are not only a showcase of the natural beauty of the area but also of its cultural landscape and the lives of the Rainforest Aboriginal People who have been present there for the longest time.

What to Eat in Queensland Wine Region

Eating and drinking in Queensland is like an adventure for the palate and the taste buds. Visitors to Queensland can enjoy food tours that give one the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine alongside the extraordinary expanse of beaches.

Lamingtons - Taste Australian Tradition

Lamingtons give visitors to Queensland a true taste of Australian tradition. These treats are small sponge cakes that are coated in chocolate and then dipped in grated coconut. Any type of sponge cake can be used including butter cake, pound cake, Madeira cake, or a genoise sponge. Lamingtons are traditionally eaten with morning or afternoon tea and across Queensland different varieties can be found such as those filled with jam or whipped cream.

Moreton Bay Bug - Not Your Everyday Creepy Crawly

When you hear the words Moreton Bay Bug don't be afraid, this isn't your typical creepy crawler. These bugs are a type of seafood which are slightly smaller than a crayfish and known locally as either Flat Head Lobsters or Slipper Lobsters. Just Like other seafood from Queensland, the Moreton Bay Bug is rich in flavor and is a delectable treat that should not be missed. Unlike other sea crustaceans, the only edible meat of the Moreton Bay Bug is found in the tail section. This meat has a strong and sweet flavor and is an excellent source of Omega 3 and 6. Moreton Bay Bugs are most commonly cooked with fresh lemon or on the barbecue.

Macadamia - Queensland, The Nut Hub!

Macadamia nuts have been growing on the north coast of Australia for roughly 60 million years thanks to the area’s perfect climate, location, and soil. The area is now the leading producer of macadamia nuts in the world. It can take up to 15 years for a macadamia tree to reach full maturity and to produce its maximum yield. The process of producing macadamia nuts for consumption begins with the nuts falling, then harvesting, dehusking, drying, cracking, sorting, roasting, and finally packaging.

Read more about Wineries in Queensland to visit.