Queensland
Welcome to our guide on Queensland's main wine regions, where you'll uncover the distinct flavours and climates that shape the state's burgeoning wine industry. We focus on the sun-drenched vineyards of the Granite Belt.
The Granite Belt
In the Granite Belt wine region the core wine varieties of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay still account for the bulk of production (≈60%). However, the Granite Belt is famous for its StrangeBird program—varieties that each make up <1% of Australia’s plantings—now well over 40–50 grapes across the region. You’ll commonly see: Fiano, Vermentino, Alvarinho/Albariño, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris; and reds like Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Tannat, Mourvèdre, Nero d’Avola, Saperavi, Graciano and more. Notable producers include;
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Ballandean Estate – Queensland’s oldest family winery; wide range including Shiraz, Saperavi and alternative whites. Named Queensland Winery of the Year (2024) at the Qld Wine Awards.
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Golden Grove Estate – Specialists in Mediterranean/alt grapes (Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Barbera, Vermentino). Huge Qld Wine Awards hauls: Champion Wine of Show 2022 (Vermentino) + multiple champion trophies; historical Winery/Winemaker/Viticulturist of the Year gongs; and two Ekka golds in 2025.
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Symphony Hill Wines – Pioneers of many StrangeBirds (e.g., Gewürztraminer, Fiano, Montepulciano, Saperavi, Alvarinho).
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Robert Channon Wines – Benchmark Verdelho; first Granite Belt 5-star Halliday rating; Verdelho poured for Queen Elizabeth II during an official Brisbane visit.
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Boireann – Boutique, highly rated (Halliday 5 red stars; listed among his Top 100 wineries). Known for Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Mourvèdre, Tannat, and Rhône-style blends.
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Bent Road / La Petite Mort – Amphora and skin-contact specialists; alt varieties like Saperavi, Tempranillo, Marsanne, Nebbiolo.
