A Tour for the Palate
A wander through the region will have you discovering award-winning meat pies, gourmet delis, local produce, locally-cured meats, seasonal jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses and olives, plus outstanding wines. The weather, well-drained soil, and viticultural expertise of the Granite Belt, has transformed the region's vineyards into a burgeoning industry. Local wineries are the most awarded in Queensland, earning it the reputation as Queensland's premier wine region, and with over 50 wineries and cellar doors to choose from, your sure to find one (or a few) that you really like. The Granite Belt's proven whites include verdelho, semillon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc and for that full flavour on a chilly evening, tuck in the local shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon varieties. But for those with a more adventurous palate, the area has a Strange Bird alternative wine trail which covers some of the more unusal varieties including viognier, mourvedre and tempranillo. Now, everyone knows that good food goes hand in hand with good wine, and the providores, producers, restauranteurs, and grocers of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt will sort you out with the best, freshest, tastiest produce to complement the bumper crop of wines you'll discover. Stanthorpe is renowed for its fresh fruit and berries (unfortunately not in season during winter), lavender farms and olives. Why not check out the Granite Belt's Nude Food trail. Nude Food is - as nature intended - in region and in season. Stock up at the local delis for a picnic fit for a king, taste beautiful handmade chocolates and sweet treats, learn about the flavours of the region at a cooking class, and take home some local knowledge to match your wine, olives, berries, fudges, and other treats that could not be ignored. While in the region you can sample the regional fare by dining in one of our fine dining a la carte restaurants, quaint cafes or enjoy an authentic counter meal at one of the local hotels. Many of the vineyards also offer either full a la carte dining, or accompaniments to wine tasting, such as cheeses and antipasto. Nominate a driver, or let a tour guide take care of the navigating for you, while you concentrate on your palate this Brass Monkey Season©.
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