Strange Bird Lays a Golden Egg

Golden Grove Estate has blown away the competition with a resounding three trophy win at the 2010 Queensland Wine Awards at Brisbane's Mercure Hotel. The Awards which exclusively showcase the Queensland wine industry is now in it's 27th year and is an annual highlights for the industry.

Golden Grove Estate led the field with their 2009 Tempanillo - in total they won three trophies, two gold medals, five silver medals and three bronze medals at this year's Awards. Not surprising therefore they won champion exhibitor at the show. The Ballandean based winery is a family affair with Raymond (pictured) now the chief winemaker, who follows in his father Sam's footsteps. Sam's focus now is on nurturing the grapes which contribute to the wine making success of this Stanthorpe producer in recent years.  Full results here

Mad Hatters Meet at Bella Rosa's

Saturday 2 October is official Mad Hatter day at Bella Rosa's just north of Stanthorpe.  The focus - of course - is a tea party, and that's something that Bella Rosa Tea Rooms does very well.

No prizes for guessing who is pictured here - it is Bella Rosa's own Nat in a Hat of course! When not being silly, she's a dab hand in the kitchen.  In her primary role as chef, this week Nat Burton is whipping up all a feast of special treats for Saturday's high tea.

There's a glass of bubbly on arrival and prizes to be won. And to get serious for a moment, this is one of three Mad Hatter Tea Parties being held during spring at Bella Rosa's with proceeds raised being donated to Pink Ribbon.   $55/adult all inclusive. Book now 07 4685 2367 or 0422 751660.

Thai takeaway with a twist

Fancy a drop of Queensland wine with your Thai food by the river? Sharing Brisbane's South Bank parklands on Sunday 3 October are four featured events: Granite Belt Flavours, Thai Culture and Food Festival, the Young Designers Market and South Bank Lifestyle Market. More than 20 Granite Belt wine and food producers invite you to enjoy the aromas and tastes of Thailand with a bottle of your favourite Granite Belt wine while soaking up the river views and live entertainment. 
Entry is free and for one day only - 10am-4pm Sunday 3 October.

Curry hot spot in Stanthorpe

Bella Rosa's is the newest name in curry cuisine on the Granite Belt, thanks to the arrival of a chef from the sub-continent.

The popular spot just north of Stanthorpe, makes the transition from old fashioned tea shop by day to curry hot spot at night, giving a new meaning to food fusion.  Adding a touch of spice, the team at Bella Rosa's promote it as "Baha Thul-india" because the cafe is sited in the small village of Thulimbah. [Now why didn't I think of that!]

Locals have welcomed the news because until now there has been no Indian restaurant in the Queensland wine capital.  The new menu is crafted by chef Sunni Gill who came to the Granite Belt via 25 years in kitchens in New Zealand and Australia.

Indian fare is available at Bella Rosa's from Thursday to Sunday 4.30pm onwards for dine in or take away or pre-booked groups at other times phone 4685 2367.

Bramble Patch Hat Trick

First it was a string of gold medals in Tasmania, now judges at the Melbourne and Sydney Royal Shows are the latest to laud the gourmet delights from Stanthorpe's Bramble Patch.  Joining the family trophy cabinet this week are:

2010 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Show

• GOLD Bramble Patch Eggplant Kassoundi
• SILVER Bramble Patch Hot Lime Pickle
• BRONZE Bramble Patch Desert Lime and Chardonnay Paste 

2010 Royal Sydney Fine Food Show

• BRONZE Bramble Patch Tomato Kassoundi
• BRONZE Bramble Patch Raspberry Vinegar
• BRONZE Bramble Patch Berry Vincotta

The Bramble Patch was established just south of Stanthorpe by Don and Patsy Stirling in 1994 following their move from Western Australia.  Since that time the former broadacre wheat farmers have developed a popular range of premium quality produce and a loyal customer base.  The Bramble Patch on tour is a regular features of Granite Belt Flavours at Brisbane's South Bank - next showing Sunday 3 October 10am-4pm.

Spring has Sprung Primavera style

September is always a busy time in and around Stanthorpe as the vineyards and orchards on the Granite Belt start to come to life after the frosty winter hibernation.

Today – 1st September marks the start of spring – this is the beginning of three months of special events under our Primavera banner.

Dozens of wine and food events during Primavera bring a steady flow of visitors to the region, and this year is no exception. Across the region trees are in blossom and early budburst has begun on grapevines. Excellent winter rains mean that the wild flowers and nature walks with be spectacular this year, which is a treat for bushwalkers and photographers.


Being close to the QLD/NSW border we benefit from an extended school holiday season so 18 September to 10 October will be a busy time in the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre as families hit the road.

The name Primavera pays tribute to the many Italians who have settled in Stanthorpe - it's their word for spring.  Come and join the season of wine, food, music and the arts....or just enjoy communing with nature!