On Friday, we firmly cemented our position as Queensland’s premium wine region after winning seventeen out of nineteen trophies and gold medals at the 2011 Queensland Wine Awards.
Golden Grove's Durif, a Strange Bird alternative wine, was named overall champion wine of the show, and also took a gong as champion alternative red. The success of Golden Grove continued winning Queensland Winery of the Year, and owner Mr Sam Costanzo, was awarded Queensland Viticulturist of the Year.
When announcing the awards earlier Chief Judge, Neil McGuigan of McGuigan Wines, Hunter Valley, praised the Strange Bird alternative red varieties, mentioning both Durif and Petit Verdot as highlights. This is the first year the awards have been separated into mainstream and alternative varieties, reflecting the surging popularity and quality of the Granite Belt’s aptly named Strange Bird alternative wines, which have been enjoyed in Europe for generations.
But the Granite Belt is not just about wine... our food producers continue to rack up medals too. Many of you know a visit to the Granite Belt must include the Bramble Patch - connoisseurs of jams, sauces, jellies, marmalades, coulis, chutney's, pickles, relishes, pastes, vinegars and their famous ice-cream!
Bramble Patch's food excellence was rewarded this month, winning 11 medals at this year's Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart Fine Food Awards. With more than 1000 entries at the Melbourne Show alone, securing gold is a fantastic achievement. Judges favourites included their Red Capsicum Relish, Apricot and Macadamia Paste, Raspberry Vinegar, and sizzling Hot Lime Pickle.
Tantalise your taste buds today!
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