Stanthorpe Visitor Centre closed today

Tuesday 11 January 2.30pm unfortunately in the interests of safety the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre is temporarily closed today due to severe weather conditions. Alternative contact information is on display at the door at 128 Leslie Parade Stanthorpe and visitors may call at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre in Marsh Street if assistance is required. Main road closure information is accessible here.

Stanthorpe is situated at 1000metres above sea level and while rainfall has been significant, water normally moves on quite quickly so we hope to reopen shortly.  Telephone and internet access to Granite Belt Wine & Tourism (GBWT) is limited as communication traffic is understandably high.  Staff are safe, as we hope are all our volunteers, members and the wider community.  Our heartfelt thoughts go to other communities and colleagues affected by this week. GBWT enquiries here.

New Year New Look at Stanthorpe VIC

Yes despite the wet summer, the Queensland wine capital is well and truly open for business.

The welcome mat is out and there are smiles all round at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre (VIC) as staff and volunteers don their new uniforms.

The visitor Centre is run by three job share supervisors who are employed by Granite Belt Wine & Tourism (GBWT).

The new uniforms arrived at the centre on 31^st December in what must have been Santa’s last drop in Queensland. Volunteers speculated that he may have timed his delivery to coincide with New Year celebrations in the Queensland wine capital. Cheers Santa!

Vintage drops on the Granite Belt

January is traditionally the time when Queensland winemakers in the Granite Belt prepare for the start vintage in the coming weeks. Fortunately while we've experienced above average rainfall, there is no flooding to Stanthorpe's vineyards.


Thankfully only minor structural damage followed recent storms. The big challenge is to avoid tractors getting bogged in the vineyards. Above ground the vine vigour has been exceptional with many growers busy 'hedging' their foliage to improve spray application and to reduce shading. Lower that usual temperatures and overcast weather has slowed the fruit ripening and harvest (vintage) is predicted to be later than normal. Like other regions in eastern Australia Downy Mildew has affected a number of vineyards and it has been difficult to maintain an appropriate spray program because of persistent rain and vineyard access.

Harvest yields will be lower that usual due to mould affected fruit, but the good news is that there will be an enough good fruit to ensure sufficient high quality Granite Belt wine will result from the 2011 vintage. Meanwhile tourists continue to find the region attractive, with record December figures for both on line accommodation bookings and sales of local merchandise at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre.

Shake rattle and bowl your way through summer showers

Things are looking a little damp outside this summer but that's no reason not to go out and have fun with your mates or the family over the holidays.  

Not every wine region can boast one of these little beauties. As the name suggests,

Shake Rattle n Bowl has ten pin bowling, but they also have an indoor play area and pool hall...and the chance to refuel with a wood fired oven pizza or something from the cafe.   It all happens in the heart of Stanthorpe town, which in itself is surrounded by dozens of wineery cellar doors - and some great national parks.  Shake Rattle n Bowl is open daily 8am-10pm but phone ahead on public holidays 07 4681 0051.

Max Allen's Future Makers include the Granite Belt

Described on Amazon as groundbreaking new work by respected wine writer Max Allen, this book will redefine Australia’s wine landscape for the new century. In his tour around the country, Max introduces you to the areas and the people shaping Australia’s wine future, including those in the Queensland wine capital.

The 400+ page hard cover book provides detailed explanations of why a region’s wines taste the way they do: a portrait of soils, climate, grape varieties and cultural influences that contribute to the singular qualities of Australia’s diverse wine styles. Max has previously described Queensland's Granite Belt as having "terroir in spades" and the chapter in this latest work shows his appreciation is undiminished.  He is also clearly a fan of the Strange Bird alternative wine trail, created by Granite Belt winemakers in 2007.

Published by Hardie Grant Books - a valuable addition to any wine library and a beautiful gift. ISBN: 9781740666619

Pruning punishment

Granite Belt vignerons have spared a thought for these poor French vineyard workers.  This photo records the plight of those pruning the vineyards of Eperney in the Champagne region this month. Photo taken by John & Denice Arlidge of Whiskey Gully Wines....from the comfort of their warm touring hire car!  Meanwhile closer to home Granite Belt grapegrowers are hoping for a somewhat dryer end to the growing season here before vintage begins in the Stanthorpe begins - typically in February.

Bush Tucker takes off in Granite Belt

Visit Stanthorpe in January where The Aussie Beef Steakhouse is introducing a special Aussie Taster plate influenced by native bush tucker.   The entree includes :

• Grilled Crocodile skewers with Desert Lime Chutney
• Herb crusted seared emu steak with grilled field mushrooms
• Kangaroo, bush tomato and mountain pepper sausage with tomato relish
• Braised wild goat and onion pie.

The steakhouse adjoins the High Street Motor Inn, both run by the Cox family. Your hosts will regale you with the story behind Akatjurra, the bush tomato harvested by the Alyawarra Aboriginal tribe and the Mountain Pepper plus all the other bush goodies.  Tucker and its tale for just $16 - this entree portion is perfect for curious tastebuds and patriots when dining on the Granite Belt.  While in the region, pop into Castle Glen and try their bush tucker in a bottle - ask for the wild plum liqueur.