Desert Storm on the Granite Belt

Anyone on the Granite Belt this past week could be forgiven for thinking they were in the Middle East. The huge sandstorm tinged the sky orange, and blurred the usually picturesque landscape.

Most of us spent the day trying to keep the dust out of our eyes, mouths and homes. But the avid eye of local photographer Cory Rossiter took advantage of the unusual scene and used it to his artistic advantage at the Granit Belt pyramid. The images, taken at around 8am at Ballandean, are reminisce of the originals - minus the goats, camels and Egyptians.

Quite apt really, considering the Muslim world is celebrating Eid - although at least in Stanthorpe we can enjoy it with great wine.

Harrington Glen finalist in Young Winemakers award

The Granite Belt has produced plenty of fine award winning vintages of late. But when such accolades go to our young winemakers, especially those who have studied, trained and worked in the region, we can’t help but feel a special pride.

Harrington Glen winemaker Stephen Oliver was recently named as a 2009 Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year finalist. The winner of ten finalists, selected from across Australia and New Zealand, will be awarded the prestigious title at Sydney in November.

Stephen completed his viticulture and winemaking studies at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, has trained under local wine guru Jim Barnes and produces award winning wine for Harrington Glen Estate in Glen Aplin.

To learn more about this award, visit the Wine Society Young Winemakers website. Or better still, come visit Stephen at Harrington Glen and stay at the unique Trainhouse.

If a short break to the Granite Belt is not an option at the moment, come sample and purchase his wine at the Granite Belt Growers Market at Southbank this Sunday, 20th September on Little Stanley Street from 10am.

Take the road less travelled to the Granite Belt

A short break in the country needn't be a hurried affair. Sometimes it's the journey which is the main event.

Driving to Stanthorpe via the New England highway is obviously the most expedient way of getting to the Granite Belt quickly. But very occasionally the highway may be closed, and at other times the spirit may wander. If that's the case you need to know you can still find us!

Spring is a time for romance and new experiences so it's a good time to share the latest Granite Belt scenic route map with you. See you here! Not sure? Learn more at www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

Nude Food Calendar unwrapped

The unseasonably warm weather yesterday provided the perfect conditions to whip the covers off the Granite Belt's new Nude Food calendar.

The calendar features photos from in and around Stanthorpe with almost all taken by members of the community across the Queensland wine capital. Celery grower Peter Harslett proved a popular choice for the front cover with other talent revealed inside.

The theme for the 2010 calendar was Strange Bird meets Nude Food on the Granite, a natty way of promoting its two self-drive visitor tours for those pursuing good wine and food. The monthly themes reflect what's in season on the Granite Belt. Online each month a recipe will be posted, beginning with a delicious garlic mushroom recipe using Granite Belt mushrooms of course!

The calendar is an initiative of Granite Belt Wine & Tourism Inc (GBWT) a not-for-profit community group. The calendar is available from the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre with proceeds being reinvested into promoting the region.

Public reaction to the calendar has been very favourable, although two women complained that there wasn't enough bare flesh. [Hard to please some people isn't it!] Photographers can take inspiration from the first edition and start now on their next entries. New vintage wines is the September theme, with spring (Primavera) being the time when new vintages are released.

Buy Calendar

No Vacancy? No Problem!

One way to avoid drinking and driving in a wine region is to bring your home with you. Visiting a winery and looking at a motor home is the somewhat novel idea of Mountview Wines. The family-owned winery just south of Stanthorpe is hosting a weekend expo in association with Motorhome Conversion Co. And if the idea of owning a traditional motor home doesn’t appeal to you, the Brisbane based company has a great reputation for converting buses and vans into your personal home on wheels.

The September exhibition (19th and 20th) also includes a range of Granite Belt produce from Glen Aplin’s Nature’s Glen, producers of locally procured honey and jams. They are apparently Queensland’s first saffron grower.

The McGrath family will make you welcome to Mountview with a free sausage sizzle, use of their community pizza oven and picnic grounds. Also on offer will be their 2008 Bloody Good Red which will be available by the glass. Plan a weekend trip to Stanthorpe in September and who knows, you may end up investing in a trip of a lifetime!

Visit the Granite Belt event pages to find out more.

Forget Paris... it’s love on the Granite Belt

It appears expensive trips to Paris are no longer in vogue. Love is in the air on the Granite Belt as the boys have been busy planning romantic proposals for their lucky ladies.

Alure Boutique Villas alone have had four such engagements in the last two months. And with the efforts of Stanthorpe accommodation operators like Marion Carrick, this trend is likely to grow.

What’s more ladies, savings on ticket prices alone will not only leave plenty of spare change for a truly romantic proposal, complete with beds of roses and candle lit dinners, think of the potential increase in diamond size!

With spring just around the corner, what better time to take that important next step with your loved one... Flowers in bloom, strolling through the vineyards as the grapes blossom and beautiful sunsets as your hosts secretly arrange your private plans. For a truly romantic experience, have a look at some of our luxurious Stanthorpe accommodation options and get some romantic proposal ideas.

Come sit At Our Table

Granite Belt residents love a good celebration and as Queensland turns 150, we want you to celebrate with us. As part of the range of Q150 and State Library of Queensland’s At Our Table events, Stanthorpe has been selected as one of ten regions to honour the cultural heritage of our State.

The Granite Belt’s unique multi-culturalism is reflected in the wide range of food and wine produced in and around Stanthorpe, with equally abundant traditions and histories. All of these will be commemorated on Sunday 23 August when the Queensland College of Wine Tourism hosts The Winemaker’s Story - a day of good food, fine wine and tales of the Granite Belt. A great opportunity to learn the techniques of Queensland’s premier winemakers, sample locally produced cheese and wine and taste the culinary delights of resident chef Andrew Simpson; and with activities for the kids, it is an interesting day out for the whole family.

Secure a place by booking online through the Granite Belt Wine Tourism website, and download the Q150 brochure to find out more information, or follow similar stories on the Queensland State Library Blog Site.

The Winemaker’s Story proudly supported by ourbrisbane.com, Queensland College of Wine Tourism, Granite Belt Wine Tourism, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries and Southern DownsRegional Council Library Services – Stanthorpe Library.

Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland