Hidden Creek Winery was established by a Brisbane based group which included Jim Barnes as the head winemaker and Andrew Corrigan Master of Wine. Retirement by Jim a few years ago saw a change and now the winery and associated cafe is under the stewardship of Andy and Leanne Williams.
Andy and Leanne (left) – Andy with the barrels
Andy now makes the wine, post the 2016 vintage, and Leanne is a business manager. The winery is set in a picturesque location. The first time I visited, approximately 19 years ago, it was a cold and misty July morning, the entire entrance road and the lake were shrouded in thick fog and suddenly as we drew near from inside the fog the cellar door emerged, it was simultaneously surrealistic and magical. We had smoked WA pilchards for breakfast and coffee that the spoon stood erect in which was exactly what we needed to nurture our frozen bodies.
Andy has qualifications from Charles Sturt University in Wine Science. Like all Granite Belt winemakers Andy is keen to talk with visitors and taste the range of Hidden Creek wines with them. This is one of the great features of Hidden Creek and The Granite Belt in general, that at almost all cellar doors you interact directly with the winemaker and often with the owner/winemaker. You will find a tasting experience with Andy both an education in detecting the nuances in wine and where and how these components come from in the vinification process. Andy is most forthcoming in sharing his wine secrets with you as he realises winemakers learn just as much from listening to the comments and watching the reactions of consumers – wine is very much a social interaction. His wines are well made with meticulous attention to balance and structure. His 2018 Tempranillo is an excellent example of the variety, 5% whole bunch was added to the ferment and the wine is complex but with good varietal expression. Whenever we visit Hidden Creek Winery Cafe, and as long as there isn’t a freezing wind blowing, we like to sit at a table outside with an uninterrupted view of The lake as this setting is a very special, peaceful part of the world.
Entrance to Hidden Creek Cellar Door and Cafe
Cellar Door
Surrounds of the Winery Cafe including The Lake
The Wines
Red Wines:
• Tempranillo | • Shiraz | • Merlot/Cabernet | • Dolce Vita Red – and Off Dry style | • Rosé
White Wines:
• Viognier | • Chardonnay
Sparkling:
• Petillant Rouge – Merlot/Tempranillo/Cabernet
Others:
• Rare Liqueur Muscat – 500 ml | • Rare Tawny – 500ml | • Dolce Vita Pink Moscato
Details
Location: 2271 Eukey Rd, Ballandean 4382.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Call Hidden Creek 
(07) 4684 1383
Hidden Creek Web Site
