Time on The Granite Belt is now very precious to us in escaping a large home renovation and also because our 13 year old daughter Aria is entirely disinterested – this will eventually change!. So this year, so far, we managed two nights in January and another two nights/three days in late June. The region continues to thrive since the Covid Granite Belt Discovery Boom. There is no longer the fevered madness caused by the initial opening up of Queensland when Annastacia Palaszczuk first announced that decision but the numbers are still very large compared with pre-covid. There has been comparatively less traffic this year but hopefully the region and indeed the greater world will soon Trump that problem. As in the 2025 diaries this one doesn’t follow a timeline format hopefully I can return to that format when our daughter agrees to a longer stay.
The Secret of The Granite Belt
It’s no secret that the wine industry world wide is encountering difficult times and this difficulty is also being experienced in Australia. If you know where to look lately you can obtain many medium to higher priced wines for a fraction of their recommended RRP as wineries are being forced to sell increasing quantities of their wines mainly surreptitiously via online clearing houses. Many less successful lower quality vines are being pulled and the land used for other purposes. For a few years now French wineries have been offered government subsidies to pull vines. You can read about many of these developments locally Here and Here.
There are multifarious reasons for the current world wide situation the wine industry finds itself in but I’m not writing here to unpack them instead I’m asking the question ‘Why, given the world wide trend, is the Granite Belt seemingly immune, continuing to expand and thrive’?
There are a few geographical features that help drive traffic to The Granite Belt that other wine regions would be very happy to exist with. The Granite Belt is the only major wine region in Queensland that is very close to Brisbane, Toowoomba and Northern NSW but that, by itself, has no explanatory power because it has always been the case. The Granite Belt offers great variety in wines certainly greater variety per area of planted vines than any other wine region in Australia but that has also been the case for quite a few years. The Granite Belt has many other interests to offer beyond wine and wine isn’t the region’s largest industry, wine production hardly compares with fruit production – The Granite Belt being one of the largest fruit bowls in Australia – once again this has been true of the region for many years. I will have to support this by some hard research however I suspect that The Granite Belt has a comparatively large number of owner/winemaker wineries. These owner/winemakers tend to very generously offer time, unrivalled local knowledge, and enthusiasm to their visitors. Winemaker/owner vineyards and small wineries have been a steady stream into the region for years and this adds to the community affect of the region. For the majority of new smaller concerns the owners may not make the wine in the early stages but almost all of them are in transition to becoming winemakers. The elevation of the region delivers a climate that is invigorating and this is different for human experience and grape production, still like all the other factors and including the spectacular beauty of the region, this has always been there. The Granite Belt has low population density compared with the areas the majority of visitors come from. Comparative lower population density has long been a predictive factor in lower stress within communities. But the ‘secret’ is when you combine all these factors you generate a community that is more relaxed. Existing on The Granite Belt allows many people to be psychologically healthier than those who live in densely populated communities. It has long been known that one of the most valid measures of the psychological health of a community is the amount of variation community members are prepared to accept in it’s members. Accept is different from like but is far gentler than non-acceptance. So when you combine all of these factors you have a community which has a far more inviting overall feel than many others and this is what visitors ‘feel’ when they visit even if they aren’t consciously aware of it. This is what was waiting to be discovered by thousands of new visitors during the Queensland Open Period of Covid and it is a healthy energetic infusion into their systems. Personally I have been gifted with this for many years. Often I would visit my Acpuncturist shortly after I had returned from the Granite Belt and he would always remark that my overall system was much better – of course I already knew! The great South Australian wine writer Phillip White often wrote about the concept of ‘Travel’ in wine by which he meant that when you open a wine and experience a glass where do your feelings and thoughts travel to. Next time you open a bottle of Granite Belt wine that you have purchased in a trip to the region ask yourself, ‘What do you experience, where do you travel to and how do you feel when you get there’?
Albariño
Background Information
It’s a little like Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio which are both made from the same grape. Whether or not you call the wine Albariño or Alvarinho they are both made from the Albariño grape. Albariño is the Spanish version and Alvarinho the Portugese version. However the wines are different because they are subjected to different winemaking processes. Albariño is more crisp and pure while Alvarinho receives a little more nuanced work during the process which could involve spending more time on skins and/or some oak influence.
Tony Hassall from the then Just Red Wines was an advocate for The Granite Belt having a signature variety and in his book Winegrape Growing in the Granite Belt – A Practical Guide he suggested it could be Viognier. Of course what has eventually happened on The Granite Belt is that there is no signature variety instead the region is known for it’s multifarious variety. So the signature variety is variety itself. Tony did suggest in his publication that Albariño ‘may be well suited to The Granite Belt conditions’.
Some Granite Belt Albariño Experiences
My first taste of Granite Belt Albariño was the ‘2019 First Harvest’ Summit Estate wine made by John Handy. John likes to allow the fruit to genuinely express itself, so this was a true Albariño style and I was genuinely excited when I tried this wine. My favourite white wine is riesling and I especially enjoy riesling as very dry. When I tasted John’s wine I immediately had the thought – this could be the riesling of The Granite Belt. This is in no way to detract from Ridgemill Estate where Peter McGlashan consistently makes a very good riesling. However riesling is not well suited to Granite Belt conditions and Albariño is. I have been following local Albariño/Alvarinho ever since I encountered the Summit Estate First Harvest. The grape is fast growing in popularity and is now planted in many local vineyards. Summit Estate have significantly increased their own plantings. Mark Ravenscroft made a vintage for Symphony Hill and he was so impressed with their locally grown Albariño that he planted some in his own vineyard. Nick and Caitlin have since increased that planting. When I tasted the next Summit Estate vintage of Albariño I was disappointed, the wine was made at Symphony Hill by Abraham De Klerk in an oaked style. You could say I have a riesling palate and I especially enjoy riesling pure and dry with great acidity and was expecting this from the next vintage at Summit Estate which probably, due to wine making style, could have been labelled as Alvarinho. Next time I visit the region I’ll try the Symphony Hill Albarino again as I believe the style has been dialled back since the the Summit Estate second vintage I tried. I certainly do enjoy the Alvarinho at View Wine, it’s well made. Regardless I’m quite excited about the variety on The Granite Belt and will continue to follow it’s mini-explosion across vineyards and wineries. I have kept one bottle of the inaugural Summit Estate 2019 First Harvest as I suspect that like good riesling in e.g. Polish River Hill it will cellar and develop for many years. The following vineyards now have Albariño vines planted:
Banca Ridge
Meteora Vineyard
Ravenscroft Vineyard
Ridgemill Estate
Summit Estate
Symphony Hill
View Wine
Wines in The BackYard
Vintage 2026
2026 presented the region with unusual conditions somewhat akin to a South Australian vintage. There was winter rain (the South Australian wet season) and then more rain a little later in the year followed by extreme dry. So ground moisture was good although there were the usual issues with thunder storms and hail in some areas during veraison. I was confident that the white vintage would be excellent but was unsure of red varieties as the mini-drought continued. However the red grapes ripened rather quickly but apparently not ‘too quickly’. So the entire vintage was a rush and ended long before anticipated and, thankfully, the mini-drought ended. In fact the region is now receiving some winter rains so I’m wondering if vintage 2027 will be a repeat. Local wine makers I talked with have been unanimous in acclaiming vintage 2026 as one of the best vintages in years even 20 plus years and for both white and red wines.
First Stop – Varias Restaurant
It’s become a family tradition – every time we venture to The Granite Belt we stop at Varias for lunch on the way through to our accommodation. The food standard is excellent and has been maintained as such ever since we started dining there years ago. For my palate the Petit Verdot has always been the best wine in the Banca Ridge Wines range however since Arantza has been the winemaker the overall quality across the entire range has increased and so has the variety on offer. Below some of my favourite Banca Ridge wines
Tasting notes for these wines will be coming soon, there is a tasting note for the Tinta Cao here. Note the 2019 Méthode Traditionnelle, I had one of these in January this year and it’s the best local sparkling I’ve experienced. It’s 100% Chardonnay from fruit in the front vineyard overlooked by the restaurant, you can sip on the wine as you view the vines or even walk along them.
While we were dining we were gifted with a visit from Arantza who gave us a taste of her new wine the 2024 Tinta Cao – see the tasting note link above. Arantza is also making a Monastrell and a Verdejo. I’m excited to be able to taste a Monastrell made by a winemaker who hails from the Basque Region of northern Spain
Only took one photo – too tired and too distracted. It’s the entree ‘portobello mushroom, zucchini, confit tomato, fried haloumi, basil pesto (v, gf, df av)’.
Of course all the meals were superb and we matched our mains with the 2024 Petit Verdot, still my favourite Banca Ridge red wine. Varias and the College is now in transition since a local chamber of commerce group won an expression of interest. Previously the establishment was more of a funded educational institution but this is no longer the case and it is operating as a mainstream business model. The business is known as The Precinct and it offers tourism, hospitality training and agribusiness. Currently the QCWT signs are still displayed in the grounds but this will change. The real challenge is a business/organisational cultural one in which the operation has to move from an essentially not-for-profit government funded model to a for-profit mainstream business. This is a significant challenge and the board of The Precinct has appointed a new manager ‘Arthur’ to guide the overall transition. I wish Arthur and the overall business every success, it is an icon in the region and deserves everyone’s support.
Second Stop – Our Accommodation Shiraz Cottage at the formerly Just Red Wines Winery
This winery has now been rebadged as Clever Kid Wines. Tony and Julia were forced to sell the winery and move to Toowoomba due to Tony’s health concerns. Nathan Grayson and Luke Jordan had fallen in love with the region (I hear that a lot) and took up local residence around 6 years ago. They had been active in the region and had picked grapes for Warren and Sue at Pyramids Road Wines, both appreciated and loved the regions wines. Based on love and enthusiasm alone it seemed an easy call but would mean a lot of work. Their purchase offer was accepted and now we have:
The wines for Clever Kid Wines will be initially made on site by Brett Hadlow from Wines in The BackYard. During this transitional period Nathan and Luke will be acquiring winemaking artistry (thank you Brett!) and then intend to make the estate wines themselves. The cellar door has had a facelift:
There’s a tasting note for the 2022 Clever Kid Wines CMT here. Before putting the winery on the market Tony had planted 4 rows of Montepulciano in the front right side vineyard, so we will see some estate Monte in a few years. Nathan and Luke intend planting Verdelho and some more Viognier so they can include a straight Viognier in the Clever Kid range.
Below – Vines and Goats at Clever Kid Wines in January 2026
Third Stop – Catching up with Andy Williams at Meteora Vineyard.
We had a lovely breakfast at Jamworks and then headed south on the New England Highway, turned left at Eukey Rd at Ballandean, right onto Jacobsens Rd continued past the Pyramid, left onto Rees Rd, past the old Mary Byrne Vineyard and continued to the end where the entrance to the new Meteora Vineyard is located. It’s actually a very short 2 – 3 minute drive from when you first turn onto Jacobsens Rd.
I’ve been following this development for around 3 years. There was an initial expectation of an opening at least one year ago but it’s been a huge development requiring far more time and resources than initially anticipated.
Andrew and Karen Catsoulis purchased land and an existing vineyard at the end of Rees Road, Ballandean. The existing vineyard was planted with Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and I think(?) a little Cabernet Sauvignon. They also made the very astute decision to approach Andy Williams to make their wines. Andy has been making wines on the Granite Belt for many years, he is perhaps best known as the winemaker for Hidden Creek Winery however he has made wines for a large number of Granite Belt labels and will continue to do so at the Meteora facility. Below Andy in 2024 accompanying some old Shiraz vines in the now Meteora Vineyard. At this stage it wasn’t a lot more than an existing vineyard and a shed.
There are a few ‘under construction’ photos from July 2025 below.
The Wine Cave Entrance
The Wine Cave Inside.
Surrounds
Inside
Moving forward in time to Thursday 25th June, 2026 and Meteora is only 7 days away from the official opening.
Surrounds
Wine Cave
Inside We forgot to take a photo of the main restaurant – this is the cellar door/bar.
The timber work in the ceilings and walls produces a warm and inviting feel at Meteora. Andy was told by the trades involved that they installed 7 kilometers of timber in lining the walls and ceilings.
Although we forgot to photograph the main restaurant there are many locations to eat or congregate outside, including around a firepit and pizza oven (see photos above) and here.
As exciting as the new buildings are the thing I’m most looking forward to is the wine. The new winery is massive and further additions to the catwalk, tanks etc are planned.
Winery
Winery Catwalk Stairs
Winery Catwalk
Andy organising some tasting samples
2026 Lagrien anyone .. oaked or tanked?
The oaked Vs tank Lagrien was an interesting comparison. Oaked being far more complex and layered with a smoother mouthfeel. The tank matured Lagrien was, comparatively, clean and much crisper. I preferred the oaked rendition but, or course, other palates will differ. These two versions of Lagrien were made from estate fruit. To my knowledge only Meteora and Flamehill have Lagrien in the ground on the Granite Belt GI. Dawn Walker at Rokkwell made an interesting Lagrien in 2023 but it was from Riverland fruit. She may have planted some since but not to my knowledge. I can certainly recommend this Meteora Vineyard Lagrien (oaked) to anyone who enjoys a big flavoursome complex red, plummy and berried, with herbs, spices, balanced acid and oak and tannins that assert the variety. The tank version will suit other palates better than mine but it is an excellent wine in it’s own genre and much more agreeable in Autumn/Spring plus it’s a a very different food match than the oaked Lagrien. Neither wine is released yet so watch the Meteora Vineyard online shop. If you strongly prefer whites you can also watch the online shop for the appearance of a 2026 Vermentino. I tried a sample of this wine as well and it’s spent a little time on skins and been treated with a different yeast. The new yeast has lifted the flavours and bouquet noticeably. The wine has ‘developed’ citrus flavours in abundance and just a little added viscosity, I really enjoyed these aspects.
Video of Meteora Vineyard Winery
Andy is very excited about an upcoming addition to the winery – two concrete tanks.
These are massive tanks made in Italy. The tanks can be fitted with a thermoregulation system using digitally controlled probes. You can read more information about these wine tanks here.
The Meteora Vineyard is currently planted to the following varieties:
Whites
Albarino
Chardonnay
Fiano
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Vermentino
Viognier
White Muscat
Reds
Aglianico
Barbera
Black Muscat
Cabernet Sauvignon
Durif
Lagrein
Merlot
Montepulciano
Nebbiolo
Saperavi
Shiraz
Merlot
The above is an impressive list. One notable omission which will be corrected shortly is Tempranillo. Meteora have also acquired the Bellevue Vineyard which is next to their existing property. The Bellevue Vineyard was previously part of Ballandean Estate. A variety I’m especially enthusiastic about is Aglianico. Andy Williams made a beautiful wine in 2020 under his Unsung Hero label (you may have also seen it under the 4382 Terroir label) and I will never forget my first taste of this wine. The variety was Aglianico and, as there was no Aglianico planted anywhere in the Granite Belt GI, Andy used fruit from Riverland. Ever since I’ve been waiting for someone to make one from local fruit and who better than Andy. So soon my wish will be fulfilled – thank you Andy and Meteora! Aglianico hails from Southern Italy where it is known as ‘The Barolo of the South’. The Meteora Estate vines are now 3 years old so I’d expect some wine to be made in the next two years. Beyond Aglianico there’s a tasting note for another impressive wine, a 2023 chardonnay, that Andy made for Meteora Vineyard here.
Fourth Stop – The Church Local Wine Project
Lachlan Searle and his dad John acquired the old church at Ballandean, see below, in 2022 with the intention of establishing a Granite Belt Wine Centre.
The church was renovated and officially opened as The Church Local Wine Project in 2025. The project has received enormous support from the local community. Today almost every Granite Belt GI wine label can be found, tasted and purchased in The Church. So the venue acts as a central location in which visitors can try all the local wines and then decide where to visit or they can taste a wine from a vineyard(s) they simply can’t visit due to time restrictions. Each weekend a local winery features at The Church so visitors can meet the relevant winemaker and ask their interested questions. Tastes are $2.50/pour but this is refunded when people purchase. The project has been so well supported that now you can find and purchase other local products and gins. Congratulations to Lachlan, John and the entire Granite Belt community that has placed their unbridled enthusiasm behind The Church Local Wine Project. You will find the project at 12 Bents Road, Ballandean, QLD 4382
Below – Lachlan, Entrance to The Church Local Wine Project and Inside
Lachlan has his own wine label Squished Berry and his wines are also available at The Church. Squished Berry wines were made by Glen Robert at Bent Road Winery and Distillery. Winemaking for future vintages is intended to be shared between Bent Road and some made by Craig Robertson at New Tricks at Lyra.
Fifth Stop – View Wine
Going through my notes I was surprised to discover that the last time I was at View Wine was in October 2024. Brad and Stacey were developing a cellar door – previously they operated a little further down Zambelli Road where you could sample their wines around a barrel on the verandah of their BnB. In October 2024 the front of their uncompleted cellar door looked like this…
… and, now finished, in June 2026.
Brad and Stacey Allen are owner winemakers at View Wine, an enterprise they began in 2013. They are lovely people and are always excited to share their Granite Belt experience with visitors. Brad was judged at the 2025 Royal Queensland Awards to be The Star Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year. I don’t always get there but a visit to the View Wine cellar door is always on my to do list whenever I go to The Granite Belt. On this occasion I was on a specific mission to purchase some of their 2024 Alvarinho and have a made a note to self to get some Gros Manseng next time.
Above The View Wine 2024 Alvarinho has made Stacey very happy!
Sixth Stop – Summit Estate
We pulled into Summit Estate enroute back to Brisbane to collect two bottles of their 2025 Albariño. Bescuse we had heard that their 2024 vintage reds are excellent we also purchased some 2024 Tempranillo which was made by Andy Williams in a Crianza style.
We were surprised to see a range of vintage cars at the front and also occupying some inside areas. While looking at some of these impressive vehicles we were greeted by another interested party who, we were just about to discover, was actually the new owner of Summit Estate and one of his passions is antique vehicles. We continued a very interesting conversation with Bob McKinnon about the vintage vehicles, including tractors, and also some of his upcoming plans for Summit Estate. I was really pleased to hear that Andy Williams will continue to be their main winemaker. Below are some Summit Estate Vintage Vehicles.
There’s a tasting note for the exceptional 2024 Summit Estate Tempranillo here. I noticed in looking at the Summit Estate Website that they have a 2024 Monastrell, that will have to go on my hit list. Their Sparkling Marsanne has always been a favourite of mine.
Final Stop – Sutton’s Juice Factory
Our daughter Aria always insists on stopping at Sutton’s on the way back to Brisbane so we can buy her a case of apple juice. Awhile back I introduced her to their Cloudy Apple Juice (my favourite) and she loved it. Her tastes have changed recently so this time we purchased 8 bottles (a case) of Pink Lady Apple Juice.
and a new product Quince Jelly.
Sampling the Apple Juice at the barrel to decide what to purchase was very popular and there was another interesting product I’ll just have to get next time.
A few local developments
Tobin Wines, following the passing of Adrian, has now been leased to Balancing Heart Vineyard. Ian Dopson has now left Tobin Wines and he’s purchased Art of Krupinski. I look forward to some future wines from Ian. The Ballandean General Store has closed, hopefully for a short period until an interested buyer discovers this locally needed store.
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Thank you Granite Belt Community for another delightful experience, it was very short this time but still managed to revitalise my energies. I’ll be back for a two day stay in September to have lunch at Meteora Vineyard and if stars align to visit Dawn at Rokkwell and call into New Tricks.
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Granite Belt Diaries Links:
The Granite Belt Diaries July 2025
The Granite Belt Diaries June 2024
The Granite Belt Diaries May-June 2023
The Granite Belt Diaries July 2022
