Stanthorpe, the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country proudly wears the title of ‘Queensland’s coolest town’.
With the mercury plunging below the zero mark, this is one part of Queensland you’ll be pulling out the woollies for and don’t be surprised to encounter a dusting of frost or even snow in Queensland’s own winter wonderland.
Pack your Ugly Christmas Jumper
Pull out your ugliest Christmas jumper and join the Christmas in July fun in Granite Belt Wine Country. Plan your itinerary around a visit to The Granite Belt Christmas Farm and warm up with a hot chocolate at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen after a stroll through the Christmas trees and feeding Santa’s animals. Add on a Christmas in July dinner – check for events held at Heritage Estate Wines and Granite Belt Brewery.
VISIT THE Brass Monkey
Winter here is fondly known as ‘Brass Monkey Season’, the nickname originating from the phrase used on sailing ships ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off the brass monkey’. Get a photo with our little Brass Monkey Statue in the Stanthorpe CBD and while you’re there spot the Street Art Murals and yummy treats at Zest Pastries.
SIP Mulled Wine
Nothing says winter in wine country like the spicy aroma of warm mulled wine. The Localist offers a great recipe for making your own, or order a mulled wine at Summit Estate Wines.
GO ON A Truffle Hunt
Winter is the season for truffle hunts. Book a tour and join Barry the truffle dog at The Folly Truffles as he sniffs out the French Perigord Truffles for you to unearth in the truffiere. Then it’s back to the truffle cottage with farmer Maple to clean and weigh the truffle harvest, before indulging in a divine truffle-infused lunch.
BOOK YOUR Cosy Fireplace
Quaint cottages, expansive holiday houses and B&B’s all offer roaring fireplaces, well stocked with wood to keep you cosy on your winter escape. Just insert a bottle of red and you’ll be warmed from the inside out on the Granite Belt chilly nights.
Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
Time your trip with the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe festival for a winter wonderland of family fun.
The Big Thermometer
No winter trip to the region is complete without a photo with Stanthorpe’s Big Thermometer, found overlooking Quart Pot Creek. On frosty early mornings, Quart Pot Creek is a favoured spot for photographers.
BURNING THE WICKERMAN
Winter Solstice is celebrated in June at Summit Estate Wines, with bagpipes, live music, mulled wine around the campfire, Solstice Red Wine, food and the much anticipated Burning The Wickerman. The prunings from the vineyard are fashioned into the giant Wickerman who lights up the night in the darkest part of winter at the Summit Estate Winter Solstice.
CAMPFIRES & SUNSETS
Gather around the campfire as the sun sets over the vineyard with sunset sessions on Friday and Saturday nights at Summit Estate Wines and Balancing Heart Vineyard. Ask about bus pick ups available to Balancing Heart Vineyard and be sure to book ahead to dine and enjoy yummy woodfired pizzas.
Chocolate, Red Wine & Cheese
Spend your day stocking up for an evening fireside feast. Seek out local Granite Belt made chocolates at Heavenly Chocolates, red wine at Just Red Wines or dozens cellar doors and go cheese tasting at Stanthorpe Cheese to select your favourites.
Visit The Exclusively Winter Cellar door
The elite Savina Lane Premium Wines exclusively opens to the public during winter months and makes for the most divine spot for sinking into leather lounges with an exquisite red. Views across the frosty vineyards are beautiful from the cellar door’s elevated location.
The high-altitude Granite Belt Wine Country makes Stanthorpe the coldest town in Queensland. With frost-covered hills and vineyards, and the […]