Queensland Wine

Australian wines are gaining a wonderful reputation on the international dining circuit, particularly throughout Europe. The Queensland wine industry however is still one of the state’s best kept secrets, producing some magnificent wines while still maintaining a very quaint, peaceful atmosphere at the cellar doors.

The wine industry in Queensland dates back to the 1860s and like a good wine has developed with age. Throughout Queensland there are about 1500 hectares of wine vineyards, most of which in the southeast corner of the state.

The cool climate of the Hinterlands up in the Great Dividing Range along the east coast make for wonderful grapes and create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for tastings.

All down the east coast and throughout the southeast region of the state you’re almost guaranteed to be within only a couple of hour’s drive of a winery just waiting for you to discover. Take a look at the regions below and find a winery near where you’re staying.

There's plenty to wine about in Queensland

Queensland's Wine Trail

From virgin pastures to century-old vineyards, Queensland wineries weave an intricate trail around the state. Where plump grapes are born of fertile soil and granite fields amid undulating country valleys and soaring mountain ranges, and lazy chardonnay days become starry nights of peppery ports, rich merlots and spicy shiraz wines - all embodying Queensland's quintessential character.

Southern Downs

The beauty of South East Queensland Country and its Granite Belt of the Southern Downs is captured in every drop of wine produced from over 35 wineries in the region. Drink in the ambience through gold medal winning Chardonnays and Verdelhos, pleasure the palate with fresh local berries, apples and cheeses or simply escape into the depths of the glorious Girraween National Park.

South Burnett

Nestled among the rich, red paddocks of Kingaroy and the Great Diving Range, the South Burnett, northwest of Brisbane, is the fastest developing wine area in Queensland. Large-bodied chardonnays and award-winning shiraz are produced in the region whose 25 vineyards over 600 acres are framed by the beautiful Bunya Mountains, the setting of ambient accommodation and a bush walker's paradise.

Darling Downs

A scattering of micro boutique wineries in Toowoomba is heralding a spectacular renaissance of wine producing on the Darling Downs, a flush wine area at the turn of last century. Situated amid the fertile slopes of the Great Dividing Range, it offers magnificent views over lush valleys as well as old-fashioned country pubs, quaint Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) and grand Victorian mansions.

Central Queensland/Bundaberg and Districts

Boasting several established wineries at Mt Perry, Gin Gin, Gladstone and Hervey Bay, the region is poised to become an expansive wine making area through the innovation of several wine makers currently trialling different grape styles. The Bundaberg region, world famous for the elegant turtles which each year grace its Mon Repos beach, has 17 vineyards and wineries to match a host of accommodation options.

Sunshine Coast and Hinterland

Undulating green hills offering panoramic views of the ocean provide the perfect backdrop for Queensland's newest wine tourism destination where the place names of Flaxton, Montville, Maleny, Kenilworth and Eumundi roll as easily off the tongue as the wine.

From the sea resort of Noosa to the old-time heritage appeal of the Hinterland, the region's wine industry is poised to take its place as a premier tourism destination with world-class accommodation options and attractions at its doorstep.

Gold Coast Hinterland

Encompassing the rainforest beauty of Mt Tamborine and the emerald countryside of Albert River and Canungra, the Gold Coast Hinterland is a spectacular wine region featuring boutique wineries and vineyards.

One of the fastest growing and most diverse wine regions in Queensland, from the cooler climate of its the mountains to the milder temperatures of its valleys.

It offers Verdelho, Chambourcin and Semillon, through to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Chardonnay. 

Around Brisbane

Lush gardens, magnificent countryside and spectacular views characterise the wineries and vineyards which have been established close to Brisbane from Mt Cotton on the bay side to the picturesque Brisbane Valley including Ipswich, Samford, Harrisville, Mt Alford and Boonah.

Located less than an hour's drive from Brisbane, cellar door sales enable the tourist to literally drink in the delights of the surrounding countryside peppered with quaint cottages and B&Bs.

D'Aguilar Ranges

From the leafy hideaway of Woodford, which comes alive each year with its annual folk festival, to the peanut paradise of Kilcoy and the quaint ambience of Caboolture, a number of wineries are set amid the framework of the spectacular D'Aguilar Ranges. Behind the glorious Glasshouse Mountains, the vast expanse of Brisbane Forest Park protects a priceless tract of bushland at the capital's back door, offering a wealth of picnic areas and scenic lookouts.

Western Downs

Home to Queensland's first winery 'Romavilla' at Roma, the Western Downs has carved a reputation for its quality fortified style wines such as liqueur muscat, port and sauterne style sweet dessert wines. Offering visitors a glimpse of the state's pioneering past, it combines wide-open spaces and natural unspoilt landscapes. Escape in the 21kms of walking tracks throughout The Carnarvon Gorge National Park, in the highlands of the Western Downs.