South Burnett Wine Trail
Top quality tipples, culinary delights and stunning scenery - the South Burnett Wine Trail is a winning combination. Queensland's largest and newest wine region has won several awards at State and National shows, with the wines being lauded both at home and overseas. So, why not explore this amazing area while the weather's perfect?
The Trail is a 200km drive from Brisbane, and 150km from Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, making it an ideal day trip. If you'd like to move at a more leisurely pace, take advantage of the charming accommodation on offer.
The thriving region has over a dozen boutique wineries, mostly family owned, where dedicated artisans create wines to complement the local fresh produce.
The southern part of the Trail, around Kingaroy and Nanango, includes Kingsley Grove Estate Wines, which offer cellar door tastings of their award-winning traditional wines or innovative varieties that suit the Queensland climate. On weekends, visitors can't get enough of their wood-fired pizzas, and tours can be arranged in advance.
Crane Winery, also close to Kingaroy, is a winner with its beautiful colonial homestead with cellar door perched high on the Booie Range. There are breathtaking views out to the east and the Bunya Mountains are less than an hour away, so treat yourself to Crane's Bed and Breakfast option.
For a gourmet meal to remember, head to Cassis at Booie, 10 minutes out of Kingaroy. Set in the stunning Belltower building, the restaurant offers vistas out to the Glasshouse Mountains and even to the Sunshine Coast. Chefs Wayne Smith and Jimmy Stephen bring a wealth of experience from their individual stints overseas and interstate, serving customers tastebud-tantalising options.
While you're in this wonderful part of the world, remember to pick up a few delectable treats from TASTE South Burnett in the Kingaroy CBD. The shop acts as a cellar door for nearby wineries and a deli for local produce. Try one of their hampers, such as the South Burnett Showcase, chock-full of local goodies from wine to peanuts to TASTE's homemade fudge.
The northern part of the South Burnett Wine Trail is based around Moffatdale, with Dusty Hill Vineyard offering stunning Barambah Lake views from the B & B cottage accommodation. There you can enjoy the onsite Prendergasts Irish Tavern and on weekends chat with winemaker, Nick, while tasting the single vineyard and hand crafted wines.
Then there's the award-winning Moffatdale Ridge Winery. People flock to their Tuscan-inspired restaurant, with the cellar door hosting a popular Tuscan Feast lunch on the last Sunday of each month as well as the regular meal sittings. They also run an annual Italian Festival, with plenty of music, food and of course wine.
These are just a few of the reasons why you should head along the South Burnett Wine Trail. There are plenty more so the best idea is to start exploring for yourself!
