Best wineries to visit near Brisbane

With its crisp country air, fertile soils, and passionate boutique winemakers, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt region is Queensland’s answer to the Nappa Valley.

The region is home to a mix of long-established vineyards and innovative newcomers, each offering charming cellar door experiences, vineyard views and genuine country hospitality. From award-winning favourites, family-friendly settings and vineyard stays, we’ve rounded up some of the highlights of the region – but this list is just a drop in the wine barrel!

Whether you’re planning a weekend of tastings, a leisurely lunch among the vines or a full wine trail adventure, be sure to plan your route using the region’s official app (and organise your designated driver), so you don’t miss a single cellar door along the way.

Best of Queensland titled wineries

Heritage Estate Wines, Cottonvale – Step back in time to a property that celebrates the region’s rich pioneering past and blends time-honoured craftsmanship for an authentic visitor experience. The property feels like a love letter to bygone days, with a cellar door housed in a century-old apple store, filled with antique furnishings and heritage pieces – including a grand 17-seat rosewood and leather table that once belonged to Parliament House in the 1860’s. The wines might be the star, but the Heritage Estate experiences take it to the next level.

Indulge in a Five Senses Black Tie Dinner, an immersive eight-course degustation paired with matching wines and live music, or for a casual afternoon, book the Vine and Dine Journey which includes a guided vineyard walk, tastings and local lunch. If one afternoon isn’t enough (and let’s be honest, it rarely is), the estate offers charming on-site accommodation. Wake up to mist over the vines, stroll through the property with a morning coffee, and start your day with a private tasting before the cellar door opens to the public.

Heritage Estate Wines Cellar Door is open 7 days, with lunch available Thursday to Monday and special events held throughout the year. Bookings essential for dining.

Ballandean Estate Wines

Ballandean Estate Wines, Ballandean – Settle in and savour the good life at Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, now run by the fifth generation of the Puglisi family. No visit is complete without dining at The Barrelroom, the estate’s charming restaurant housed within an old wine barrel room. Unwind with a glass of premium Ballandean wine and indulge in their signature grazing platters. At the cellar door, sample wines such as the full-bodied shiraz and cabernet sauvignon or allow their knowledgeable staff take you on a personalised wine journey. Take your time exploring the Gourmet Food Gallery, stocked with local artisan products, or book a vineyard picnic experience with your loved one.

Ballandean Estate Wines is open daily for tastings at the Cellar Door and lunch in the Barrelroom.

Pyramids Road Wines, Wyberba – A visit to Pyramids Road Wines is a gentle reminder that winemaking is a craft of patience, love and land. Founded in 1999 by Warren and Sue Smith, this is the definition of a hands-on, small-batch winery where the winemaker is also your host at the cellar door, allowing you true insight into the passion of this small business. Inside an old 1930s packing shed is a line-up of boutique wines that balance character and drinkability. Some highlights include the full-bodied Shiraz, bold varietals of Petit Verdot and Mourvèdre and Musc Rosé that tastes a bit like Turkish delight in a glass. Chat to Warren about the vineyard, the challenged of cool-climate winemaking and the adventures that led them here. Enjoy the warmth, laughter and honest that keep visitors coming back year after year. Throughout the year, Pyramids Road Wines also host Old Wines vs New Wines, a special tastings and dinners that explore how their vintages age over time.

Pyramids Road Wines is open 7 days. 

Ridgemill Estate, Severnlea – Part working vineyard, part boutique getaway, Ridgemill Estate is a place to sip, swirl and savour for an afternoon or long weekend. You can choose your own wine adventure – whether you’re after education, relaxation or a little bit of both. Book a winemaker-led vineyard tour, wine masterclass, cheese and wine pairing experience or al fresco picnic in the vines. Ridgemill Estate’s wines are crafted from grapes grown right on the property, meaning every drop tells the story of this patch of Granite Belt soil. Chief winemaker Peter McGlashan focuses on varietals that thrive in the region’s crisp climate – from bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to crisp Chardonnay. If the warm hospitality and stunning rural views have you wanting more, then it’s time to wake up to vineyard views. Nestled amongst the vines, Ridgemill Estate offers 12 inviting self-contained studio cabins and an elegant three bedroom winery escape house for a tranquil escape in wine country. Ridgemill Estate also offer relaxed Friday night soirees with local food trucks and live music, and wine and stargazing nights by the fire pit so you can take in those magical Granite Belt skies.

Ridgemill Estate is open 7 days for tastings and special events throughout the year.

Family friendly wineries

Balancing Heart Vineyard

Balancing Heart Vineyard, Wyberba – Nestled high in Queensland’s Granite Belt, Balancing Heart Vineyard is a winery born from fertile land, dedicated craftsmanship and passion. At the heart of Balancing Heart is balance itself: between tradition and innovation, nature and nurture, and memorable moments for both grown-ups and kids. Families can enjoy elegant wines and delicious wood-fired pizzas while the children make the most of the open spaces. There are friendly farm animals to pat and a special walking trail designed just for little legs, making it easy to explore the vineyard at your own pace. Whether you’re settling in for sunset with the family, following a self-guided wander through the vines, or simply enjoying live music under the Granite Belt skies, Balancing Heart offers a relaxed day out everyone can enjoy.

Balancing Heart Vineyard Cellar door open 7 days, with lunch and dinner available during school holidays.

Jester Hill Wines, Glen Aplin – Nestled high in Queensland’s Granite Belt, Balancing Heart Vineyard is a winery born from fertile land, dedicated craftsmanship and passion. At the heart of Balancing Heart is balance itself: between tradition and innovation, nature and nurture, and memorable moments for both grown-ups and kids. Families can enjoy elegant wines and delicious wood-fired pizzas while the children make the most of the open spaces. There are friendly farm animals to pat and a special walking trail designed just for little legs, making it easy to explore the vineyard at your own pace. Whether you’re settling in for sunset with the family, following a self-guided wander through the vines, or simply enjoying live music under the Granite Belt skies, Balancing Heart offers a relaxed day out everyone can enjoy.

Balancing Heart Vineyard Cellar door open 7 days, with lunch and dinner available during school holidays.

Hidden Creek Winery, Ballandean – Welcome to Hidden Creek Winery, a sprawling estate renowned for its family-friendly ambiance, expansive grounds and tranquil lake views making it an ideal spot for a day out with loved ones. After visiting the cellar door to sample award-winning wines, linger longer with an al fresco picnic lunch under the leafy trees at the lakeside tables, allowing you to savour the serene surroundings where children can roam and explore.

Hidden Creek Winery cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday.

Ravenscroft Vineyard, Stanthorpe – As a young family themselves, Catilin and Nick at Ravenscroft Vineyard know the importance of creating a welcoming space for families to enjoy and connect. With their young daughter in tow, they are the heart and soul behind this boutique winery specialising in high-quality, small-batch wines. The cellar door is perfect for all seasons – in winter, huddle around the cozy bar area with a wood-burning fire, and in summer, relax on the covered deck area overlooking the verdelho and pinot vines or explore the expansive grounds.

Ravenscroft Vineyard is open Friday to Sunday.

Summit Estate Wines

Summit Estate Wines, Stanthorpe – This 22-acre property offers something for everyone – For adults, its crisp whites and bold reds, and for kids its endless open spaces and fresh country air. Whether you come during the day for a cheese platter with the family, or head along to one of the sunset session evening events with live music, Summit Estate know how to balance gourmet wine experiences with family-friendly fun.

Summit Estate Wines is open Friday to Monday.

Award-winning wineries

Savina Lane Wines, Severnlea – This venue may be small in size, but are mighty when it comes to awards and accolades. Going up against larger established vineyards from across the country, Savina Lane Wines was listed a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards, making it the first Queensland vineyard to rank in the top 50. The winery has also won multiple gold medals and trophies at various competitions, such as the 2014 Australian Alternative Varieties Show and the 2015 Australian Small Winemakers’ Show, and was recognized for its Fiano Classico 2013 and Reserve Graciano 2012 wines.  Want to test some award winners for yourself? Visit their cellar door Thursday to Sunday during winter months.

Kominos Wines, Glen Aplin –  It’s under the guidance of winemaker Tony Comino, who has overseen more than 35 vintages since the opening in 1976, has achieved significant recognition in various prestigious wine competitions. From the Best Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 at the National Cool Climate Wine Show, to Gold for the Winemaker’s Reserve Merlot at the 2006 NZ International Wine Show, this small batch winery has a few tricks up its sleeve, ready to be enjoyed at their cellar door.

Kominos Wines cellar door is open 7 days.

Castle Glen Australia

Castle Glen Australia, Thulimbah – This venue stands as a testament to innovation and craftsmanship in the world of winemaking and distilling, with over 82 national international awards since its inception in 1990. Housed in a modern-day castle setting, visitors can taste test everything from traditional table wines to fortified wines, sparkling wines, and innovative spirits that are all natural, preservative free and chemical free. Castle Glen is known for its impressive range of English style liqueurs including fruit, chocolate, and coffee, their range of award winning rum, single malt whiskeys, gin and alternative spirits. The brewery produces a diverse range of beers from pale ales to the double dark, ginger brew and natural fruit ciders.

Visit the Castle Glen Australia cellar door 7 days.

Wineries with accommodation

Instead of squeezing your winery experience into a single afternoon, why not wake up among the vines, wander to the cellar door at your own pace and soak in the quiet beauty of Granite Belt wine country long after the day-trippers have gone home.

With accommodation set right on the property, these wineries feel less like a stop on your itinerary and more like a serene retreat:

Ridgemill Estate

Ridgemill Estate, Severnlea – Ridgemill Estate offers 12 inviting self-contained studio cabins and an elegant three bedroom winery escape house for a tranquil escape in wine country.

Golden Grove Estate, Ballandean – Marnita Farmhouse at Golden Grove Estate is the original estate house and was home to three generations of winemakers before being converted to guest accommodation. With three bedrooms, outdoor dining and BBQ area it’s ideal for families and groups.

Whisky Gully Wines, Severnlea – Located on the historic Beverley Station property, extend your stay in one of Whisky Gully Wines’ luxury self-contained bush cottages, each thoughtfully equipped with kitchenette facilities, cosy wood-burning heaters for winter and air-conditioning for summer comfort.

Twisted Gum Wines, Ballandean – A charming 1920’s farm cottage is located in the centre of Twisted Gum Wines vineyard. Three generous bedrooms, a toasty fine and a gorgeous outlook – just add a glass of wine and you’re set

Granite Ridge Wines

Granite Ridge Wines, Ballandean – Fergies Hill Cottage at Granite Ridge Wines is a cosy, two-bedroom cottage set in quintessential Australian country surrounded by gum trees.

Heritage Estate Wines, Cottonvale – At Heritage Estate Wines choose your stay in a private standalone cedar-lined cottage built in c1864, or in the modern 3-bedroom chalet overlooking the vines.

Just Red Wines, Ballandean – Surrounded by native bush and granite boulders are a collection of modern tiny homes at Just Red Wines, each with two bedrooms, vineyard views and cosy fireplaces.

Sancerre Estate, Ballandean – Travelling in a group? Shiraz Cottage at Sancerre Estate is a three-bedroom modern Queenslander with large balcony overlooking the countryside. Unwind in comfort and enjoy quality time with friends or family, and of course a glass of wine.

Strange Bird Wine Trail

Why not explore the Strange Bird Wine Trail while you’re here? This trail has nothing to do with birds – and everything to do with alternative wines. To be considered an alternative, a variety must represent not more than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia as defined by Wine Australia. It turns out unusual wines pair with the region’s terroir (the particular characteristics of the geography, geology and climate of a place and how they interact with the vines).

You won’t find most of these labels in bottle shops and restaurants because production is boutique and small-run bottlings, meaning you can only taste or buy them at the cellar door or by special order.

Hidden Creek Winery

Stanthorpe Wineries Map

Plan your visit

From foodie events to country shows, there’s always something happening in the region. Click here for a list of all upcoming events.

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Contact Information

Stanthorpe Information 07 4681 2057
Warwick Information 07 4661 3122
Email us: visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au

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