How to do the Strange Bird Wine Trail

Looking for something beyond Chardonnay and Shiraz? The Granite Belt, Queensland’s premier wine destination, is home to over 40 cellar doors. And while the more well known grape varietals such as chardonnay, verdehlo, semillon, shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon are proven in the Granite Belt, it’s the more adventurous style of wine that’s getting attention.

What is a Strange Bird?

No, the Strange Bird Wine Trail has nothing to do with birds – it’s all about the wine! The region has a growing reputation as one of Australia’s top producers of alternative variety wines – known here as Strange Birds.

To be called an alternative, a variety must represent not more than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia as defined by Wine Australia.

The region’s unique terroir (the particular characteristics of the geography, geology and climate of a place and how they interact with the vines) equals unusual wines.

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.

How can I taste them?

Winemaker Andy Williams at Hidden Creek Winery

The best way to taste Strange Bird wines, is by using the Strange Bird Wine Trail map to sip and swirl your way around the Granite Belt. From Jester Hill’s sangiovese to Golden Grove Estate’s tempranillo and Heritage Estate’s mourvèdre, the map provides a guide to which wineries produce which Strange Bird, and the best way to get there.

Click on the Strange Bird Wine Trail map below and download the PDF, or visit the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and pick up a hard copy when you arrive in town. Alternatively, you can check out our cellar doors here.

Follow the trail on your phone

A lady holding a phone and using it to navigate the strangebird wine trail.

Make your Strangebird Wine Trail adventure even easier by downloading the free Southern Downs and Granite Belt App. With the trail at your fingertips, you can follow the route on your phone, get directions and discover nearby attractions along the way. It’s the perfect digital companion for planning your stops, checking opening hours and navigating between cellar doors.