Meet The Makers of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

There’s something truly special about meeting the people behind the produce – the ones who plant, pick, mix, brew and create with passion.

In the Southern Downs & Granite Belt, our local artisans, growers and makers are the heartbeat of the region. They are turning our fertile soils, crisp country air and creative spirit into delicious flavours and memorable experiences.

Whether you’re nibbling hand-crafted chocolate, sampling farm-fresh strawberries or taking home a bottle of this year’s vintage from a local winery, every experience comes with a story.

Although this blog covers a large sampling of what you can find in our region, there is always more to explore! Tag #SeeSouthernDowns in your adventures to show us what you find.

Local Producers and Gourmet Artisans

Sutton’s Juice Factory – For over 30 years, David and Ros Sutton have been harvesting apples from their Thulimbah orchard and crafting them into some of the most delicious award-winning juices, preserves and liqueurs in Queensland – available to taste and purchase in their old packing shed café.

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and this family-run operation is proof that traditions are best nurtured, shared, and savoured – which is why visitors travel great distances to sample their famous homemade apple pies and welcoming hospitality. Sutton’s is open seven days a week, so set your GPS to the New England Highway en route to Stanthorpe and enter an honest-to-goodness country experience where every bite carries the Suttons’ passion for keeping tradition alive.

Jamworks Gourmet Food 

Jamworks Gourmet Foods Café and Larder – What started at local and interstate farmers markets selling jams and relishes has transformed into one of the region’s buzzing hubs for condiments. Founded by Sue and Peter Ingall in 2001, their daughter Stephanie joined the team in 2014 and set her sights on a large purpose-built factory as she believed her mum’s jams deserved to be enjoyed by the world.

These days, Jamworks Gourmet Foods Café and Larder is a fully-licenced café and manufacturer of artisan preserves with over 70 products which are gluten and preservative free and are made on site using local produce where possible. You can taste every Southern Downs & Granite Belt ingredient here from tomatoes, capsicums, zucchinis, eggplants and onions to stone fruits, many varieties of berries and apples – there’s even boozy jams made from local pinot, shiraz and chardonnay!

Tip: Stock up on a selection of preserves at the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres.

Mount Stirling Meadery

Mount Stirling Meadery – It’s not just visitors who are drawn to the wide-open country of this region – bees flourish here too, roaming nomadically to find seasonal blooms to pollenate across our landscapes. Local apiary operators and beekeepers Kate and Tony from Australian Bee Products and Mount Stirling Meadery have dedicated their lives and craft to creating happy and healthy bee hives which produce 100% Australian raw cold extracted honey and beeswax products. They are also innovators in modern mead or ‘honey wine’, which they produce in-house and infuse with flavours from spicy chilli to fruity twists.

Located in Thorndale, Australian Bee Products and Mount Stirling Meadery is one sweet spot to add to your itinerary. Chat to Kate and Tony about ‘the girls’ (as they fondly refer to their bees) and purchase organic honey, creamed honey varieties, meads, beeswax candles and gifts to take home. Tip: Pick up some of their bee-autiful products at the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres.

Stanthorpe Honey – Visit our local farmers markets and you’ll be sure to see Stanthorpe Honey’s dynamic husband and wife duo Nick and Joelene creating a buzz about their locally-sourced honey. Working with local beekeepers, their organic honey products are destined for your charcuterie platters or morning oats. Keep an eye out in delis, cafés and the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres for their range and take home a delicious souvenir to savour.

Clarke’s Bees & Honey – Another farmer’s market regular is Clarke’s Bees & Honey, a third-generation beekeeping business based in Warwick. Owners Ray and Anne handcraft a range of 100% pure honey products including creamed honey, pure beeswax and beauty products such as beeswax lip balms and moisturisers. Tip: Warwick Visitor Information Centre have a range of Clarke’s products available for your home pantry or the ideal gift.

Lirah Vinegar – Founder Ian Henderson is on a quest to create gourmet vinegars that inspire home cooks and professional chefs to up the ante when it comes to everyday dining and fine food. After immersing himself in the traditional art of vinegar making while travelling through Europe over 30 years ago, he saw the potential of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt food scene and fresh flavours to make his dream a reality. Now Lirah’s range of award-winning vinegars are drizzled across dishes in Australia’s finest restaurants – you can take this trick of the trade home with you by visiting any of our local delis and the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information.

Story Book Cakes

Story Book Cakes – The Warwick-based Mills family of Karyn and Mark, along with their daughter Hope, are inspiring creative home cooks with their boutique bake-at-home desserts. Pick up a decadent pre-made cake mix, cookies, self-saucing pudding or ‘cake in a mug’ to enjoy at your accommodation that evening or take home some extras available from the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres and a number of delis across the region.

Stanthorpe Cheese – The cool climate and lush pastures of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt create the perfect conditions for producing artisan cheeses, and the team behind Stanthorpe Cheese has been delighting visitors with bold farmhouse flavours that tell the story of the land. Visit owners Wayne and Julie and cheesemaker Will at Jersey Girl Café in Thulimbah and taste the day’s creations, made from a single herd of pure-bred Jersey cows. From hard cheddars to veiny blues, this is a cheese lover’s paradise.

The Folly Truffles

The Folly Truffles – This is a family-run truffle farm nestled in the heart of wine country at Ballandean, just 30 minutes from Stanthorpe. Mike and Judy Egerton have always loved France and had a dream to grow truffles in their retirement. With France too far away, they decided on Ballandean with their son Ben and daughter-in-law Maple, to manage the farm. Their first batch of 450 trees was planted in 2016 and first harvested in 2020. Crisp nights, morning frosts, and hot dry summers proved to be the perfect conditions for growing Queensland’s first black truffles and each winter, Barry the dog sniffs for truffles and they are gently extracted from below the earth. The Folly Truffles welcome visitors to their farm gate for guided tours, tastings and take-home packs to add some earthy tones to your next dinner party.

Tip: You’ll find these truffles across the region from their food truck at The Church Local Wine Project, a number of delis and the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres.

Heavenly Chocolate – this is a must-visit destination for chocolate enthusiasts looking to enjoy a handcrafted gourmet treat in a serene country setting. Located on the way to Girraween National Park, this is your perfect excuse for a pre or post hike treat. Run by a local family of passionate chocolatiers, try 21 different European hot chocolates and over 50 handmade chocolate bites from the glass cabinets.

Farm Gates and Pick Your Own

Ashbern Farms

Ashbern Farms – Discover Queensland’s tastiest strawberries right here in the heart of the Granite Belt. This farm is owned and run by the Hoyle and Carmichael families, who swing open their gates every summer to offer a farm-fresh experience where you can pick-your-own strawberries. After piling up your punnet, it’s time to relax at the onsite café with a strawberry ice cream.

Eastern Colour – Since the 1930s, the Baronio family has been growing and supplying fresh strawberries and apples across Australia from their orchards at Eastern Colour. Now in its third generation, the family welcomes visitors each spring and summer to enjoy their pick-your-own strawberry and apple events and soak up the country charm.

Nicoletti Orchards –  This cherished family-run farm is located in Pozieres, just 20 minutes north of Stanthorpe. Established in 1950, the orchard is now managed by third-generation growers Daniel and Toni Nicoletti, who continue the family tradition of cultivating high-quality apples and stone fruits. The farm run pick-your-own apples and sunflower events throughout the year, so gather your family and friends and take a stroll through the beautiful orchards and fields.

Granite Belt Christmas Farm

Granite Belt Christmas Farm – It’s Christmas 365 days of the year here, and one of the most magical times is when the farm opens its pick-your-own Christmas tree harvest. Nestled in Applethorpe, Granite Belt Christmas Farm was established in 2017 by Brad and Katrina Fraser. With a touch of creativity, they transformed their 20-acre property into a vibrant Christmas village, featuring real Christmas trees, a charming boutique Christmas shop and Mrs Claus café. From late November to December, visitors can walk through avenues of over 10,000 real Christmas trees, select the perfect one, and enjoy family-friendly activities like BBQs and visits from Santa.

Coco’s Orchard – This second-generation apple orchard in Applethorpe has been dedicated to growing the crunchiest apples for over 50 years. Owned and operated by Orlando and Leesa, the orchard specialises in harvesting a variety of apples and pressing them into 100% natural juices available in clear, cloudy, apple & lemon, and apple & ginger flavours. These juices contain no added sugars, additives, or preservatives. Their farm gate is open during the harvest season and they love to chat all things apples. Tip: Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre stock Coco’s apple juice all year round.

Crafters and Makers

Kent Saddlery – This family-run business started by Lyle and Helen Kent in 1988 is a true testament to tradition and craftsmanship. Born from Lyle’s experiences repairing saddles on cattle stations, the company evolved into a respected Queensland workshop producing handcrafted leather goods built to endure the outback’s rigours. Today, the bustling Stanthorpe shop is reminiscent of an old-time saddlery store with a working windmill, animal farm and leather stamping and well worth a visit.

Washpool Supply Co

Washpool Supply Co. – Located in Stanthorpe, Washpool Supply Co. is a natural soap, skincare, home and giftware store that delivers a truly immersive sensory experience. After 13 years in nearby Ballandean, the purpose-built Stanthorpe shop opened in July 2022 with a vision to engage the senses, spark discovery, host workshops and showcase the art of handcrafted, natural products. Simply turn up and shop or join a soap-making class for a hands-on way to explore the craft and deepen your appreciation for natural skincare.

Tip: Washpool Supply Co.’s products make great gifts. Pick up some presents for family and friends from the Stanthorpe and Warwick Visitor Information Centres.

Wineries and Breweries

In the Southern Downs & Granite Belt’s wineries and breweries, it’s not just about sipping a glass – it’s about meeting the passionate makers behind it. Winemakers and brewers are often on hand to share their craft, stories, and a taste of what makes each drop special.

From boutique vineyards to family-run breweries, every stop offers a chance to connect directly with the people who grow, brew, and pour and you’ll hear first-hand how the region’s cool climate and rich soils shape the flavours in your glass.

Click here to plan your wineries and breweries expedition.

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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