Jazz Blossoming this SPRING at the Granite Belt

WORDS: Phil Hawkes PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

“What is all this juice and all this joy?         

 A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning

In Eden garden. “     Gerard Manley Hopkins

Juice and joy. Hopkins couldn’t have expressed it better…for that’s what you’ll find close to home, just up in the mountain air of the Granite Belt this spring. Apple and other trees blossoming, a feast of jazz and other events, a bumper berry crop and green-shooting vineyards a picture of juice to come a few months away. Eden’s garden, truly.

October and November events are ripe for the planning, so here are a few of the highlights to put in the diary now.

KEFI AT KOMINOS WINERY Saturday 1 October

 

When the Greeks celebrate, they really go the whole hog (spit roasted lamb, to be precise) with live bouzouki, Greek dancing and copious tastings of their prize-winning estate wines to try. Kefi is a fun night in the marquee and under the stars.    www.kominoswines.com

JAZZ AT THE WINERY Saturday 1 October

Robert Channon Wines once again welcomes the Caxton Street Jazz Band with their cool brand of hot jazz! Warning: their music will make you thirsty, so you’ll be glad to enjoy the excellent Verdelho and other varieties from this renowned vineyard. Lunch can be booked at the Persian Poppy Café on site.   www.robertchannonwines.com

 

JAZZ AT THE WINERY Sunday 2 October

The inaugural Spring into Music Festival kicks off  at Jester Hill Wines, featuring local bands and a relaxed afternoon with BYO nibbles and wine on arrival. What a way to spend the middle day of a holiday weekend!   www.jesterhill wines.com.au

 

OPERA AT THE WINERY Saturday 8 October

Heritage Estate Wines hosts TenorUS with two of Australia’s most recognised singers, Roger Davy of “Ten Tenors” fame and Broadway sensation Adam Bartlett. Sing for your supper (silently) while they perform opera, Broadway and contemporary songs with special guest, soprano diva Meg Kiddle. A four course dinner and wine is included. www.heritageestate.wine

 

STANTHORPE CUP RACE DAY Saturday 15 October

This is a big event on the country racing calendar. The mix of keen racing, fashion, marquee lunches and the chance to sample some of Queensland’s finest wines are key elements of this big day out. Don’t worry, the horses will all have designated drivers! www.wineracing.org

 

WINE-A-PALOOZA in WEEROONA PARK, STANTHORPE Saturday 15 October

The Granite Belt’s newest event, a unique pairing of comedy and wine featuring six well-known comedians in 5 hours of comedy, fun and tasting best drops from local wineries and brewery…with food vendors on site. Bring chairs, picnic rugs, sorry, no dogs. Some material may not be suitable for children. www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au/palooza/

 

AUSTRALIAN SMALL WINEMAKERS SHOW Saturday 22 October

This popular annual event attracts entries from small and boutique wineries across Australia, and of course the Granite Belt is well represented (and awarded!). After judges’ day beforehand, the doors open to the public to join in the enjoyment of craft-driven and unusual wines including the local “Strange Bird” varieties such as Saperavi, Pinotage, Albarino and Fiano.  https://www.asws.com.au/public-events/public-tasting.html

 

MELBOURNE CUP AT HERITAGE WINERY  Tuesday 1 November

Enjoy the day on a big screen with cocktails, canapes, wines, music…and the Granite Belt’s unique version of Fashions on the Field. https://heritageestate.wine/event/melbourne-cup-heritage-estate-2022/

 

STANTHORPE BERRY FESTIVAL at WEEROONA PARK Saturday 19 November

An event the whole family can get their teeth into! Celebrity Chef Alastair McLeod will be on hand to help you digest yummy berries, ice creams, jams, food stalls, local wines, live music, a BBQ and even a scone eating competition! www.berryfestival.com.au

 

GRAZING THE GRANITE BELT Sat/Sun 26/27 November

The laziest and most convenient way to do the wineries!  Ticket includes: hop-on-hop- off buses on loop to 8 cellar doors and a brewery; 4 wine pour vouchers; 4 gourmet dish vouchers and breakfast Sunday. If you’re driving with a DD, there are over 30 more cellar doors to explore…stay a week!  https://granitebeltwinecountry.com.au/grazing/

 

TAKE THE “S” TRAIN  Saturday 26 November

“S” is for steam train…the Heritage Rail day tour runs between Warwick and Wallangarra where you can enjoy lunch on the station platform. Or, you can stop over in Stanthorpe for lunch and a winery visit. Various other options available. Bookings essential. https://downsexplorer.org.au/bookings/

 

MARKETS

One of the joys of visiting the lush Granite Belt region is bringing home fresh country produce from the markets, as well as arts and craft items. For a list of dates and places, visit https://granitebeltwinecountry.com.au/markets/

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The popular Barrelroom at Ballandean Estate has been transformed into a relaxing, informal setting for daily wine tastings, the Wine Lounge. It’s a snug and sophisticated space, designed to make you feel like you’re walking into the Puglisi family cellar. Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says, “We hope to provide a first-class, relaxed, extended tasting experience here. Our signature grazing platters are accompanied by a tasting of premium wines, of your choice. You can enjoy several wines as you enjoy your platter.” www.ballandeanestate.com

 

Speaking of barrels, a new accommodation option opens soon… Barrel View Cabins. it will set a precedent for a clever new approach to luxury in the region. With sweeping 180 degree views over Girraween and Sundown National Parks, Barrel View Luxury Cabins is a place like no other. www.barrelview.com.au

 

ARRIVE IN STYLE

Special celebration? Fly by helicopter with your friends and land at one or more of the wineries such as Ravenscroft Vineyard or Ballandean Estate where you can indulge a little, knowing that you have a designated driver!