wineinsights

If Ballandean Estate gave me the historical and emotional anchor of the Granite Belt, the region’s Strange Birds concept became my compass for exploring what came next. These emerging and alternative varieties — grapes that make up less than 1% of Australia’s total plantings — are a playful but meaningful expression of the region’s experimental spirit. Yet what struck me during my visit is that this appetite for innovation sits comfortably alongside a strong foundation in the classic international varieties. The Granite Belt produces impressive Chardonnay, Shiraz (or Syrah, as many here prefer), Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon — and, to my surprise, even Pinot Noir thrives in pockets of its high‑altitude, cool‑climate terrain. With this balance of tradition and exploration in mind, I set out to visit four more producers, each offering their own interpretation of what the Granite Belt can be. Together, they reveal a region that honours its past while confidently shaping its future.

The Granite Belt doesn’t reveal itself all at once. The road south from Stanthorpe rises and falls through orchards, granite outcrops, and the kind of cool, high‑country air that feels almost improbable for Queensland. It’s only when you turn into Ballandean Estate — past the weathered sign, the old vines, and the unmistakable sense of continuity — that the region’s story begins to sharpen into focus.This is where Queensland’s modern wine industry truly began. And it’s impossible to walk these grounds without feeling that history under your feet.

I wonder what the day will bring? It’s an ordinary Spring weekend in Martinborough, the sun is shining but there’s a fresh Northwesterly breeze, enough to blow paper menus around, but not enough to deter visitors who want to sit outside. The outside tables have been set in place and sun umbrellas are up. Inside the floors have been vacuumed, fridge and shelves restocked with wine, toilets cleaned, benchtops freshly wiped down (although that was done the evening before on closing anyway), and the hi-tech glass dishwasher that not only washes the wine glasses but polishes them is ready to go.

Some vintages ask to be revisited, and 2014 is one of them. In the Médoc it was a year of quiet classicism — a slow, steady season that rewarded patience, precision, and estates willing to wait for full phenolic ripeness. The best wines carry that unmistakable Left Bank signature: purity of fruit, clarity of structure, and a sense of restraint that promises longevity rather than early fireworks.

This is the final of a two-part sequel to a previous blog, Wine Travel in New Zealand’s North Island. It provides a brief account of New Zealand’s South Island wine regions outside of the largest - Marlborough, highlighting some of my favourite producers and cellar door experiences, as well as the main varieties produced in each region. While many of these accept walk-ins, it is usually better and, in some cases, essential, especially for larger groups (6 or more) to make an appointment in advance, and I provide the contact information for this.