The Southern Downs & Granite Belt region in Queensland, particularly the Granite Belt, is renowned for its vibrant wine industry and distinctive microclimate. Situated at an altitude between 600 and 1,300 meters in the Great Dividing Range, this region boasts a subtropical highland climate marked by dry cool seasons and substantial rainfall, creating optimal conditions for a variety of grape types to thrive.
Key grape varieties grown in the area include Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Verdelho, and Viognier, with efforts also focused on promoting lesser-known varieties like Saperavi, Pinotage, Tannat, Malbec, Nero d'Avola, Graciano, Alvarinho, Fiano, Manseng, Roussanne, and Vermentino. This diversity enriches the region's wine landscape and showcases its commitment to innovation and exploration.
Among the prominent wineries in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt region are Golden Grove Estate, Symphony Hill Wines, Ballandean Estate, and Castelglen Cellars, each offering a range of wines, picturesque surroundings, and exceptional tasting experiences that contribute to the region's reputation for quality and excellence.