
Photo: The Overflow Estate 1895
The festive season may be officially over but that doesn’t mean that celebrations in the Scenic Rim have to be.
We’re a lucky bunch and it’s clear we’re home to some of the best wine growers and producers in the region and, let’s be honest, that is worth a celebration in itself.
Whether you’re wanting to educate yourself further about wine, simply taste or indulge in the local produce, then let’s just say … you’ve come to us here at the Guardian & Tribune, for the right ‘Riesling’.
Bunjurgen - Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard and Winery
Ten kilometres south of Boonah sits a 60-acre, boutique vineyard in the Teviot Valley called Bunjurgen Estate. Running successfully for 20 years, this vineyard only grows grapes compatible with the climate meaning the fruit is clear from insecticides, pesticides and systemic fungicides.
On arrival you will be greeted by passionate vineyard owner, David McMaugh as he describes the Chambourcin and Shiraz vines that populate the vineyard.
The two types of grapes are used to make the Bunjurgen Estate signature Rose, Shiraz and medium dry wines and verjuice as well as their most recent claim to fame, the White, Cherry and Tawny Port. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the bouquet of Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard under the large jacaranda tree with a wine in hand.
Tamborine Mountain - Witches Falls Winery
On the heights of Tamborine Mountain, you’ll find a winery small in size but bold in nature. The name Witches Falls is reminiscent of the children in the area who believed the tree branches looked like witch’s brooms.
Established in the early 2000’s by Jon and Kim Heslop, Witches Falls’ is now one of the state’s largest wine producers dedicated to both wine making and growing.
The winery has found a balance between the old and the new combining traditional techniques with modern.
The team here pride themselves in their production of three different ranges of wine so book in for a taste tester at the Cellar Door, create your own cheese platter to go with it and enjoy the local produce at its finest.
Wyaralong - The Overflow Estate 1895
It’s easy to lose track of time at boutique winery, The Overflow Estate 1895.
Situated on the banks of the Wyaralong Dam you’ll be swept away into a world where architecture and agriculture are intertwined.
Established as a vineyard and winery in 2010, the former historic grazing property boasts a view across the 4,000-acre working farm. The design of the Cellar Door is the work of Con Zahos, of Loucas Zahos Architects who designed a true, off-grid experience using minimalistic materials to create a sleek structure melding both feminine and masculine features while integrating the native bushland, vineyards and maximising the surrounding views.
Bush walking, kayaking and mountain biking is encouraged at The Overflow Estate 1895, as well as of course, wine taste testing.
Head over to the Cellar Door to try their five varieties of wine and enjoy a local experience with Summer Land Camels ice creams, cheeses and olives from ‘vintage pickles’ as well as live music every Saturday and Sunday.
Harrisville - Paradine Estate
It’s always ‘wine’ o’clock at Paradine Estate Wines and with 360-degree views of the working vineyards and the Scenic Rim, who can blame you?
Tucked away up the top of the hill at Harrisville, Paradine Estate hold wine tastings in the restored, Old Barn Cellar Door and invite their guests to sit out on their verandah to truly take in the breathtaking views.
A day out here will leave you feeling on cloud ‘wine’.
Canungra - O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
O’Reilly’s Canungra is equal parts vineyard, accommodation, walking tracks, wedding venue and even an alpaca farm.
The vineyard grows Verdelho, Semillon, Chambourcin, and Shiraz grapes.
There is a fine dining experience for those foodie enthusiasts however for those looking for something a little more low-key, the O’Reilly’s invite you to enjoy a picnic along the banks of the Canungra Creek or next to the 162-year-old historic homestead, ‘Killoween’. Their picnic baskets are packed full of delectable and local produce, perfectly paired with one of their signature wines.
Tamborine - Albert River Wines
If a experience steeped in history is what you’re after, then you can’t go past a trip to Albert River Wines. Describing themselves as “A heritage venue that captures the grandeur of our colonial past,” Albert River Wines is an elegant day out featuring great wine, farm-yard animal tours, whip cracking and relaxed dining.
The tasting rooms are located in the landmark, Auchenflower House which was once the home to three former Queensland Premiers, Sir Thomas McIllwraith, Sir Arthur Palmer and Thomas Ryan. So, whip out your Akubra and take a trip up the mountain to visit Albert River Wines.
Peak Crossing - Flinders Peak Winery
Flinders Peak Winery sprawls over 47 acres with an astounding 19,000 organically grown vines. This word-of-mouth experience is like no other and the team here pride themselves on creating a quality wine while using a minimal number of preservatives.
They say they enjoy keeping away from the hype of social media and produce wine for the sake of producing good quality wine. They love when locals pop in to try the produce from the Scenic Rim paired with of course, a Flinders Peak signature wine.