Join us for a weekend of Grazing the Granite Belt!
One ticket includes local gourmet grazing dishes, wine pours from boutique wineries, Sunday brunch and the unlimited use of all-day hop-on-hop-off buses to the participating venues.
This is your opportunity to meet the beautiful and talented makers and producers of the Granite Belt. Meet them in person at their very own cellar door and foodie venue to find out more about the wine you’ll be sipping and the produce and food you’ll be grazing – literally from the vine to the wine and paddock to the plate!
Get ready to indulge with these local gourmet spots this Autumn at Grazing the Granite Belt
Saturday 18 May 2024 Venues:
– Balancing Heart Vineyard
– Ballandean Estate
– Casley Mount Hutton Winery
– Dear Vincent
– Heritage Estate Winery
– Jester Hill Wines with The Folly Truffles
– Ridgemill Estate with Jamworks Gourmet Foods
– Robert Channon Wines
Sunday 19 May 2024 Brunch Venues:
– Jamworks Gourmet Foods
– Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cide and Shed Café
– Vincenzo’s at the Big Apple
Make THIS the weekend you plan to visit Granite Belt Wine Country.
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The Abbey Boutique Hotel is a stunning 133-year-old gothic, Victorian 3 story building, made from local sandstone. The Abbey is commonly mistaken for a castle or Australia’s version of Downtown Abbey, but it was actually a nun’s convent for the Sisters of Mercy!
Still boasting original cedar ornate woodwork doors, a magnificent grand staircase, stained glass windows made at the Royal Bavarian Art Institute for stained glass in Munich, Germany and an original pressed metal ceiling, the Abbey is a must visit for those that love the romance of yesteryear!
ABOUT THE TWILIGHT WINE & DINE:
Your evening begins enjoying canapes in the picturesque hotel gardens, sipping sparkling wine from ridgemill estate.
The grandeur continues with a 6-course dinner, paired with hand selected wines from the ridgemill estate collection.
Experience the magic of this unique and exclusive event, where guests come together on long tables under a marque to celebrate good food and wine, good company, and good times.
For more infomation contact Lisa at The Abbey Boutique Hotel: PH: (07) 4661 9777
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Pair pop up food with good company and sunsets that fade into a twinkling night sky, festoon lights, live music and ridgemill estate wines of elegance and finesse and you have soirees @ ridgemill estate!
Renowned for its friendly, welcoming staff, a visit to ridgemill estate equates to that feeling of arriving home after a long day. The team love what they do and enjoy sharing their passion for beautiful wine. Once you have visited ridgemill estate — you leave feeling like a longtime friend!
Estate owners Martin and Michelle wanted to offer locals, guests returning to stay at the estate and new visitors exploring the region ‘something a bit different to do’ on a Friday night.
“The Granite Belt is an incredible place to work, live and play!” says Michelle. “We have enjoyed many wonderful social gatherings on our estate with family and friends and they’ve always said to us — why don’t you do more events here? You have such an ideal space and the region is a ‘foodies hub!’ You need to share all of this beauty with everyone else!”
Join Martin, Michelle and the team for ‘soirees @ ridgemill estate. Become ‘a part of something and somewhere’ at this extraordinary event that promises to bring new life to your Friday nights!
Located just five minutes from Stanthorpe, ridgemill estate is renowned for its award-winning wines of elegance and finesse. Paired with breathtaking vineyard views the estate also offers a range of contemporary accommodation options nestled amongst the vines, where style and luxury are the vibe!
https://www.ridgemillestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soiree-Brand-image.png510800rm-zoik-accesshttps://www.ridgemillestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RME-footer-logo.pngrm-zoik-access2023-12-20 01:56:382024-09-16 04:04:16Slip into something more comfortable and step into some ‘soirees @ ridgemill estate’ Friday night vibe!
During your visit, our knowledgeable staff will take you on a journey through the vineyard, explaining the cultivation and harvesting techniques, crucial in producing our exceptional wines.
Dependant on the day you visit, you may feel the thrill of picking grapes directly from the vine, help with the plunging of red grape skins in our open ferment vats, or witness the viticulture team’s labour of love as they take on a grape crush!
Throughout this 2 hour guided experience, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage with our passionate team, and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the winemaking process.
The guided harvest immersion experience includes:
Vineyard walk and educational experience
Tour of wine production space
Grape picking experience (depending on schedule)
Observation of grape crushing activities (depending on schedule)
Plunging of red wines under fermentation (depending on schedule)
Complimentary wine tasting in our cellar door.
Gourmet cheese platter to share
10% discount on wine purch
https://www.ridgemillestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/crush-fun.png510800rm-zoik-accesshttps://www.ridgemillestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RME-footer-logo.pngrm-zoik-access2023-12-20 01:55:242024-09-16 04:04:03Experience the daily action of vintage — no two days are the same!
With Christmas approaching, ridgemill estate’s owners Martin and Michelle wanted to offer Christmas party pleasure seekers, the chance to try something a bit different.
They decided to offer an authentic winery experience – an experience that visitor’s to the estate keep flocking back for, all year round!
“We have come up with two Christmas party package options that we think everyone will just love” says Michelle.
“Our first option is a ‘casual affair’ where you can come along and choose from our extensive range of wines and cheese boards from our cellar door lists. Our friendly staff will guide you with a tasting experience to help choose your wines. This is a great option for anyone who’d just like to get together and unwind with no agenda or plans.”
“The second is a ‘twilight taste and graze experience’, where we will take you on a behind the scenes look at ridgemill estate, starting with a vineyard tour and specialty wine tasting experience. Our head winemaker Peter McGlashan will hand pick three wines from our range, tailored to your group’s preferences. All you have to do is settle in to reflect the year that’s been, enjoying great wine and grazing boards – jam packed full of local goodies!”
The estate offers both indoor and outdoor areas where you can have fun and enjoy some well-deserved end of year relaxation!
Located just five minutes from Stanthorpe, ridgemill estate is renowned for its award-winning wines of elegance and finesse. Paired with breathtaking vineyard views the estate also offers a range of contemporary accommodation options nestled amongst the vines, where style and luxury are the vibe!
Luxury winery accommodation in Stanthorpe | ridgemill estate
Be greeted by the friendliest people in Australia- Stanthorpe locals! and experience the changing seasons of winery life while staying in stylish Stanthorpe accommodation.
ridgemill estate is a boutique working vineyard located in Severnlea, a peaceful 5 minute drive from Stanthorpe and smack bang, right in the centre of Granite Belt Wine Country.
What makes staying at a ridgemill estate so special (and why you should do it!)
A unique and authentic wine appreciation adventure awaits you.
Our 12 self contained Studio Cabins and 3 bedroom Luxurious Winery Escape House are all surrounded by vineyard. Enjoy the chance to wake each morning and walk amongst the vines, and at the end of the day be mesmerized by the sunset and drift away, with nothing else to do but sit and sip!
Experience the seasons.
Each season tells a story in the cycle of creating a beautiful bottle of wine and when you wake in a vineyard the narrative is being told all around you!
During Winter the vineyard appears dormant, but at root level the vines are soaking up rich soil nutrients. You will see our viticulture team out amongst the vines pruning- a process which determines the following years vine growth. You will fall in love with fresh frosty Granite Belt mornings and wine tasting in our cellar door with the wood fire crackling in the background.
Spring celebrates bud burst and fruit set as the vines come to life. Our winemaker Pete is out meticulously tending to the vines to ensure the year’s vintage is optimized and that the fruit is a true expression of the season. Spring nights pair perfectly with a cheese platter and wine stargazing the milk way!
Summer heralds the onset of veraison and as we slip deeper into the season we move towards vintage. Pete monitors the developing fruit’s sugar levels, in preparation for his team of pickers to harvest. It’s a beautiful season to sneak off for a morning trip to Girraween NP. Partake a little toe dipping fun in the cool waters, then return back to ridgemill for an afternoon picnic amongst the vines, sipping your favourite wine from our collection.
In Autumn, the vines take on the rich golden hues of changing colour- bring your camera! You will see Pete and the team out picking and harvesting with vintage now in full swing. If you are lucky you will stay on a day when they are crushing and pressing the fruit. It’s a thrill to be a wine spectator! With beautiful fresh juice, the cycle begins and Pete ventures into his world of creative blending and refining to produce the next vintage of quality ridgemill estate wines.
Opportunities to get involved!
The evolution of a bottle of wine unfolds around you during every season of your stay and we know there are budding viticulturists who stay with us who would love the chance to experience more.
Pet friendly Accommodation in Stanthorpe (and what you can do!)
We are almost like old McDonald with our friendly goats, 2 vineyard pooches, 2 winery cats and visiting cattle! With our own menagerie of farmyard friends, we get that people LOVE their pets and a holiday without them is just not gonna happen!
We spoil your pet with luxe pet bedding and pet bowls and you can even bring your companion to our Cellar Door with you while you enjoy a wine tasting!
5 fun ‘things to do’ around Stanthorpe with your pet.
1) Take a pet friendly Winery Tour
Book a winery tour with Filippos Tours. They’ve even custom built a pooch bed into the seating plan of their Toyota Hiace!
2) You know how dogs love to explore!
Head to Donnelly’s Castle & Lookout, where your best friend can let loose on a smorgasbord of new smells while you get to exploring granite formations and making like a bushranger. HUH? Sorry! we forgot to mention! Donnelley’s Castle was actually the hideout the of the elusive gentleman bushranger ‘Captain Thunderbolt’
3) Dog-gone it!! Where can you eat?
Crowned Stanthorpe’s best burger bar and just 3 minutes down the road from ridgemill estate, no visit to the region is complete without a stop at Brendan and Shonel’s 50’s Retro Diner ‘ The Blue Topaz. Ps – We recommend keeping the ‘dagwood dog’ option a secret from your Fido!
4) Let me paw you a drink
Ernie, ridgemill estate’s beery nice neighbour from The Brass Monkey Brew House says YEP! we are very pet friendly – just don’t bring a horse or a tiger- Okaaayy … well NOTED! but back to the story, The Brass Monkey Brew house offers outdoor seating for you and your pet with the opportunity to sample handcrafted boutique beers fitting to all taste-buds.
5) It’s a wonder -fur- world
… and … from Mt Marlay Lookout you and your pooch have the chance to see it all .. well all of Stanthorpe and surrounds that is! Just a short drive from Stanthorpe’s town centre, the easiest way up is to drive but if you and your bestie are up for it – you can walk!
Enquire about pet friendly accommodation at ridgemill estate
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There is so much to see and do around the Granite Belt, here is our suggested itinerary for a fun family day out on the Granite Belt when staying at our happy place.
Experience Christmas all year round – The Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm – Feed the farm animals and try their fantastic Hot chocolates. Yum Yum!!
Get lost at the Maze – The Granite Belt Maze – Or try your hand at Putt Putt Golf
Explore Thunderbolts hideouts – Donnelly’s Castle – Take a picnic lunch and explore the hideouts of the famous Bushranger Captain Thunderbolt.
The BEST Apple Pie – Suttons Farm – Grab some apple pie for dessert. The kids will love it and so will the grownups.
Did someone say Cheese? – Stanthorpe Cheese – Pop in and try some local cheese and why not also have one of their famous milk shakes while you are there.
Beer from a Brass Monkey – Let mum & dad relax after a long day exploring and grab a pizza to bring back to your accommodation at Ridgemill estate and put the kids to bed and the grownups can sneak the apple pie!!
This itinerary groups together a range of attractions and experiences located around Stanthorpe that are family friendly. Starting from your base at ridgemill estate, this adventure should take approximately 4 – 5 hours depending on how long you stay at some of the attractions.
First Stop
Depart Ridgemill Estate – Make sure you say goodbye the goats before you head out for the day! –
Activities: Something for the grownups! Ridgemill Estate’s beer-y nice neighbours! Pop in on your way home to try an ale or two and pick up a beer for your afternoon BBQ.
Time to spend here: 30 mins
Travel time to next stop: 20 mins
Arrive Ridgemill Estate.
Relax and enjoy the spoils of your adventures!
Want more? Girraween National Park – With great walking trails. Head on down to the park to work off your lunch. Huge granite boulders tower above open forests in the spectacular and popular Girraween National Park, outside Stanthorpe in southern Queensland. Springtime is a great time to see the wildflowers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCLAqy_ewL4
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The Granite Belt is also home to loads of artisan producers. Producing products like cheese, craft beers, ciders, olives, oils and vinegar’s, jams and preserves. The Granite Belt is well known for having some of the largest vegetable farms in south east Qld. Stock up on these seasonal fruit and vegetables from roadside stalls on your next visit, or visit one of the many restaurants in the area that use local seasonal produce.
When visiting Stanthorpe, you start to wonder where can we eat?
With its diverse range of food outlets, you will discover some hidden gems. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to have a coffee or place to have lunch with the family, or dinner with friends, there are a number of places you can try.
Want to experience some good old fashion hospitality then head to Jamworks. They are open Friday to Tuesday. While you are there you need to try one of their Grazing Platters with a glass or two of local wine or cider. Then afterwards you should go for the Chocolate Brownie. OMG!! It is so yummy. They have a dog friendly area if you are travelling with your four-legged friend.
If you are wanting to dine out in the evenings, there are a few places that you certainly need to experience. One being the Barrelroom @ Ballandean Estate. Matt & Bobbie have recently returned to the restaurant and boy are they serving up some fantastic food. One thing you should try while you are there is definitely their Pan-fried Barra with prawn and pea risotto.
Another place well worth a visit is Varias @ QCWT. This is a training facility for local school kids. They do an awesome job under the guidance of the head chef. My suggestion to try would be their signature dish “The Medley of Mains” YUM YUM!!! And wash it down with a glass or two of their wine.
There is a newcomer on the block. Essen Restaurant located in the old McGregor Tce food Project building; they sure have some big shoes to fill. But by all reports they are not going to disappoint. They have only been for a short time and some of the comments have been fantastic. My suggestion for you to try is their 300g Scotch Fillet.
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