strangebird wine trail

The story behind the Strangebird Wine Trail

The idea for the Strangebird Wine Trail was born one relaxed Sunday afternoon over a beer, when our winemaker Peter McGlashan and fellow local winemaker Jim Barnes got to talking. They imagined a wine trail that would celebrate the Granite Belt’s unique offerings—wines made from alternative grape varieties not commonly found across Australia.

The Granite Belt is now recognised as one of the country’s leading regions for alternative variety wines—fondly referred to as Strangebirds. To be classified as an alternative variety by Wine Australia, the grape must represent less than 1% of all bearing vines in the country and must be grown in the Granite Belt region.

Wine tasting on the Granite Belt is unlike anywhere else. Here, you’ll discover distinctive varieties perfectly suited to specific food pairings. At many cellar doors, the person pouring your wine may also be the one who grew the grapes and crafted the vintage—offering a truly boutique, hands-on experience. Every bottle tells a story, and each Strangebird wine reflects the character and creativity of the winemaker behind it.

At ridgemill estate we’re proud to feature a selection of Strangebird wines including Tempranillo, Saperavi, Viognier, Verdelho and Mourvèdre. Want to take your tasting to the next level? Book a Strangebird Wine & Cheese Flight or enjoy a Winemaker’s Tasting Experience . Our winemaker, Peter McGlashan, will personally guide you through the rare and remarkable flavours of the Granite Belt.

Don’t forget to grab your copy of the Strangebird Wine Trail Map and start your journey into the unexpected