5 Cellar Doors Worth the Drive
Queensland wines that will change your mind (no, seriously).
Published on 13 November 2019
Written by Phoebe Tully
Photograph by Morgan Smith
We know we go on and on about how beautiful this region is. But we’re going to do it again #sorrynotsorry. And we’re adding more reasons to this growing list.
You know we love a good glass of wine here at TFG (Proof #1, Proof #2), so it won’t surprise you to learn that we have sussed out the local cellar doors. A cellar door refers to a vineyard or winery that is open to the public — sometimes it’s a full restaurant experience and sometimes it’s not much more than a roadside stand — but it gives you the opportunity to meet the winemaker and see the vines firsthand.
Ranging from options just down the road to more of a day trip, we’ve rounded up some cellar doors worth the drive.
Bunnyconnellen
We raved about Bunnyconnellen in our day trip article, and we’re here to rave about it again in this one. Not only is the property stunning, the wines here are shockingly drinkable. At TFG HQ, we always have a few Bunny bottles ready to convert friends to Queensland wines. Do a tasting of the range, pick up some bottles to go, or buy by the glass and enjoy out in the olive groves. The wines are not produced on the property, but are sourced from vineyards in the region, which means you have the best from each vineyard.
The cellar door is no longer open every weekend, due to Bunnyconnellen now operating as a wedding venue. But keep an eye on the events page (and our calendar) for open days throughout the year.
Distance: 45 minutes
Try the: 2013 ‘Laneway’ Chardonnay with some olives, of course
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Ballandean Estate
The wine flights at this award-winning vineyard should be on your local-ish bucket list. Ballandean was rated 4 stars by James Halliday, if you’re into that kind of thing, but the vineyard regularly takes out national awards and is considered the exemplar of Granite Belt wines.
The cellar door is open every day from 9.00am - 5.00pm. You can also take a tour of the winery every day at 11.00am, which is well worth it. Follow up with lunch at The Barrelroom, the casual fine-dining restaurant on-site.
Distance: 2 hours
Try the: 2018 Fiano, which is soft, unwooded and gets the party started
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Preston Peak
This one is so close it’s crazy! The wines here are from the Devil’s Elbow vineyard at Wyberba in the Granite Belt. Expect alternative varieties such as Petit Verdot, Mataro and Sagrantino. And the view is breathtaking, so plan to make a trip of it.
The Cellar Door is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 2.00pm (but call ahead), and you should definitely order the cheese platter to enjoy while you take in the scenery.
Distance: 10 minutes
Try the: 2011 Petit Verdot, which is like sipping a bowl of cherries
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Rosalie House
If you are on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with Rosalie House, because everyone you know is there on Sunday afternoons.
The cellar door restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner over the weekend, and includes everything from nibbles to a perfectly cooked Darling Downs wagyu. There’s a really strong emphasis on local produce here, so make sure you pay attention to the menu; it’s full of local gems. There’s almost always live music as the sun sets; you’ll very quickly see why it’s so popular.
Distance: 20 minutes
Try the: limited edition 2011 Rose
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2nd 2 None
Based in Kingsthorpe, 2nd 2 None wines are definitely quirky. There’s a range that’s infused with botanicals such as ginger (with names like IQ, Gee Spot, Buddy), a low-alcohol range and a fortified range (including the award-winning PJs & Slippers). For those who don’t like to take their wine too seriously, 2nd 2 None is refreshingly fun.
Distance: 25 minutes
Try the: award-winning PJs & Slippers at home in your PJs and slippers, obviously
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Did we miss your favourite? Let us know!
