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Welcome to Queensland Vineyards. On this site you will, find an introduction to the Vineyards in Queensland, of which there are currently 177 Wineries.
The quality of Queensland wines is now recognised as among the best in Australia. Overseas exports are increasing, particularly to international markets seeking premium quality boutique wines. Queensland Wine is now exported to 16 countries and the Wine Industry Development Department says the industry is now worth over $40 million dollars annually. In an ironic twist, Angelo Puglisi's Ballandean Estate on the Granite Belt now sells more wine in restaurants abroad than it does at Queensland eateries. Queensland vintners have for years battled to be included on local restaurant wine lists despite winning more than 50 medals at interstate and overseas shows in recent years. The Queensland wine industry dates back to 1839 when Mr Robert Ramsay Mackenzie planted a small patch of French vines in Ballandean on the Granite Belt. Winemaking in Queensland began in the mid-19th century, when the first vineyards were planted. However, it was not until many years later, in the 1980s, that Australian wine was appreciated around the world, and in particular, a number of impressive wines produced from Queensland. The scenic Stanthorpe resort is within easy reach of Brisbane city centre either by car or wine tour. Here you will find over 40 of Brisbane's vineyards and breweries, allowing you to see the whole winemaking process, from grape to actual bottle. The Queensland wine industry has grown significantly over the years to cover approximately 1500 hectares. The majority of this growth has occurred during the past 7 years with significant plantings throughout the southeast corner of the State. An approximate summary of the current plantings of wine grapes in Queensland as of end of 2004: The Granite Belt - 790 hectares, The South Burnett - 420 hectares, Darling Downs - around Toowoomba - 120 hectares, Inglewood District 30 hectares, North Burnett and Central Queensland - 40 hectares, Sunshine Coast and Hinterland - 20 hectares, Gold Coast Hinterland, Brisbane, Brisbane Valleys and the Scenic Rim - 50 hectares, Somerset Valleys and D'Aguilar Ranges - 20 hectares, Maranoa Region - Roma, St George and Surat - 20 hectares. Total = 1,500 hectares Times have changed and the wine industry of Queensland has grown significantly over the years to cover a total of 500 hectares. The majority of this growth has occurred during the past 5 years with significant plantings throughout the southeast corner of the State. Industry investment in the Queensland wine industry has exceeded 80 million over the past 10 years. A significant number of plantings are still expected to reach full production in the next few years.
QueenslandVineyards.com is designed and edited by Alessandro Sorbello for New Realm Media. |
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The demand for Queensland grapes has traditionally been absorbed within the State with the majority of Queensland wines being sold at cellar doors. Export markets and an increase in retail sales has occurred and is timely with the increases in total State production.