If you haven’t heard, the Scenic Rim is where you’ll find savvy oenophiles who know to ignore the naysayers who still claim Queensland doesn’t have a robust wine scene.
This ancient caldera in south-east Queensland with fertile volcanic soil plays host to a growing number of Scenic Rim wineries, all a short drive away when staying at Beechmont Estate.
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
This picturesque family-owned vineyard, just outside Canungra, does a roaring wedding trade but is also a fine spot to grab a wood-fired pizza and bottle of something nice to enjoy amongst the vines while resident alpacas amble by. A 2018 Organic Shiraz or the 2020 Private Reserve Vegan Chardonnay, perhaps?
Witches Falls Winery
Specialising in wild fermented wine with grapes sourced from the Granite Belt (in addition to its 0.4ha of estate pecorino and some fruit from South Australia), the best way to experience what Witches Falls Winery is all about is to book for a personalised tasting. Build a grazing platter of locally-produced cheeses, patés, and relishes to enjoy with six pours of your choosing. Designated driver? Try the non-alcoholic Bird Dog Sparkling Cuvée.
The Overflow Estate 1895
Set on the banks of Lake Wyaralong, this historic grazing property turned small-scale vineyard is one of the best Scenic Rim wineries, especially if you’re partial to a sand crab lasagne served with a glass of Fiano or Vermentino and a side of water and mountain views.
Mason Wines
The sibling to Mason Wines Granite Belt vineyard, this cellar door on Tamborine Mountain offers up classics like Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz alongside lesser-known varietals like Petit Verdot and Viognier. If the forecast is for sunshine, call ahead to book a spot on the lawn.
Beechmont Estate
Or, if you’d rather leave the car keys in your bag, stay put at Beechmont Estate and enjoy a curated selection of Scenic Rim wineries and local cheeses on the Sunset Terrace at The Paddock restaurant. Curated wine and cheese tastings are held most afternoons at 3pm.
During Eat Local Month in June 2023, Sarabah Estate Vineyard and Witches Falls Winery will guest star in a special collaboration event held at Beechmont Estate (stay tuned to the festival website for more information when it’s released).