Queensland wines – a vintage way to celebrate the nation

The Queensland Government is encouraging revellers to add some distinctive Queensland flavours to their Australia Day celebrations.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said popping the cork on January 26 celebrated both Australia and the State’s vibrant wine industry.

“Queensland’s emerging wine industry boasts some of the most talented wine makers whose outstanding varieties have won numerous awards,” Mr Furner said.

“Our winemakers have worked incredibly hard through the challenges of COVID-19, and having their finest at your Australia Day celebrations will be a terrific gesture of support.

“Although Queensland is a small wine producer nationally, our quality sets us ahead with the average value per tonne of grapes more than double that of the rest of the nation.

“And that quality was reflected at the recent Queensland Wine Industry Association awards which attracted record entries.

“Responsibly raising a glass or two of Queensland produced wine ensures Australia Day 2022 starts with a crisp note on the palate and with a fine vintage.”

Mr Furner said Queensland’s wine industry had a long and proud history dating back the 1860s when the first grapevines were planted at Roma and in the Granite Belt region.

“From humble beginnings, the industry has grown and, in 2019-20, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 365 hectares of grapes were grown for wine production with nearly 30 businesses involved in the industry,” Mr Furner said.

“Our winemakers stretch from the renowned Granite Belt region, which produces 60 per cent of the State’s wine, to the South Burnett, the Scenic Rim and the Redlands Coast – home to Sirromet Wines at Mt Cotton.

“Many Queenslanders will have enjoyed a fruity white or a full-bodied, robust red from wineries like Ballandean Estate and Golden Grove Estate at Stanthorpe, Clovely Estate in the South Burnett, and the Scenic Rim’s Witches Falls.”

Mr Furner said Queensland winemakers offered a comprehensive wine list.

“From traditional favourites such as chardonnay, semillon, shiraz, and cabernet; to new varieties such as roussanne, alvarinho, sagrantino and malbec, and, of course, the traditional glass of bubbles to toast Australia Day, Queensland’s wine industry has something to satisfy everyone,” he said.

“Queensland produced wines also perfectly complement our world class range of locally produced food including cheeses, nuts, seafood and meat.

“So charge your glasses, enjoy your favourite Queensland wine, and remember to take a photo of it and decant it online using the hashtag, #eatqld.

“And with so many people enjoying a well-earned break over the festive season, it’s an ideal opportunity to Taste Farm Life and explore Queensland’s first official wine trail, the Vine and Shine Trail, connecting more than 70 of Queensland’s finest wineries, vineyards, and cellar doors.”

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920