Quench your thirst at these Gold Coast wineries
List
By Sarah Bristow
Perhaps you’re more familiar with the Gold Coast for its beaches and meter maids, but that’s not all that the Southern Queensland favourite has to offer its guests.
Wine lovers can rest assured that there’s plenty of drinking to be done in these parts, particularly around the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim. This is where you’ll find the region’s vineyards and wine purveyors. Among them, Gold Coast wineries and wine tours are the ones you can’t afford to miss.
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Clamber your way through the rainforest of the Gold Coast Hinterland to the historic homestead of Killowen, home to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.
The family-run endeavour has been welcoming guests since 1998, inviting visitors to drop by and sample local goods at its award-winning cellar door and vintage restaurant.
If you fancy something outdoors, book a gourmet picnic or BBQ hamper to enjoy by the creek, or indulge in a private 3-course-lunch complete with a scenic view with Pterodactyl Helicopters.
Albert River Wines
Photo by Albert River Wines via Facebook
Experience a slice of Queensland history with a visit to Albert River Wines. The historic homestead’s wine sampling room is the former Auchenflower House Billiard Room - home to three Queensland Premiers.
Now the space offers drops crafted from Queensland-grown grapes, to be enjoyed on the sweeping verandah or neighbouring French restaurant, accompanied by views of Tamborine Mountain. Or gather your friends for a Cork ‘n Fork Winery Tours instead, ideal for large groups.
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
Photo by Sarabah Estate Vineyard via Facebook
Wind your way through cattle properties and rolling hills to reach Sarabah Estate Vineyard. On the cusp of Lamington National Park, this private estate is the definition of picturesque, home to a white chalet surrounded by vines, and a much-loved farm-to-table restaurant.
It’s no surprise that this is one of the area’s most popular venues when it comes to weddings - as an added bonus it’s home to the region’s best sparkling wine. Make your own way, or join Pterodactyl Helicopters for their eastern Scenic Rim winery tour, which also drops into Mount Cotton’s Sirromet Winery.
Witches Falls Winery
Don’t miss out on a chance to visit this winery, gifted five red stars by famed critic James Halliday. One of the state’s largest wine producers, Witches Falls Winery is the creation of Hunter Valley locals who moved north of the border to Mount Tamborine.
Drop into the rustic cellar door to sip on the three key ranges available of Granite Belt, Wild Ferment and Prophecy vinos, or even some cider, to be enjoyed alongside artisanal cheese platters. You can see more of Tamborine Mountains drinkable sensations with the deluxe wine tours of Tash Maree Travel, or a guided private tasting with Gold Coast Food and Wine Tours, which also guides foodies through the restaurants and bars closer to the coast.
Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery
Perhaps the most tourist-friendly of the Gold Coast wineries is Cedar Creek Estate. The vineyard, which grows grape varieties Verdelho and Chambourcin, nudges not one but two separate tourist attractions.
While the charming vineyard is well-worthy of a visit in its own right, its neighbours include famed glow worm haven Cathedral Caves and an outpost of Arthur Hamblin’s Australian Outback Art Gallery. Take your own tour or grab some fun-loving friends to see the grapes at Cedar Creek as a part of the Hole in Wine Tour with The Vino Bus which kicks off with mini-golf.
Mount Nathan Winery
Make way to the luscious surrounds of Clagiraba Creek where Mount Nathan Winery sits in the middle of a Paulownia plantation. While wine is indeed a specialty of this space so too is honey - the vineyard prides itself on its fortified honey range produced from 200 fully working bee hives found on site. Pick up a jar for yourself as a souvenir of your visit, alongside one of the many bottles of fortified wines and table wines available.
There’s plenty to see and do before you depart though, including sheep feeding, yabby and bee observation. Or stick to drinking - exploring the vineyard on a full day with Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tours.
Ready to sip more? Here's why the Vine and Shine Trail is a must-do for wine lovers.
You may also like to read
