STRANGE BIRD Wine Trail ABC Landline item

Wineries in the Granite Belt region of Queensland have developed a program called Strange Bird. It is a Wine trail to encourage visitors to the region to seek out the alternative varieties being grown at 17 of the local vineyards.

The Strange Bird program was featured on the ABC Landline Program on 30 March. Many of the innovative winemakers had their say about the region and the new varieties.

You can see the transcript of the show here
Transcript of the Landline Program- 30/03/2008: STRANGE BIRD . Australian Broadcasting Corp

The Granite Belt Wine Country Page for more info and a Strange Bird Map

Granite Belt Alternative Wine Trail

The Strange Bird above will guide you on the Granite Belt Alternative Wine Trail to some of the most innovative wineries in Queensland's Granite Belt. 21 wineries are participating - all have at least one wine made from alternative varieties.

You can download a brochure with details and a cleverly presented map.

Perfect Match Lunches

The Granite Belt wine region doesn't do things by halves. They run a wine Fetival for SIX WEEKS! -from 28 Sep 07 To 11 Nov 07

For example during the Spring Wine Festival Season you can enjoy a delicious degustation experience every Sunday at the Cooks, Gluttons & Gourmets restaurant.

A four course lunch with matching wines from top Granite Belt producers, featuring a different winery each week, with an opportunity to meet the winemaker!

Bookings are essential and special designated driver's packages are available.


30th September Mason Wines
7th October Boireann
14th October Rooklyn
21st October Hidden Creek and Back Pocket Wines
28th October Ridgemill Estate
4th November Ravens Croft Wines
11th November Symphony Hill

More stuff about the Festival

Horror vintage 2007

The 2007 Vintage in Australia looks like one to forget for many wineries. Chrismont in the King Valley have just announced that they will not be producing any wine for this vintage. Two heavy frosts in spring were followed by three bushfires around the vineyard. Elsewhere throughout Australia water shortages and frosts have devastated the crops. For example, my friends at Ridgemill Estate have lost all of their Tempranillo to frost.

On a brighter note, you have a chance to savour just what the King valley can produce given reasonable weather. On Friday March 16 there is a special dinner as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Details here.(pdf file) Or call 1800 801 065

Has anyone got any good news about the 2007 Vintage?

Leave a comment.