Wine lovers, prepare to charge your glasses as you set forth on Somerset’s wine trail. Six cellar doors scattered through the valley each spruik their own expertly pressed offering. The first wine grapes were planted in the Somerset region in the 1800s by European settlers.
There’s seven main stops along the way plus one olive grove, so choose to make a day or a weekend of it. To help you find your way, we've done the hard yards and made a map for you to follow.
Winya Wines
Up in the hills, Angus cattle roam at Winya Wines. There are barbecue facilities onsite to cook up your own Black Angus rib fillet barbecue lunch. Finish off the experience with a tasting of all eight wines at Winya’s cellar door. Before you move along, pick up a bottle of shiraz and some prime Angus steaks to take home.
Open: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
Woongooroo Estate
The family-owned and award-winning Woongooroo Estate specialises in the art of wine and cheese pairings – what’s not to love there? Pop by the cellar door to meet passionate owners Phil and Gail and chat about the wines paired with local cheeses. The estate also offers antipasto platters and ploughman-style lunches.
Open: Wed-Sun 9am-4pm
Ocean View Estates
Ocean View Estates
Take a walk through the vineyard, meet the winemakers, dine overlooking the lake at the on-site restaurant and stay in your very own country cottage at Ocean View Estates. The winery has also recently added a brewing operation – so those keener on hops and malt will feel right at home.
Open: Wed – Sat from 10am, Sunday from 8.30am
Nirvana Estate Vineyard
In the heart of Kilcoy, Nirvana Estate is producing boutique Queensland Wines with the distinct character of the Somerset region. Pop in for a wine tasting and learn more about their 13-acre vineyard and varieties of Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Open: Wed - Sun 10am-4pm
Bellevue Homestead & Vineyard
Bellevue Homestead & Vineyard
The historic Bellevue Homestead is a living reminder of the early days of Queensland settlement. The main house, governess’s house, school and farm buildings were constructed in the 1870s. Stop by to experience the history of the restored spaces and taste Riversands Wines at the cellar door. Guided tours of the buildings are $10 each, and you can even stay the night at the boutique accommodation.
Open: Sunday 10am-4pm. Other times by appointment.
Mount England Estate
Vineyard
Nestled in the foothills of the Fernvale Township, Mount England Estate is the closest to Brisbane and is named after the local landmark that shadows it. The vineyard specialises in a range of wine varieties, producing only 300 to 2000 bottles of each brand or wine type.
Open: Thu-Sun 10am-4pm. Other times by appointment.
Bonus: Coolana Olives & Cellar Door
Coolana Olives grows and processes specialty oils, tapenades and award-winning table olives from its farm in the Somerset region. Drop by on your way back to Brisbane to pick up supplies for the home kitchen.
Open: Tues – Sun 9am-4pm
Bonus: Springdell Wines
Going beyond the verdelho and cabernet sauvignon, Springdell Wines creates plum port and liqueurs. You'll have to make an appointment if you want to stop in and try, but who wants to go through life without trying an Aged Strawberry Sherry?
Open: Bookings by appointment.
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