From the glorious beauty of the Sunshine Coast mountains and valleys, to the relaxed life style of the beaches and harbour, the Sunshine Coast wineries encompass some of the best wine Queensland has to offer.


The Sunshine Coast is a geographically stunning wine region featuring boutique wineries and vineyards producing premium award winning wines. The cellar doors and restaurants of this region offer the visitor a personalised and varied wine tourism experience. The Sunshine Coast wineries are situated a short hour from Brisbane and 10 minutes from Noosa.

The Sunshine Coast wine region is one of the most diverse and fastest growing wine regions in Queensland. It encompasses vineyards situated high up in the cooler climate Blackall Range, Kenilworth and Traveston areas through to the milder climates in the valleys near the coast.

This diversity of micro climates allow for a wide range of grape varieties to be grown within the region. These range from plantings of Shiraz, Chambourcin and Chardonnay through to Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. All are small boutique vineyards who hand-pick their grapes and hand prune their vines. The personalised attention in the vineyards allow for wines that are distinctive in character.

The cellar doors are filled with people passionate about their vineyards and wine, and who love to share the experience of Queensland wines for the Queensland life style. With 10 cellar doors, the region offers diverse tourism experiences. From verandah dining overlooking vines, barrel tastings in the cellar doors, relaxing with a glass of great Queensland wine by the harbour or having a break in some of the gorgeous vineyard cottages and guest houses, there is something for everyone.

The Sunshine Coast wineries celebrate the enjoyment of wine and good food. Many of the wineries offer restaurants, cheese platters, gourmet picnics and winery and vineyard tours.

So, if you're looking for a relaxing wine experience amongst some of the most scenic countryside in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast wine region is for you. Daily tours of the wineries are available from both the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

The Little Morgue Winery

The Little Morgue Winery is one of the most unique cellar doors in Australia. Situated in a building that was previously a working morgue, the building is a landmark in the area. Originally built as a textile factory it was then converted to a morgue, and now into winery and cellar door. The building style is Gothic with lovely wrought iron through out. The new interior brings the new and the old aspects of the building together.

The cellar door is on the upper level that was originally the chapel. With high vaulted ceilings, there is a viewing platform into the winery operations below where the coffin used to appear. The lower level is dug into the ground making it the perfect environment for a cellar.

Michael and Hannah Van Der Merwe opened the winery on 6 December 2003.

The first major event was a Black Friday dinner in March with dinner guests all turning up as witches, undertakers and even skeletons. Wine such as Supreme After Life, a Touch of Coffin and meals such as Mummified Flesh and Sudden Death by Chocolate were devoured.

The Little Morgue Winery now hosts many events and a gourmet Sunday lunch is enjoyed by many, dining al fresco on the terrace or in the chapel for a more wholy experience.

The Little Morgue Winery is also available for small private functions and weddings.

Tour groups are welcome by appointment for lunch or a tasting of the wines produced on site in the boutique winery located in the previous embalmment area.

The Little Morgue Winery is on the way to the Ginger Factory and Eumundi markets.

For more information:

Michael and Hannah Van Der Merwe
Tel +61 7 5441 5951

Settlers Rise

The picturesque Blackall Range in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast is the setting for Settlers Rise - one of Australia's most beautifully situated boutique wineries. The Cellar Door conducts professionally presented wine tastings and information on the special qualities of Queensland wines. Local produce and cheese platters are available to accompany the wines.

A visit to the Settlers Rise Cellar Door facility is a memorable experience. On the wrap-around verandahs of the lovely old Queenslander there are spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast to the east and the Obi Obi valley to the north.

Early settlers in the area, German immigrants who settled mainly around nearby Witta (which was known as "old Teutoberg") grew grapes and made wine which was sold to the hotel at Landsborough - delivered on horseback, packed in saddlebags!

Wine has again become an important industry in the area where vines thrive in the rich volcanic soil and maritime climate of the Blackall Range. The Settlers Rise vineyard was planted several years ago with Chardonnay and Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to prepare for the Cellar Door opening in July 2000.

Grapes from Settlers Rise are blended with grapes sourced from other Queensland vineyards to produce wines of excellent quality, particularly suited to the Queensland lifestyle.

Visitors to the Cellar Door can enjoy wine tasting, morning or afternoon tea or coffee, cheese and local produce platters. Special arrangements can be made for group bookings which can range from a simple wine tasting to more in depth wine education or a really fabulous wine and food matching experience.

The Sunshine Coast and Hinterland area is a treasure chest of fascinating things to do and see, taste and buy. Wine tasting...homemade fudge and Goats Cheese...arts, crafts and designer fashions...Sunday jazz on the river…. There's something for every taste. Settlers Rise will help you plan a romantic weekend for two or a fun-filled break for your group.

Settlers Rise is situated just one hour north from the outskirts of Brisbane, less than half an hour from the Sunshine Coast beaches and just around the corner from the famous Montville village. Our Cellar Door provides an opportunity to relax, taste and buy quality wines, whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains and the Sunshine Coast. Hours: 10am - 5pm Open every day of the year except Good Friday, Anzac Day & Christmas Day

For more information:

Christine Harvey
Settlers Rise
Tel +61 7 5478 5558

Maroochy Springs, Eumundi

Nestled in the valleys near Eumundi is Maroochy Springs Wines. Having retired from their corporate life with Nestlé, Jack and Margaret followed their dream of owning and planting their vineyard in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Maroochy Springs harvested their first vintage Monday, 17 February 2003. Assisted by a dedicated team of friends and neighbours, the picking was accomplished in just one hour and 40 minutes.

It was a difficult first vintage, with Mother Nature throwing just about everything at the Connellys; the driest year for 101 years (the big drought); the hottest summer for more than 90 years; a hail storm (which on 1 December 2002 dumped hail the size of walnuts for over 40 minutes on the small grapes); and 220mm of rain 1½ weeks before harvesting.

For more information:

Jack and Margaret Connolly
Tel +61 7 5442 8777

The Big Barrel Vineyard and Winery, Maleny

For the Pagano family, the Big Barrel Vineyard and Winery is a dream come true after having been in the wine industry in Australia for more than 40 years.

The family already was successful in making wines in Italy in the foothills of Mt Etna in Sicily for more than 100 years. When Sebastian and Maria first saw the Maleny area overlooking the Glass house Mountains some 11 years ago, it reminded them of Mt Etna and they soon saw the potential of the rich volcanic soil that surround the Blackall Ranges. The Blackall Range, and Maleny in particular, is well know for its spectacular views, rolling green hills, cool nights, cabin and guest house accommodation.

Selecting the right vine varieties has always been a priority for Sebastian, a fourth generation grape grower. “As a viticulturist, it is extremely important to find the right grape varieties for the climate. Because this area is very wet and warm, we had to research what vine would best suit this area. Another consideration was creating the most effective form of canopy management.”

The Maleny winery was established in the year 2000 and is now growing local grapes and processing them on site. The winery produces about 15 varieties of fine premium wines available only in the cellar door. The distinctive cellar door is housed in a large barrel shaped winery, made from New Zealand laminated pine commonly used in ship building.

For more information:

Sebastian Pagano
Tel +61 7 5429 6300

Barambah Ridge Winery

Barambah Ridge has rapidly made its mark in the wine industry, producing premium wines crafted to be drunk in the Queensland sunshine. With a dedication to growing and sourcing quality wine grapes with intense flavours, and the pursuit of best practice wine making techniques and winery equipment, Barambah Ridge is recognised as one of the leading wineries in Queensland.

Consistently winning wine awards in state and interstate wine shows, Barambah Ridge aims at giving visitors a taste of the some of the best wines to emerge from Queensland.

With the winery and vineyards situated in the South Burnett, ninety minutes from Noosa and two hours from Brisbane, and with cellar doors at Redgate, Maryborough, and Noosa, Barambah Ridge welcomes guests to experience the wines of Queensland.

The Winery and Vineyards

Barambah Ridge Winery is a story of the vision of a group of people, passionate about Queensland wine, who commit themselves to establishing a large winery and vineyards to produce some of the best wines to come out of this state.

A state of the art winery was built in 1998, and has seen rapid expansion since then to accommodate the enormous growth in the amount of wine grape crushed at Barambah Ridge. The 2003 vintage crushed 500 tonnes of grape. Barambah Ridge is also the contract winemaker for many other Queensland wineries.

Barambah Ridge - Noosa Wine Bar and Cellar Door.

In keeping with this expansion, Barambah Ridge has cellar doors right throughout Queensland, including the Barambah Ridge Noosa Wine Bar and Cellar Door overlooking Noosa Harbour.

Noosa is a holidaymakers paradise, with sun drenched coast and gourmet restaurants on the boardwalk. The wine bar is open every day from 10am to late, and serves light meals and cheese platters. Live music is also in the wine bar every Thursday through to Sunday.

Wine tastings are held every day 10am to late, and free delivery within the Noosa Shire is available for those who would like to restock their cellars. The Noosa cellar door also is a stop for the River Flight Ferry, so after lunch, visitors can catch the ferry and take a scenic trip down the Noosa River to Hastings Street. Alternatively, the ferry is a great way to come from Hastings Street.

For more information:

Barambah Ridge Winery
Lynne Merrell
Noosa Cellar & Wine Bar
Tel +61 7 5474 0511

Glastonbury Estate Wines, Gympie

Enveloped in the hills of Glastonbury, hidden up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, are vineyards unlike any others in Australia. Glastonbury Estate is the vision of Steve Davoren, who saw the spectacular countryside in the foothills of the Great Divide, and imagined a village of wine lovers, with vineyards scattered through the valleys and cut in high up on the crests. Over the past three years, this property that was originally Australian bush land, has been transformed into one of the most unique vineyards in Australia.

The vineyards are terraced into the hills, with deep cuts made in the sides of the mountainside. The trellises follow the contours of the hills, sweeping around the curves. The vines are then planted on raised beds, with the terracing sloping away on both sides allowing for great drainage. Terracing also allows for good airflow around the vines, an important factor in the Queensland climate. The vineyards are set at the base of the Great Divide, 400m above sea level, and 12km from the Sunshine Coast town of Gympie.

In all, more than 16 acres of vineyard have so far been planted over six sites, all with their own individual microclimates. A total of eight vineyards are planned for the property. Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have so far been planted, with a small first crop taken from these vines in 2002. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines came originally as cuttings from vines from South Australia. A second stage planting of Verdelho, Chambourcin, and further Chardonnay and Shiraz plantings are in planning stage.

Viticulturist Murray Smith, well recognised for his comprehensive knowledge of growing wine grapes in the Queensland climate, is confident of the potential of the estate. The vineyards are all irrigated, with a pure water source being collected in the numerous lakes on the property. Being surrounded by virgin bush land, the vineyards are well protected from chemicals from other properties or sources. This combined with the favourable soils and terracing system give great hope for premium quality crops to come from the estate.

Glastonbury Estate is probably best know for its well awarded 200 Emotions Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The Emotions is one of the most awarded wines in Queensland, having won Best Queensland Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy at the nationally recognised Australian Small Winemakers Show in Stanthorpe in 2002. Emotions also took out the trophy for the Best Queensland Red Wine over all classes at the Brisbane Wine Festival 2002 and was awarded a silver medal at the 2002 Queensland wine awards.

Emotions is the signature wine of Glastonbury Estate Wines, and the grapes are sourced from cool climate Inglewood vineyards that are renowned for producing grapes of density and flavour weight. It is a big wine with a blood-red colour and significant oak seasoning from 15 months in new French and American barriques. Made by renowned Master of Wine Peter Scudamore Smith and Stuart Range, the wine is testament to the quality and sophistication of wines being produced in Queensland today.

Accommodation

Nestled amongst acres of terraced vines, surrounded by state forest and just fifty minutes from the heart of Noosa, Glastonbury Estate Lodge offers either total seclusion or a springboard for local adventure.

With its wrap around verandah overlooking neighbouring districts and vines , the fireplace for a cosy night in and even the modest herb garden, Glastonbury Estate Lodge has all the charm of a vineyard cottage.

However the luxury of modern convenience is not bypassed, as guests can make themselves at home in a fully self-contained kitchen and air conditioned bedrooms.

Containing three double rooms the lodge comfortably sleeps three couples or one couple and four singles alternatively. Two king size beds, each convertible to two single beds and one queen size bed are available. Each room has an en suite, television, tea and coffee facilities and a view of surrounding valleys and farmlands.

Cellar Door is located in the small township of Eumundi adjacent to the markets. It is open seven days a week.

For more information:

Steve Davoren
Glastonbury Estate Wines
Tel +61 7 5484 9106


Noosa Valley Winery Bed and Breakfast

Just 10 minutes from the heart of Noosa is a glorious bed and breakfast set in rolling vineyards. Noosa Valley Winery is owned and operated by George and Sue Mullins who came out from Ireland more than 30 years ago and never left. Purchasing the property in 1999, George and Sue originally opened the bed and breakfast side of the business, quickly realizing that they wanted to be a part of the burgeoning Sunshine Coast Wine industry. Some 550 Chambourcin vines were planted in 2000 at the front of the 13 acre property, and they harvested their first crop early 2003. The grapes were sent to Robinson Valley Winery at Ballandean.

Noosa Valley Winery acts as a satellite cellar door for Robinsons wines. Robinsons was established by John and Heather Robinson at Ballandean in 1969. Heather comes from the winemaking family of W Salter and Son who established Saltrams Winery in the early 1800s in the Barossa. Robinsons have a long history of wine awards. The cellar door at Noosa Valley Winery is open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm.

The Bed and Breakfast side of the property is perfectly placed for guests to take in the tourist attractions of the Sunshine Coast, all within a very easy day trip. It is just 10 minutes from Noosa's Hastings Street and beaches, and the same time from the renowned Eumundi markets. There are several comfortable double rooms with en suites, and dayroom equipped with television, tea making facilities and bar fridge. Large deep saltwater pool is great for the warmer months, and the B&B also has a golf driving range, pool table and BBQ area. The property is mostly suited to an adult getaway.

All the facilities are in place to make this a destination for corporate events, weekend getaways or relaxing day trips. It can also be used as a wedding venue.

For more information:

George and Sue Mullin
Tel +61 7 5449 1675

Kenilworth Bluff Winery

Kenilworth Bluff Winery is situated in a hidden valley beneath the striking Kenilworth Bluff. It is the Sunshine Coast's first established vineyard. Established in 1993, the vineyard is currently planted with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon and Chardonnay grape vines.

Access is well signposted. Turn off on the Imbil/Brooloo Road about 1km north of the Kenilworth township and follow the signs.

Coaches are welcome by prior appointment at any time.

Tastings of a range of our wines, local liqueurs and Kenilworth cheeses are available.

A visit to our winery allows a magnificent drive through the Mary River Valley, a visit to the Kenilworth Cheese Factory and an excellent Art Gallery in the town.

The proprietors, Roger & Lesley Kitchen, look forward to seeing you at the vineyard. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

For more information:
Roger Kitchen
Tel +61 7 5472 3723