STANTHORPE, QUEENSLAND

WHAT’S ON SCRUMPTIOUS SLOW COOKED PRODUCE WINTER REDS

brass monkey season

Winter

Winter is colloquially our Brass Monkey Season; frosty mornings, beautiful crisp clear days,

the bare trace of winter trees trimmed with frost, and cosy evenings with a glass of red in

front of an open fire.

Stanthorpe is the coolest (make that coldest) place in Queensland, and it’s the winter chill in

the Granite Belt that has earned the season its nickname.

June, July and August is the busy season in the Granite Belt and Stanthorpe, as visitors come to

enjoy a crackling log fire, slow cooked food, and sensational winter reds.

Plus, there is always the prospect - or hope - of snow and the first reports bring media and visitors

flocking to the region.

winterThe Brass Monkey Story

Where does the saying‘cold enough to freeze the balls off

a brass monkey’ originate?

There are several accounts. One version suggests a brass monkey was the name given to a metal rack used to store cannon balls on sailing ships.

Water would collect in these racks, and in winter it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so

they spilled out of the racks.

So that’s one way to freeze the ballsoff a brass monkey!

THE BRASS MONKEY, STANTHORPE

Winter Warming

GetawaysThe Granite Belt offers the perfect winter warming

getaway. Rug up for fresh cool days while taking in

the dramatic landscape of contrasts: from bushland

bordered by granite monoliths, to farms and vineyards.

As the mist sets on the mountains and lakes, it’s time

to enjoy an impressive red. Shiraz (or Syrah) comes

into its own in winter.

It is internationally recognised that granite soils

produce the best Shiraz and we would have to agree.

We encourage you to source a Shiraz with a rich ripe

flavour, a touch of pepper and silky tannins. This spicy

and complex wine is best served with local red meat

and winter vegetables.

The Granite Belt also produces some fabulous

Cabernets. Winestate Magazine loves Granite Ridge’s

Top Block Cabernet, or try Harrington Glen’s gold

medal 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enjoy them while getting cosy next to a roaring log

fire...winter bliss!

log fires

In Winter, wake up to stunning misty mornings in the Granite Belt; the chance of meeting ‘Jack Frost”;

and if you’re very lucky, falling snow flakes.

As the sun slowly rises the land begins to sparkle, and a new day has truly begun. There is a feeling of

indescribable freshness that is invigorating for your soul. Take your time to breathe it in!

Those that can tear themselves away from a cosy bed will be richly rewarded. Make sure you bring your

camera to capture the moment.

As the day continues, the frost and icicles begin to melt, and the day warms to a beautiful crisp but sunny

experience.

Layer dressing is the key in winter; from below zero overnight our sunny days can warm up to 20 degrees.

misty mornings

In Season in WinterBroccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,

celery, leeks and mushrooms.

There is more... while not yet produced on a

commercial scale, the region is a proven

growing area for chestnuts and prickly pears.

Keen foodies will find wild asparagus, wild

fennel and the foundations have been laid for

the production of saffron and truffles.

winter warming produce

Mulled Red Wineby Andrew Simpson,Varias Restaurant

1 x 750ml bottle dry red wine

225g (1 cup) white sugar

125ml (1/2 cup) brandy

125ml (1/2 cup) water

2 oranges, thinly sliced

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 x 7cm cinnamon sticks, lightly crushed

6 whole cloves

Pinch of grated nutmeg

Lemon peel, to decorate

Serves 8 approx.

METHOD

Place the wine, sugar, brandy, water, orange,

lemon, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a

large saucepan over low heat. Simmer, stirring

occasionally, for 5-10 minutes or until sugar

dissolves and mixture is aromatic. Do not boil.

Remove from heat.

Strain mulled wine into a large jug. Pour

among serving glasses. Decorate with lemon

peel and serve immediately.

The cooler weather has most of us craving rich, hearty foods, and feel-good decadent desserts.

Foodies, savour slow cooked regional produce, from heart warming wild mushroom and truffle infused soup, melt in your mouth tantalising pork roasted with apple and onion stuffing, or discover the call of the wild with gamemeat cooked to perfection, and finish it off with a heavenly hot chocolate.

After a bit of winter warming fun...make your own mulled

wine. Not exactly connoisseur material, but a steaming

hot mulled wine will warm the cockles of your heart

PIE

500g Diced Beef

1 large brown sliced Onion

Rosemary/Tyme

Roasted Garlic

Fresh cracked black Pepper and Salt (to taste)

375mL Felsberg ‘Bell Tower’ Shiraz (or red wine)

Beef stock

Gravy powder

Puff Pastry

METHOD

Brown off onions and beef with rosemary, tyme,

garlic and pepper in a pot until beef is sealed.

Deglaze pot with beef stock. Mix shiraz & gravy

powder, add to beef mix. Simmer on low heat

until meat is tender (approx 45 minutes). Prepare

shells/lids with puff pastry as for any other pies.

Fill shells with beef mixture, seal with lid. Brush

with egg wash and bake for approximately

30 minutes at 180C until pastry is crisp and

golden. Makes 5 pies

WARM WINTER SALAD

Sliced Spanish Onion, Mushrooms and Shallots

Diced roast pumpkin

Been sprouts

Rocket

Fetta

Caramalised balsamic vinegar METHOD

Pan fry onion and mushrooms until golden. Add

pumpkin, shallots, sprouts and warm through.

Remove from heat. Add rocket and mix through.

Add to plate, crumble Fetta over and dress with

vinegar.

Pepper Beef & Shiraz Pie with a Warm Winter Salad by Felsberg Winery + Cafe

BUNGAWARRA WINES

During the months of winter, especially July,

the Granite Belt comes alive with Yulefest

celebrations. A festive tradition of high

country hospitality.

From succulent turkey, traditional ham to

rich, indulgent brandy pudding, this is

Christmas the way our northern counterparts-

celebrate it. But if you want a true Granite Belt

experience try roast game-meat or succulent

duck.

Many of our restaurants and accommodation

properties offer a Christmas menu or weekend

celebration; book early as it’s one of the most

popular ways to enjoy winter in the region.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY DAY TOUR

Have you always wanted to experience

Christmas in July in Stanthorpe and never

‘gotten round to it’? Well, now there's no

excuse, with Stanthorpe's Filippo's Tours

offering a Christmas in July day tour from

Brisbane. Leaving Brisbane at 7.30am, you'll

have a morning tea stop along the way.

During your visit to the Granite Belt you will

visits fantastic wineries and food attractions,

along with a fabulous Christmas in July lunch

at the renown Shiraz Restaurant.

www.filippostours.com.au

CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE7, 14, 21 + 28 july

Celebrate “Bon Natale” in July with a

Sicilian twist. Jason will entice your

tastebuds with food his Sicilian

family have for Christmas. A full buffet

of mains and dessert awaits you.

Bookings are essential. $40

www.goldengrovee.com.au.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ VINEYARD CAFE7, 14, 21 + 28 july

Have a weekend escape to the winter

wonderland of the Granite Belt at The

Vineyard Café + Cottages. Experience a

4-course Christmas in July menu at the

renowned Vineyard Cafe. Start your meal

with a glass of mulled wine. $85

www.vineyardcottages.com.au

CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ CLAUDIA’S21 + 28 july

Experience Christmas in July, German

style. $60

www.claudiasrestaurant.com.au

christmas in (july) winter

turkey with all the trimmings

CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ HIDDEN CREEK WINERY CAFE

14 + 28 july

Enjoy a festive ‘Christmas in July’

dinner by the fireplace at Hidden Creek

Winery Cafe. $50 per person plus wine.

6.30pm for 7pm until late

www.hiddencreek.com.au

what ’s onSHIRAZ WINE DINNER AT HIDDEN CREEK2 june

A special dinner hosted by Master of Wine, Andrew Corrigan. Enjoy a three

course meal featuring Shiraz from the Granite Belt, other regions of

Australia and overseas. Price: $85 www.hiddencreek.com.au

VARIAS TAPAS AFTERNOON10 june

The prefect way to spend a lazy Sunday! Enjoy tapas at Varias Restaurant while

listening to the gorgeous sounds of Sarah & David Hume.

www.varias.com.au

Vintage Variety by the Fireplace Every 2nd weekend from june 16

A chance to try some of old wines from the Pyramids Road cellar door and

current releases side by side! Take your time and enjoy the winter ambience

of our cellar door with your friends. An informal tasting set up in front of their

fireplace. Bookings essential. $15

June - 16 & 17, 30 July - 1, 14 & 15, 28 & 29 August - 11 & 12, 25 & 26

www.pyramidsroad.com.au

what ’s onNow that the hard work of the Vintage is over it’s time for a bit of play ...

what ’s onNow that the hard work of the Vintage is over it’s time for a bit of play ...

YESTERDAY TO TODAYuntil 24 june

Celebrating our Italian heritage, this exhibition at

the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery includes two

components.

The first is a Historic Italian Collection of

memorabilia photos thanks to the Dante

Alighieri Society. Secondly, renowned

photographer Cory Rossiter looks at the current

Stanthorpe Italian community through the lense.

www.srag.org.au

Hidden Dimensions + Interpreting Elelements of Landscapes28 june to 5 august The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery presents

two exhibitions featuring landscapes: Hidden

Dimensions by Lyn Marshall - provides semi

abstract landscape paintings evolved from an

interest in Asian art philosophy.

Interpreting Elements of Landscape by

Rob Raymond - the artist shares his joy of our

local national parks through his drawings and

paintings.

www.srag.org.au

The Little Theatre presents

Under Milk Wood by Wales’ most

renowned modern poet, Dylan

Thomas.

An all-knowing narrator will

take you on a poetic tour of the

dream, memories, songs, gossip,

arguments and work routines of

the inhabitants of a fictional

Welsh village during one complete

day in Spring - all at once lyrical,

passionate, hilarious, nostalgic and

bawdy.

7.30pm 15 + 16 June

5pm 17 June

Complimentary refreshments at

intermission. Sunday includes a

special treat of hot soup and crusty

bread.

$20 adults, $15 conc

Tickets: Granite News Stanthorpe

(07) 4681 1099

Under Milk Wood15-17 june

what ’s on

GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE

what ’s onWINE MASTERCLASS23 june

Three courses of the best Italy has to offer at the Barrel

Room Cafe, Ballandean Estate. Wines will be perfectly

matched with each course and Dylan Rhymer,

Ballandean Estate’s Winemaker, will help you identify

the key tasting points of each wine.

www.ballandeanestate.com

SOLSTICE BLUES @ BUNGAWARRA24 june

The Solstice Blues@Bungawarra this year will feature

the Morningside Fats band, back by popular demand.

Led by Paul Renton, one of the shakers and movers

of the Brisbane Blues Festival, their sound is a

60s/70s blend of original and classic blues material.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of

Bungawarra Winery, or just rock up and enjoy the music

- wine and cheese platters are on sale at the cellar door.

From 2 to 5 pm. Entry $12 adults.

www.bungawarrawines.com

Faulty Towers 9 june

Enter the world of snobbish,

manic Basil; his domineering

wife Sybil; and the hopeless but

ever-hopeful waiter Manuel.

Faulty Towers comes to

Jester Hill Wines + Cafe for

a performance of organised

chaos. Tickets include a five

course dinner and a two hour

interactive show.

6.30pm for a 7pm start.

www.jesterhillwines.com.au

JAZZ IN THE SWIGMORE HALL15 july

A chance to try some of our old wines from the

cellar and current releases side by side! Take

your time and enjoy the winter ambience of our

old packing shed with your friends. An informal

tasting set up in front of our fireplace in the

cellar door. Tasting fee $15 per person.

Every second Saturday & Sunday from June 2012

June - Sat 16 & Sun 17, Sat 30 and Sun 1 July

July - Sat 14 & Sun 15, Sat 28 & Sun 29

August - Sat 11 & Sun 12, Sat 25 & Sun 26

Bookings essential.

www.robertchannonwines.com

Pranzo Italiano8 july Be an Italian for the day. Experience a five

course, long lunch featuring authentic live Italian

music and food with house wine included. Enjoy

a relaxed afternoon in the Barrel Room Cafe at

Ballandean Estate.

www.ballandeanestate.com

Markets displaying wonderful

winter wares. Experience local

beers and ciders, handmade pickles

and preserves, speciality craft,

secret recipe mulled wine and

Granite Belt produce. Enjoy the

winter atmosphere with music,

games and prizes.

Or book for the Granite Belt Winter

banquet featuring regional produce

on the grandest scale with a five-

course degustation.

www.masonwines.com.au

sample winter festivaljuly

what ’s on

swinging jazz in swigmore hall

ROBERT CHANNON WINES

GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE

BALLANDEAN

what ’s onWINTER WARMERS COOKING DEMO11 + 25 august

Join Varias Executive Chef, Andrew Simpsons for a cooking demonstration

of winter warming dishes. $50 per person includes a drink and nibbles on

arrival. 6pm for 6.30pm start. www.varias.com.au

The Pirates of Penzance 11 august

The Granite Belt Choir and local soloists present a Gilbert & Sullivan

concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance in the Swigmore Hall,

Robert Channon Wines. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at the

interval. $20/$15

www.robertchannonwines.com.au

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC WITH PENNY + ROGER19 august

Pyramids Road Wines invite you to their cellar door to join Penny Davies

and Roger Ilott for the launch of their new album “Boomerang Bay”. Be the

first to hear the repertoire of songs with a group of your friends in a cosy

setting, sipping wine by the fireplace. $10. 2pm to 5.30pm

www.pyramidsroad.com.au

THE WINEMAKER AND THE CHEF STRANGE BIRD DEGUSTATION DINNERS25 august

Join the Golden Grove Family for a night of alternative wines and food to

match. Costanzo brothers, winemaker Ray and chef Jason will work

together to match their alternative varieties (Strange Birds) to foods with a

Mediterranean flavour. www.goldengrovee.com.au

what ’s on

what ’s on

BARREL ROOM CAFE, BALLANDEAN ESTATE

COOKING CLASSES @ BARREL ROOM CAFE

11 + 25 august

Learn how to cook a three course meal in a

group atmosphere. Then enjoy all your hard work

with your new friends and a glass of wine.

Price: $70. 3:00pm to late.

www.ballandeanestate.com

brisbane to wallangarra28-29 july

Here is a relaxing and unique way to spend a weekend.

The special Winelander train will depart Brisbane’s

Roma Street station on Saturday, at about 7.00am.

From the large windows of your air-conditioned

carriage you will watch Brisbane’s Western Suburbs

pass and picturesque countryside, before the tortuous

climb of the Little Liverpool Range begins.

The next town is Laidley which marks the start of the

fertile black-soil plains of the Lockyer Valley. Onward

the train takes us through Forest Hill, Gatton,

Grantham and Helidon. These are the foothills of the

Great Dividing Range and after Murphy's Creek the

climb begins in earnest to Toowoomba.

South of Toowoomba you will encounter grain-growing

areas. Lunch is served as the train proceeds through

the small towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Clifton

and Nobby prior to reaching Warwick. Another range

follows as you climb to Dalveen. You are now in the

"Granite Belt" region. During the trip there are wine

tasting sessions in the club car.

On arrival at Stanthorpe you will be taken by coach to

visit the wineries, before reaching your motel. That

night, enjoy dinner at Claudia’s Thunderbolt Farm

Country Restaurant. A late start will be made on

Sunday morning. Enjoy lunch on the train as you

return to Brisbane.

www.arhs-qld.org.au

Regional Flavours @ South Bank21-22 july

Brisbane South Bank’s signature food

and lifestyle event, which celebrates

and promotes regional Queensland

produce, the people who grow it and

the creativity of our state’s chefs.

Now in its fourth year, Regional

Flavours plays host to more than 100

of Queensland’s best food and wine

producers from 12 different growing

regions; regions such as South

Burnett, Far North Queensland, and,

of course, the Granite Belt!

www.regionalflavours.com.au

what ’s onWinelander Train Journey

THE WINELANDER

Just breathe - crisp mountain air, clear starry nights, breathtaking views

and picturesque bushwalks.

Winter is a great time to visit our national parks; the climb to Pyramid is

definitely more pleasant on a cool day! And if clear, you will be rewarded

with panoramic views across southern Queensland.

Pack your fishing rod. Rainy weather is the perfect time to snag a fish or

two in the creeks. Fishing enthusiasts can chase an elusive Murray Cod or

Silver Perch.

And, if it’s very cold, hopefully, you will have the opportunity to play in

the snow. When the snow falls everything grinds to a halt, and the fun-

begins. So wrestle on the boots and wind a few scarves around your neck

and head out for some snow-time play.

outdoorsJust breathe the fresh air

GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK

The Granite Belt is the perfect place for family fun in Winter.

Children will love playing outdoors in the fallen leaves and climbing our granite rock formations. Make sure

they ‘rug-up’ before venturing outside.

During inclement weather there are also plenty of fun indoor activities for them to enjoy. Go apple juice

tasting; step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum - the red fire truck is a favourite with children of all

ages; or see law dogs in action. Check out our 15 Must Do’s for more ideas.

kidsWinter fun

1. Just breathe - let your children enjoy crisp mountain

air. At night count the stars or sit around a log fire and

toast marshmallows.

2. Grab a wicker basket and develop your hunt and

gathering skills. Children can realize the joy of food

in season bursting with flavour - this winter source

Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts,

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery and Leeks. Every

second Sunday be spoilt for choice at the Markets in

the Mountains.

3. With your season produce - topped up with award

winning Quart Pot Bakehouse freshly baked bread

and condiments from our many gourmet producers

- discover a great picnic spot. The visitor information

centre can provide a list offering man-made to natural

playgrounds.

4. Bring your bikes - ride easy tracks that wind around

Quart Pot Creek to our back country roads that

meander through the region.

5. (Hopefully) playing in the snow - it may snow during

a Granite Belt winter and we definitely get frosts that

blanket the land in white. So wrestle on the boots and

scarf and head out for some frosty play.

6. Pack your fishing rods - teach your children to fish in

one of our many creeks or a great option with picnic

facilities is Storm King Dam.

7. Throw a ball. When was the last time your family went ten pin bowling? It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours when the weather is not at its finest.

kids must do’s

8. Be aMazed. Get lost in the Granite Belt maze as many times as you wish and experience the tranquillity as you wander around the gardens and frog ponds. While you’re there play a game of

jumbo chess or mini golf.

9. Learn how to make cheese and about the different varieties at the Granite Belt Diary Farmhouse. Are you an early bird - children are also welcome to watch the milking at about 7am.

(bookings required)

10. Tasting for the younger generation - swirl and sip apple cider @ Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery. If it’s early in the season pick your own apples or share an enormous apple pie made from 22 apples.

11. And adults - don’t think that wine tasting with children in tow is out of the question; many of our wineries offer children’s toy boxes, vineyard tours and there is always the resident winery dog to play with (under supervision).

12. Discover our famous granite boulders and be elevated without hours of climbing @ Donnelly’s Castle. It’s only a 200 metre walk to the top providing breathtaking views over the valley. Surrounded by caves, legend tells us this was a hide-out of the famous bushranger Thunderbolt!

Feeling more adventurous - visit the renowned Girraween National Park. For spectacular 360 degree views climb Castle Rock or discover the precariously balancing rock on the Pyramid.

Learn more about the park’s history, flora and fauna from a ranger at the information centre. Camping is available but in winter make sure you bring your woollies.

13. More than lavender - discover lavender’s many uses at Crystal Ridge Lavender Farm or Aloomba Lavender Farm and also have a farm experience. Aloomba is also a 4000 acre working cattle farm

and Crystal Ridge is a prime lamb raising property with an animal display including alpacas, donkeys, miniature horses, goats, ducks and chickens.

14. Step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum and discover our connection with French battlefields and how Stanthorpe got its name from tin.

15. See Australia’s only privately-owned working dogs training kennel open to the public for action and training demonstrations. Get up close and personal while seated behind a safety fence and see the dogs in an experience like no other.

And before you leave make sure you

have your photo taken with our

famous Brass Monkey - it’s a ball freezing

experience.

CRYSTAL RIDGE

Winter is all about rejuvenating the soul and living life in the slow lane.

The Granite Belt is the ideal destination to reconnect, relax and rest.

Though the region offers a plethora of things to do, many enjoy cocooning

themselves in one of our beautiful accommodation cottages and retreats.

A book and a generous glass of red the perfect companions.

To rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, why don’t you go on a yoga and

wellbeing retreat? Go by yourself or get a small group of friends together for

a weekend experiences that will leave you feeling calmer, more grounded,

connected and alive!

Not into yoga – spoil yourself with a massage or a beauty indulgence. You’ll

emerge a different person!

rejuvenateemerge a different person

MALLOW WELLBEING + COTTAGE

granitebeltwinecountry.com.au