Ridgemill Estate, Stanthorpe, Queensland © Ridgemill Estate
The Darling Downs food and wine experiences
From vine to glass and farm to fork, the Darling Downs in Queensland is one of Australia’s most delicious food bowls.
Pour a glass from the Granite Belt
Pour a glass from the Granite Belt
The high altitude and cool climate of Stanthorpe and Ballandean provide perfect growing conditions for shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes, crispy apples, sweet berries and juicy stone fruit. Sit between the oak barrels of Tobin Wines to learn about their old-world approach to winemaking, then head to Balancing Heart Estate to picnic among the vines. For everything apple, head to Sutton’s Farm, where the pie slices are generous, the juice is freshly squeezed and the cider is deliciously dry.
Unwind by the vines
Unwind by the vines
Barbecue under the stars, picnic in the grass, let the kids run around the paddock, read your book by the fire, roll out a yoga mat by the dam and feed the friendly goats – a stay at Ridgemill Estate is the remedy to your busy life. And after so much fresh air, you’re sure to sleep soundly in the cosy cabins overlooking the vines.
Step into the farmer’s shoes
Step into the farmer’s shoes
Experience this bountiful food bowl from the lens of the farmer – be it herder of cattle, hunter of truffles, grower of strawberries or maker of wine. Hunt for prized truffles at The Folly Truffles. Watch the masters at work on Gleneden Farm with bullock driving, blacksmithing and leatherwork demonstrations. Or go behind the cellar door and learn about Granite Belt winemaking with Fillipos Tours – they’ve been in business for four decades.
Follow your nose to market
Follow your nose to market
The agricultural yield of the Darling Downs is prolific – it helps keep Australian grocers stocked with grass-fed beef, free range eggs and plentiful fruit and vegetables. Every Saturday, the growers of the very best local produce set up shop at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets. Spend the morning wandering the rows of fragrant herbs, small batch honey, seasonal vegetables and freshly baked treats.
