Ballandean
Ballandean is a small town and locality in the Granite Belt Region of the Southern Downs with a population just over 450. It's 237 kilometres from Brisbane and the drive takes just under 3 hours.
The Granite Belt area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other areas that make up much of South East Queensland.
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| Seriously it looks like the moon |
Golden Grove Estate
Run by the Costanzo family (Sam and Grace with their boys Raymond and Jason), Golden Grove Estate is a multi-award winning winery located in beautiful Ballandean. We especially love their Sauvignon Blanc, Nero D'Avalo, Mediterranean Red and Tempranillo varieties. My late father-in-law was great friends of the Costanzo family and spent much of his younger years growing up in the township. Their Facebook page is available here. Check out their website.
Sicilian Vintage Lunch
The Sicilian Vintage Lunch, held annually by Golden Grove, is a celebration of the beginning of the vintage.
Now in it’s 16th year, the day starts with wine tasting on arrival followed by a full buffet lunch of authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
Antipastos...
...fresh salads, pastas and homemade authentic Sicilian sausages are just some of the dishes on the menu. The eggplant lasagne was to die for so of course we all had seconds of it.
Their traditional grape pudding (mostarda), made from the juice of the the crushed grapes, is the specialty of the day. This traditional pudding was served with poached fruit and a sweet wine sauce. The recipe was handed down by their ancestors from their homeland of Sicily. It was always made from the juice of the first crush of the vintage.
Another Sicilian delicacy is the prickly pear or in Italian Fig dell'India. My father-in-law used to grow these trees in his backyard. Mr P has terrible memories of running into these trees when he was mowing around them.
Entertainment was provided by Brisbane artist, Fortunato Isgro who sings traditional Italian songs. It creates such a great ambience and people get up and dance along.
The grape pickers bring home the first harvest which is then blessed and a grape stomp begins.
Vineyard Cottages
We stayed in the beautiful Vineyard Cottages located not far from Golden Grove Estate in Ballandean. The cottages are nestled amongst beautiful gardens and provide the perfect, cosy place to stay. Check out their website.
They also have a licensed restaurant onsite which we took advantage of on Saturday night. The meal was delicious and beautifully presented by the chef.
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| Dressed and ready to explore some more |
The Bramble Patch
Brunch on Sunday was sorted with berry poffertjes, waffles and chocolate cake from The Bramble Patch. Check out their website.
While we were there we also picked up some of their amazing berry coulis and jams. The coulis is delicious poured over ice-cream, berries, meringue and cream.
There is no store-bought jam that tastes anywhere near The Bramble Patch's.
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| Mangia Meglio Vivi Meglio - Eat Better Live Better |
We always visit The Bramble Patch when we're in town.
Tenterfield
We headed south to Tenterfield, former home of singer Peter Allen. We visited the Tenterfield Saddlery where Peter's grandfather worked. We also saw his grandfather's former home.
Strawberry Fields
We picked 2kg of strawberries from the Strawberry Fields near Stanthorpe. Check out their website.
We demolished most of them on the drive back to Brisbane.
Sutton's Juice Factory, Cidery, Distillery & Shed Cafe
The apple pie at Sutton's Farm is incredible. You must try it. Check out their website.
You can also pick your own tree-ripened apples, sample the juices, ciders, conserves and brandy or dine at their delightful cafe.
What a wonderful weekend it was. If you're looking for incredible food and amazing wine Ballandean has it all. It's the perfect getaway.
We will be back in a few weeks for the biennial Apple and Grape Harvest Festival held in Stanthorpe (just north of Ballandean). Check out their website. Can't wait.
Until next time xx
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