Grape escapes: South-east Qld wineries with accommodation
Here are some of the best spots to blend top drops with standout settings – all within driving distance from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Queensland has a surprising number of wine regions – from its cool-climate Granite Belt to the lush valleys of the Scenic Rim.
Across its regions, a growing number of boutique wineries are inviting guests to slow down and stay the night. Think vineyard-view cottages, romantic retreats among the vines and even luxury cabins shaped like giant wine barrels.
Here are some of the best to blend top drops with standout settings – all within driving distance from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Ridgemill Estate, Stanthorpe
Tucked just six kilometres south of Stanthorpe, Ridgemill Estate is a boutique winery that knows how to have a good time – and pour a great drop while it’s at it.
In the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt wine country, this family-run estate blends award-winning wines with warm hospitality, a good sense of humour and seriously scenic vineyard stays.
The Ridgemill team isn’t afraid to do things differently – it was the first in Queensland to plant tempranillo, and the first in the Granite Belt to take on saperavi, one of the world’s oldest grape varieties. The result? A trophy cabinet full of accolades and plenty of happy sippers.
With 12 stylish studio cabins nestled among the vines and a spacious three-bedroom winery house, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass in hand. Bonus points for the accessible cabin, pet-friendly options and those golden vineyard views from every cabin.
Distance from Brisbane and Gold Coast: About three hours
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Ocean View Estates, Ocean View
We have two words for you – Highland cows. Their names are Mavis and Ada, and they grazing on the property surrounding Ocean View Estates.
Established in 1998, this winery evokes a true family spirit with chief winemaker Thomas Honnef working alongside his daughter and son-in-law. The 40-hectare vineyard grows four varieties of grapes – viognier, chardonnay, shiraz and ruby cabernet.
Book a table at the restaurant or stop in for a night at the on-site cottages, all complete with a fireplace and picturesque lake views.
Distance from Brisbane: One hour | Gold Coast: One hour and 40 minutes
Soak up the solitude at Mount Barney. Photo: Facebook
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, Mount Barney
Craving a vineyard escape with a side of serenity? Say hello to Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages – a charming, family-run hideaway tucked beneath the towering peaks of Mount Barney in Queensland’s Scenic Rim.
Set on 16 hectares of peaceful countryside and surrounded by national parks, this boutique property has five self-contained cottages, each with its own personality (think spa baths, cosy fireplaces and private decks with stunning views). Guests can enjoy seasonal complimentary wine tastings at the cellar door, explore the bushland walking trails, or simply settle in and watch the local wildlife wander by.
With considered design, estate-grown wines and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, Barney Creek offers a quiet retreat that puts nature – and a good glass of wine – front and centre.
Distance from Brisbane: Two hours | Gold Coast: One hour and 45 minutes
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Barrel View Luxury Cabins, Ballandean
Barrel View Estate puts a bold twist on the classic vineyard escape – inviting guests to sleep in giant, luxury wine barrels perched high on the slopes of Ballandean.
With panoramic views across Girraween and Sundown National Parks, each architecturally designed cabin is named after a regional varietal and fitted with all of the comforts – king beds, en suites, plush robes and private decks made for sunset sipping.
But it’s not just about the stay. In 2025, owners Steven and Amy Torrisi expanded the experience by launching Vista Barile Wines, combining elegant estate wines with the unforgettable experience of staying in Australia’s first luxury wine barrel cabins.
Guests can sample the wines during their stay, with every booking including a complimentary bottle. It’s a unique, design-led experience that’s as much about the view as it is the vino.
Distance from Brisbane: Three hours | Gold Coast: 3½ hours
The Overflow Estate 1895 has glorious views of Lake Wyaralong. Photo: Facebook
The Overflow Estate 1895, Wyaralong
If staying in a luxury eco pod, hugged by nearly 500 hectares of untouched bushland and waking up each morning to a view of Lake Wyaralong isn’t on your 2025 bucket list, then add it immediately.
The Overflow Estate 1895 has one simple motto – “Great wine, delicious food and [a] stunning location” – and it has nailed it on all fronts. Indulge in a fusion of French and English dishes in the renowned restaurant, Roastbeef and the Frog before settling in for the night at one of the WanderPods scattered around the property.
Distance from Brisbane and Gold Coast: One hour
Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
Located on the Morris family’s scenic Mount Cotton property, Sirromet Winery is the closest winery to Brisbane and only a 50-minute drive from the Gold Coast.
With a backdrop of rolling hills, grape vines and lavender fields, Sirromet Winery is the ideal spot for a vino-themed staycation. Just like the focus on premium Granite Belt wines, accommodation at Sanctuary by Sirromet is nothing short of premium.
Check-in to the private tented pavilions, open-plan guesthouses or winemaker’s cottages, all surrounded by tranquil bushland. When the afternoon rolls around, unwind with unique experiences such as a fire-pit picnic, tours and tastings, wine flights, wine blending and indulgent hampers – or arrive in style via the private helicopter landing. La dolce vita!
Distance from Brisbane: 35 minutes | Gold Coast: 50 minutes
This article first appeared in InQueensland. Read the original here
