Indulgent, earthy, and unforgettable—July in the Granite Belt offers the ultimate winter escape for lovers of cool-climate wine and rare culinary treasures.
A Gourmet Escape in Queensland’s Granite Belt
As the air turns crisp and the mist settles gently over the bushland, the Granite Belt region of Queensland comes alive with rich flavours and slow pleasures. July is a particularly special time, inviting visitors to enjoy two of the region’s most celebrated winter indulgences: cool-climate wine and rare black truffles.
Tucked just outside Stanthorpe, this high-altitude wine region is fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for food and wine lovers. “The Granite Belt’s cool nights and warm days create ideal conditions for grape growing,” notes Wine Australia, “resulting in vibrant wines with excellent natural acidity and structure” (Wine Australia).
Sip Your Way Through the Strange Bird Wine Trail
For wine lovers looking to explore beyond the usual shiraz and chardonnay, the Strange Bird Alternative Wine Trail is a must-do. This trail celebrates alternative varieties—those not widely grown in Australia but thriving in the Granite Belt’s unique terroir.
Expect to discover bold tempranillo, fragrant viognier, earthy mourvèdre, and other lesser-known gems. Each cellar door offers something unique, often with the winemaker themselves pouring your tasting and sharing stories of vintage, soil, and passion.
Pair your tastings with a seasonal platter of local cheeses, artisan bread, and preserved olives for the full experience. Many wineries in the region champion local produce, making it easy to enjoy a true paddock-to-plate moment with every sip.
Hunt for Black Gold: Truffle Tours in Stanthorpe
Beyond the vines, a more elusive treasure awaits beneath the soil—black truffles. Rare, aromatic, and coveted by chefs worldwide, truffles thrive in the rich, well-drained soils of the Granite Belt.
During winter, a few specialist farms near Stanthorpe open their gates for guided truffle hunts. Join experienced hunters and their trained dogs to sniff out these underground delicacies. It’s a hands-on, educational experience where you’ll learn how truffles are grown, how to store them, and most importantly—how to cook with them.
“Truffle cultivation is a delicate art,” explains ABC Landline’s truffle farming feature, “but Australia’s emerging truffle farms are producing world-class quality thanks to ideal cool-climate conditions.” And the Granite Belt is leading the charge.
Many farms finish the hunt with tastings—think truffle-infused eggs, creamy brie topped with shaved truffle, or rich pasta with a drizzle of truffle oil.
Retreat to Comfort at 31 The Rocks
After a day exploring the flavours of the Granite Belt, there’s no better place to unwind than 31 The Rocks. Our self-contained villas, nestled in native bushland just minutes from Stanthorpe, offer a private retreat with all the winter comforts.
Light the fire, pour a glass of your new favourite vintage, and let the quiet of nature envelop you. Whether you’ve spent the day tasting viognier or unearthing truffles, the slow rhythm of the Granite Belt continues into the evening—quiet, grounding, and deeply satisfying.
Plan Your Winter Escape
July is peak indulgence season in the Granite Belt, and weekends book quickly. Whether you’re here for wine, truffles, or simply the hush of winter in the bush, 31 The Rocks offers the perfect base.
You’ll leave with more than souvenirs—you’ll leave nourished.