It’s a warm summer’s day. A breeze drifts from the lake below, and the sweet smell of smoking beef drifts from the outdoor kitchen.
Nearby, guests make their way through the winery to a sea of lavender, purple flowers lighting up a hillside.
And in another winery, groups of people have made a garden courtyard their comfort zone for an afternoon of wine and platters.
All these delights are within 40 minutes of the centre of Logan, in the neighbouring Scenic Rim region. Yet, none of them are in the better-known Mt Tamborine area which has some gems of its own.
The Scenic Rim area is debunking any myth that Stanthorpe is Queensland’s only bona fide wine trail.
The Overflow Estate 1895 at Wyaralong is leading the way, having been able to entice chef Richard Ousby to create a Queensland-inspired menu.
The wine estate and a lake below offers an ideal setting for live music over a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch which warms the palate with smells from the outdoor barbecue.
Think of condiments such as kafir lime yoghurt with a light Thai pumpkin curry, or rigatoni with pork ragu to start, followed by barramundi or tender sirloin steak with mustard emulsion and watercress.
Lemon myrtle sherbert with a passionfruit “mess” or devil’s beetroot chocolate cake with lavender cream finish off the day.
Almost.
Before snoozing off, there are options nearby.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm has become known as a popular wedding venue, with its own natural chapel overlooking the purple blanket of lavender covering the surrounding hillsides.
Here too, they’ve brought in one of the best to create a menu worth the visit alone.
Daniel Groneberg has worked with some fabulous chefs from all corners of the globe during his time at the Hilton.
Now, he draws on the rustic aspects of French country style cooking. Think lavender honey glazed twice-cooked duck let or slow cooked beef cheek with truffle mash.
It wouldn’t be complete without lavender ice cream.
The farm also hosts a resident artist from the local area to inspire guests, and there’s a gift shop with local produce.
Sarabah Estate Vineyard has a quaint courtyard which is ideal for a sip of wine and a snack.
The rolling fields are green and lively and the wine, in particular the sparkling brut, is highly regarded.
Other suggestions for the wine tour include Bunjurgen Estate, Ironbark Ridge and Paradine estate.
On Mt Tamborine, there’s Mason Wines which has recently reopened its restaurant, Mt Tamborine Winery cellar door, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, Bavarian Gill Haus, Distillery and Winery, and Barney Creek Vineyard.
Winemakers will argue that they’re finding the right varietals of wine to suit the Southeast Queensland conditions, making for some pleasant tasting.
Some upcoming events until the end of January in the Scenic Rim region include:
SUNSET WITH THE CAMELS AT SUMMER LAND CAMELS: January 16, 23 and 30
Summer Land Camels at Harrisville (just under an hour from Brisbane) presents Sunset with the Camels! Guests enjoy stunning views with a glass of their favourite bevvie (which can include Camel Milk & Honey Vodka), a grazing platter showcasing their also award-winning Camel Milk Cheese and local charcuterie while they watch the beautiful camels in the twilight (PS the sunsets are spectacular).
FARM GATE AND FLOWER MASTERCLASSES AT PRETTY PRODUCE: various datesÂ
Pretty Produce is a flower farm at 704 Lamington National Park Road outside Canungra in the Scenic Rim on the way up to O’Reilly’s. It’s home to meadows of edible flowers, dried flowers, teas and flower cookies sold at the farm gate, a spring fed creek and is a hub for groups and classes.
Edible Flower Food Forests: Friday 15th January from 10:00am to 11:30am
Learn about a permaculture philosophy that touches on a raft of plants all working in combination for many purposes. In this masterclass you will explore the types of different plants, framed within their seasonal sector, that can be grown in combination in your gardens or meadows or even bushland, that work together to feed you, the soil, the insects, the animals, the birds, and the earth itself. Cost $55pp and includes a mini high tea.
MT BARNEY LODGE: Summer Night Rock Climbing: 16 January, 4.30pm-9.30pm
It’s the experience you never knew you absolutely needed! This on a fully lit rockface, this activity is perfect for beginners, and also makes the most the cool summer twilight hours. Includes a home-cooked meal to keep all the hungry climbers satisfied. Both beginner and advanced climbs available. All rock-climbing gear is supplied, price is $80pp.
PICNIC ON THE FARM – TOMMERUP DAIRY FARM:  Sat 16 January, 9.30am – 1pm
Tommerup Dairy Farm just outside Beaudesert in the Kerry Valley is looking so beautiful and green, it’s the perfect spot for a Summer Picnic. Feed the chickens, calves and guinea pigs, buy a pumpkin from the Farm Larder and join in the fun of smashing pumpkins pig feeding. The Hut Cafe will have morning tea and snacks sorted – with coffee and gourmet ice creams and farm house treats (the Farmhouse affogato is the bomb – Jersey Girl buttermilk ice cream drowned in a shot of espresso!!). Take your swimmers, your boogie boards (or your floaties…) and take advantage of the beautiful flow in the Albert River. Enjoy your picnic down by the river or pull up a hay bale in the picnic paddock.
RUNNING CREEK BEEF AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND FARM GATE MARKET
Sunday 24, Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 January, 10am to 3pm
Running Creek Beef farm is throwing open it’s gates giving food lovers the opportunity to shop in the open, clean, country-fresh air surrounded by spectacular mountains. Bring an esky and cold-packs and take home their grass-fed beef, pies and a range of Scenic Rim produced gourmet goodies. Also available on the day will be the original Crows Nest Traditional Soft drinks and hot pies.
SUNSET SIPS AT WITCHES FALLS WINERY: every FRIDAY in Summer, 4pm to 7pm
At home at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim, Witches Falls Winery’s jasmine smothered cellar doors stay open until 7pm on Fridays, which makes for a great excuse to have a Sunset Sip, and raise a glass to the week.
SUNDAYS LIVE ON THE TERRACE @ KOOROOMBA VINEYARD & LAVENDER FARM
Every Sunday, 12noon to 4pm
Nestled in the Fassifern Valley at Mt Alford near Boonah, Kooroomba is home to a cellar door, an award-winning restaurant headed by Executive Chef Daniel Groneberg, and a lavender shop which overlooks a six-hectare vineyard and a breathtaking lavender fields, with magnificent views of the Scenic Rim mountains. LIVE ON THE TERRACE happens every Sunday – guests enjoy a glass of wine, with house made cob loaf and listen to sweet, mellow tunes.
