Wineries
A list of the best wineries on the Gold Coast:
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Canungra
Right on our doorstep, we’re blessed to be in the company of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard. Their expansive property stretches along Canungra Creek; and the vineyards, cellar door, and homestead are nothing short of gorgeous. You have the option to enjoy a brekkie or lunch in their vintage restaurant, or grab one of their gourmet picnic baskets (they’ll supply the blankie and everything) and laze about with a bottle of wine alongside the creek. Aaah, what we’d do to be lying there under a tree, right now…
Drive time: 45 mins
Sirromet Winery
Mount Cotton
If you haven’t yet made you way out to Sirromet Winery, then you need to check the diary and book in a day ASAP. A beautiful estate with endless views overlooking Moreton Bay and Stradbroke, Sirromet Winery truly offers the full experience to both wine enthusiasts and occasional drinkers alike through standard wine tastings, premium tastings, and a full winery tour. Their live entertainment sessions on the weekend are never short of epic; and there are heaps of tasty food options to choose from. Make it a fancy lunch at Restaurant Lurleen’s or enjoy the outdoor Tuscan Terrace which offers high tea or Italian-inspired meals all under $30. So many great things, it’ll feel nothing short of a mini-break!
Drive time: 50 mins
Witches Falls Winery
North Tamborine
Another fab winery we are blessed to find in our backyard is Witches Falls Winery. Witches Falls is a must-visit on any trip to Mount Tamborine, and is conveniently located just down the road from Witches Chase Cheeses, for those post-winery picnicking purchases. Where else can you taste a flight of six locally-grown wines for just $6? Don’t forget to grab a handful of extra bottles from the cellar door for your next Burleigh Hill Sunday soiree, where you can discreetly brag about how cultured you are.
Drive time: 50 mins
Cedar Creek Estates
North Tamborine
Perhaps you’re already familiar with the grounds of this pretty local winery, as the guest of a friend’s wedding. Not surprisingly, backdrops of its vineyards and sweet sandstone chapel have graced many a Gold Coast wedding shoot. Cedar Creek Estates Vineyard and Winery is another to add to your Mount Tamborine winery hop itinerary, with its own glow worm cave, rainforest walks, wildlife galore, cellar door open daily, and an onsite restaurant for a lazy lunch or high tea on the deck served with a side of gorgeous lake vistas.
Drive time: 50 mins
Flame Hill Vineyard
Montville, Sunshine Coast
Sitting at the very top of Montville, Flame Hill Vineyard has it all. Great views, luscious vines, incredible nosh—and of course, totally drinkable wine. Cellar Door tastings might just not be enough. But the real highlight is their Stomp event, where in celebration of a successful harvest, guests are encouraged to stomp the hell out of barrels of grapes. A totally unique experience combined with great food and entertainment, there’s really no better way to spend a day!
Drive time: 2 hours
Maleny Mountain Wines
Maleny, Sunshine Coast
Speaking of barrels—you haven’t seen any as large as a Maleny Mountain Wines barrel. You could park a jumbo jet in there! (No, this is not some kind of crude euphemism—their main building actually looks like a massive wine barrel.) With incredible views overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains and a rich volcanic soil perfect for producing Chambourcin grapes and an award-winning Chardonnay; this is a Sunshine Coast winery that should be hitting the top of your must-visit list.
Drive time: 2 hours
Ocean View Estates
Ocean View, Caboolture
Nestled in the green hills of Mt Mee, Ocean View Estate is a total slice of paradise. Their award-winning wines are exclusive to the estate and will be paired up to the perfect meal for you by well-known chef, Tony Tierney. The views from the restaurant overlooking the vines are breathtaking; and if your other half is more into beer than wine, they do their own craft beer. If you’re looking to keep it simple, grab one of their scrumptious picnic baskets and go set-up amongst the vineyards or lakeside in the sun. And as if these guys hadn’t thought of it all already, they also boast a set of beautiful cottages… Good scenery, food, drink, and accommodation? Sounds like the perfect weekend away!
Drive time: 1 hour 45 min
Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavendar Farm
Mount Alford, Scenic Rim
Hey—did you know there’s a lavender farm less than two hours from the Gold Coast? We’ve all taken a moment to lust over those pretty pictures of happy people swanning about among rows and rows of purple. You can do this. With wine! Kooroomba Vineyard is possibly the most stunning winery (and lavender farm!) within driving distance of the Gold Coast and they’re calling your name. The property overlooks rolling hills and mountains, with the restaurant offering 180-degree views while you enjoy their incredible menu. Sounds like heaven (with a scent of lavender).
Drive time: 1 hour 45 min