Spring 2011.

After a chilly winter comes the welcome Spring. The sap is rising, the vines are shooting, the perfume of pollen is in the air and the birds are amorous, colourful and bursting with song!! Yep, Granite Belt Spring - with all the wildness that makes you young and part of that cycle of renewal. You wouldn't miss this for quids! For the moment I don't want to think of the work that lies ahead when the new growing season is fully under way! Winter was a busy time for us too, with visitor numbers increasing into our peak season - it was wonderful to catch up with so many of you again. This year, in June and September, I hosted two Blues afternoons here at the winery which some of you attended. They were great performances and we all had such a good time that I'm going to continue them as a series with three month intervals. The next one will be early December, so watch the News page for dates and performers etc if you would like to come.

New Releases ... The 2010 Rosé has been well received, along with the 2010 Foundation Chardonnay and 2010 Gewürztraminer . Two new reds, a 2010 Cabernet/Malbec and the 2009 Shiraz replace the 07 Cab Sauv and 08 Shiraz respectively. Some 2008 Paragon remains as our flagship wine, but the whole of the current list is drinking beautifully, with enough time in bottle now to show the mature character of each wine.

Strange Birds ... Most visitors are familiar with the Strange Birds concept by now. Several Granite Belt Wineries have organised an Alternate Wine Trail so that you can sample wines made from the rarer grape varieties. Bungawarra grows Gewurztraminer and Malbec grapes which fit that category, so come and try them. Get a map while you're here to visit the other wineries, or go to www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au then click on Strange Birds.

Shakespeare under the Stars ... Last year's production of The Merchant of Venice was one of our best so far in the series ... but it was a disappointment when the rain washed out every night at Bungawarra among the backlit rocks and trees on October 8, 9, 10. The production nevertheless went ahead at the Little Theatre in Stanthorpe itself and was so well received we had to do an extra performance a fortnight later (which also was washed out, of course). We had been so lucky with the weather until last year, but the show must go on – and it did with gusto! Our next production will be here at Bungawarra (weather willing) this November, almost certainly the second and third weekends. It'll be Comedy of Errors. We're well into rehearsals and already we know it'll be a lot of fun! Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm and ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you once again.

Specials ... The 2010 Foundation Chardonnay is being offered at $120/dozen as our ongoing special. A lovely wine all year round, crisp and full of citrus/spicy flavours. In its first show it won a Silver Medal (Qld Wine Awards, Sept. 2011).

An announcement too, that a good selection of Bungawarra Wines is now available at the new Qld Wine Centre at North Tamborine. It's a pretty impressive operation, with a fabulous restaurant and other attractions like the Glow Worm Caves. Contact them at info@cedarcreekestate.com.au or phone 5545.1666.

Spring is beautiful here right now. First shoots in the vineyard, scent of fruit-flowers in the air, wildflowers at Girraween, lovely sunny days and crisp nights, just made for sharing with someone special. If you are thinking of visiting to experience a night around the fire with a glass of red, then call in and see us, sample the restaurants in the area and celebrate our season with us. All the good things in life are here. Hope to see you soon.

Regards,
Jeff Harden

Bungawarra's Wine Tent at the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival, March 2010 (Penny & Tricia in command)

 

Synchronised pouring moment.....