When people think of Australian wine, Queensland rarely tops the list — yet some of the country’s most distinctive boutique wineries sit just beyond Brisbane’s city limits. From misty mountain vineyards to high-altitude granite country, Brisbane’s surrounding wine regions offer a refreshing alternative to the usual wine trails.
Within an easy drive of the city, Mount Tamborine, the Scenic Rim, and the Granite Belt showcase surprisingly diverse styles shaped by elevation, soil, and climate. Cool evenings, passionate small-scale producers, and hands-on cellar-door experiences define these regions — making them ideal for relaxed weekend wine escapes from Brisbane.
Many Brisbane locals discover these wineries independently, while others prefer the ease of a guided experience. Our Brisbane wine tours are designed to explore multiple cellar doors without the hassle of planning or driving. For regional insights and producer highlights, visit Wine Queensland .
Brisbane is uniquely positioned within reach of several distinct wine regions, making it one of Australia’s most underrated bases for exploring boutique wineries. Rather than a single wine trail, the city is surrounded by micro-regions shaped by altitude, rainfall, and soil — all accessible as relaxed day trips or overnight escapes.
The most visited is the Scenic Rim, home to rainforest-fringed vineyards and family-run wineries tucked into rolling countryside. Nearby, Mount Tamborine wineries combine cool mountain air with boutique cellar doors and sweeping coastal views.
For those willing to travel a little further, the Granite Belt wine region near Stanthorpe delivers Queensland’s coolest climate wines, including shiraz, verdelho, and Italian varietals rarely found elsewhere in the state.
Unlike Australia’s larger wine regions, wineries near Brisbane are typically small, owner-operated, and deeply personal. Visitors often meet the winemaker, taste limited-release bottlings, and explore vineyards without the crowds found in more commercial destinations.
Elevation plays a major role. Mountain and high-country vineyards experience cooler nights, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop balanced acidity. This results in wines that feel fresh and expressive — well suited to Queensland’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Another advantage is accessibility. Many Brisbane wineries sit within one to two hours of the CBD, making them ideal for spontaneous weekend plans or guided wine tours from Brisbane that remove the need for designated drivers and detailed itineraries.
A successful winery visit starts with choosing the right region for your travel time and wine preferences. Mount Tamborine and the Scenic Rim suit half-day or relaxed full-day trips, while the Granite Belt is better enjoyed as an overnight escape with accommodation nearby.
Weekends are popular, especially during cooler months, so booking tastings in advance is recommended. Some cellar doors operate with limited hours or seasonal openings, particularly among smaller producers.
Travellers who prefer a curated experience often opt for guided day tours from Brisbane, which combine transport, tasting reservations, and regional insights into a single itinerary. This approach allows visitors to focus on discovery rather than logistics.
For travellers researching where to go next, our Brisbane wineries guide explores the best regions, cellar doors, and tour options in more detail.
Perched in lush rainforest just 45 minutes from Brisbane, Mount Tamborine is Queensland's most accessible wine region. Here, boutique wineries craft exceptional cool-climate wines amidst stunning mountain vistas and verdant landscapes.
Stretching across volcanic soils and rolling hills south of Brisbane, the Scenic Rim produces wines with distinctive character. This emerging region combines agricultural heritage with innovative viticulture, offering intimate cellar door experiences.
Queensland's premier high-altitude wine region, the Granite Belt sits 3.5 hours southwest of Brisbane at 800+ meters elevation. Cool nights and sunny days create ideal conditions for complex reds, elegant sparklings, and unique alternative varieties.
Make the most of your Queensland wine country adventure with these insider recommendations
Let us handle the details while you savor Queensland's finest wines. Our curated tours combine boutique cellar doors, gourmet dining, and breathtaking scenery.
Discover Our Wine ToursAt Cooee Tours, we maintain the highest standards in every aspect of your journey. Our modern fleet features climate-controlled comfort, our guides bring passion and expertise, and our commitment to safety is unwavering. From departure to return, we ensure every moment of your wine country adventure is exceptional.
Everything you need to know about experiencing Queensland's wine country with Cooee Tours
Mount Tamborine: 45-60 minutes (60km) — Perfect for half-day escapes
Scenic Rim: 1-1.5 hours (70-90km) — Ideal for full-day exploration
Granite Belt: 2.5-3 hours (200km) — Best as overnight adventure
All regions are accessible via sealed roads in comfortable, air-conditioned coaches.
Our comprehensive wine experiences include:
Private tours can be customized to your preferences, including specific wineries, restaurants, or additional experiences.
Expect 4-6 wine tastings at each winery, totaling 15-24+ samples throughout your day. Tastings are generous pours designed for appreciation, not consumption — you're never obligated to finish glasses, and water is always available.
Our philosophy: quality over quantity. Guides encourage savoring and learning rather than rushing through experiences.
Absolutely! Purchasing directly from cellar doors offers:
We provide secure onboard storage. Many wineries offer shipping services for larger purchases.
Smart casual attire works perfectly:
Absolutely! Wine tours offer much beyond tasting:
Most wineries offer non-alcoholic alternatives including juices, teas, and coffee.
Queensland wine regions shine year-round:
Peak periods are weekends and spring/autumn. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for preferred dates.
Public tours: 12-24 guests — intimate yet social
Private tours: Your group only, 2-50+ people
Premium small groups: 8-12 guests maximum
We limit group sizes to ensure personalized attention from guides and winemakers.
Yes. We work with venues to accommodate:
Please advise at booking for best arrangements.
Strongly recommended, especially for:
Advance booking ensures preferred dates, dietary arrangements, and optimal experiences.
7+ days: Full refund or reschedule at no charge
3-6 days: 50% refund or reschedule with small fee
Under 3 days: No refund (rescheduling considered)
No-shows: No refund or credit
We understand emergencies happen — contact us immediately for compassionate consideration. Weather-related cancellations by Cooee result in full refunds or rescheduling.
Public wine tours: Adults 18+ only
Private family tours: Children welcome with supervision
Family-friendly tours: Occasionally offered with kid activities
For private tours, we can adjust itineraries to include family-friendly wineries, cheese factories, chocolate shops, and appropriate breaks. All under-18s require parental supervision, and RSA laws strictly prohibit supplying alcohol to minors.
Discover why travelers choose Cooee Tours for their Queensland wine adventures
"Absolutely exceptional! Sarah, our guide, brought the Tamborine wine region to life with her knowledge and passion. The wineries were perfectly curated, the pacing was spot-on, and we discovered wines we never would have found ourselves. Stress-free luxury at its finest."
"Booked for my wife's 50th with eight friends — perfection from start to finish. Cooee customized everything based on our preferences. The wineries exceeded expectations, lunch at Sirromet was incredible, and the entire day felt effortless. Worth every cent!"
"As a wine professional, I was thoroughly impressed. Cedar Creek, Witches Falls, and Mason each showcased unique expressions of Queensland terroir. Our guide's enthusiasm was infectious, and I returned with a case of discoveries that rival anything from interstate."
"Best hens party ever! The Cooee team went above and beyond to make our day special — beautiful wineries, delicious food, and memories for a lifetime. The bride was absolutely glowing. Cannot recommend highly enough for celebrations!"
"The Granite Belt overnight tour was our Queensland trip highlight. Two days exploring boutique wineries, staying at a charming B&B, experiencing wines that rival Margaret River or Barossa. Professional, fun, unforgettable — already planning our return."
"Joined solo and had the most wonderful time! Met lovely people, tasted exceptional wines, learned so much about Queensland viticulture. The bus was comfortable, timing perfect, and I felt completely looked after. Booking my next tour already!"
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From intimate cellar doors to sweeping vineyard vistas, Queensland's wine regions are calling. Whether celebrating a milestone, seeking romance, or simply craving exceptional wine — let's create something unforgettable.