Granite Belt wineries win prestigious tourism award for unique experience
From vineyard stays to soirees under the stars, the Granite Belt's innovative tourism offerings have captured statewide attention at industry awards.
The appetite for immersive and unique tourism attractions is ever increasing with the cold climate of the Granite Belt proving its popularity at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Ridgemill Estate Winery’s Cabins in The Vineyard took home silver in the Self-Contained Accommodation category, while Diamondvale Estate welcomed bronze in the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation award on November 15.
Queensland’s tourism industry suffered a massive blow during the pandemic, leaving operators to evaluate their business strategies.
Ridgemill Estate owner Michelle Feenan has spent two decades in the industry, having survived the highs and lows and ever evolving landscape of regional tourism.
Ms Feenan said in the aftermath of the pandemic, the business took a deep dive into planning and innovation to accommodate the change in tourists' interests.
“Tourists are looking for immersive experiences and are also looking for ways they can contribute to the community,” she said.
For tourism operators, offering accommodation alone is no longer as enticing as it once was, with more and more introducing events and other attractions.
The estate now offers 12 unique and luxurious cabins, along with a three-bedroom Winery Escape house and has the capacity to hosts weddings, corporate events, and live music.
Ms Feenan said the decision to host a soiree on Friday evenings has paid off in spades, which are offered through September to April.
“We started doing it at a time other tourism operators in the area weren’t and now it’s really caught on and has become very popular with the community,” she said.
“It’s fantastic for the region to have such big choice from food, entertainment and more, the region has really shone over the past 18 months.”
Ms Feenan said the estate has turned its attention to expanding the business to extend into international trade, readying their procuts to be sold worldwide.
Ridgemill Estate was also recognised as one of the state’s top self-catering stays in October, earning a place on the 2025 Star Ratings Australia Gold List.
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Originally published as Granite Belt wineries win prestigious tourism award for unique experience
