Minister launches Isis wine map

PRIMARY Industries Minister Tim Mulherin formally launched a tourist map highlighting Childers wineries yesterday, as part of 2010 Primary Industries Week.

PRIMARY Industries Minister Tim Mulherin formally launched a tourist map highlighting Childers wineries yesterday, as part of 2010 Primary Industries Week.

The map, called the “Childers Wine Experience”, is an initiative of the four wineries in the Isis district — Vintner’s Secret Winery, Brierley Wines, the Isis Winery and Hill of Promise.

“These wineries are beautifully located and produce quality, award-winning Queensland wines,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Many Queenslanders are unaware of the high standard of wine being produced in their own back yards, which is why these wineries have banded together to raise awareness of the region and the quality wine they produce.”

Mr Mulherin visited the wineries and discovered each had something unique.

“Hill of Promise also operates a B&B and was recognised at the 2009 Queensland Wine awards with a gold medal for its Fortified White Muscat ‘Celtic Rose’ and the award for Best Fortified in Queensland,” he said.

“Brierley Wines was the first winery in Childers to grow commercial wine grapes and has an al fresco eating area with regular music events, while Vintner’s Secret Winery is an award-winning organic operation with a vineyard cafe and garden sculpture walk that reflects the natural beauty of the area.”

Grapes are not the only source of wine in the area.

“Isis Winery focuses on the sub-tropical climate of the district and specialises in wines and fortifieds made from the jaboticaba fruit,” he said.

Mr Mulherin said the next phase of the Childers Wine Experience was the inclusion of these boutique offerings on local restaurants’ wine lists.

“We will also develop an industry training package to help winemakers sell their product to the hospitality industry,” he said.

“We are developing an education package to give restaurants and bottle shops valuable information on the industry, which should lead to more Queensland wines for diners to choose from.”

The launch also included a formal function at the Childers Regional Art Gallery.

The Childers Wine Experience brochure can be obtained at Childers, Bundaberg and Fraser Coast tourist information centres, as well as information centres in other wine regions.

Originally published as Minister launches Isis wine map