Moffatdale Ridge Wines winner of South Burnett’s best winery | 2024

A family-owned business that produces premium wines sold around Australia and the world has been voted South Burnett’s best winery by readers. VIDEO.

Walking through the doors of Moffatdale Ridge Winery, the passion and enthusiasm of each family member is evident.

“We have a sign at the front gate that says Queensland's friendliest winery and we live and breathe that statement,” owner Jason Kinsella explains.

“We view our customers as our family.”

Jason and his wife Susan planted the first vines on the family-owned property in 1996 and sold their wine at local markets and festivals.

“That was very good to us and we started to build a customer base,” he said

“We’ve been so very fortunate that we’ve been able to build really great relationships with our customers.

“We now have a strong domestic market throughout Australia … we export now into Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore … business has gone from strength to strength.”

Emily, Jason and Susan Kinsella from Moffatdale Ridge Winery.

Jason works as the primary winemaker alongside his son Geoff, 26, who is also the vineyard manager.

Susan works as the chef and daughter Emily, 22, is front of house, but all have a helping hand in every aspect of the business.

Winning the South Burnett Times poll as the region’s favourite winery was a nice surprise for Jason who still stressed the region could only thrive as a wine destination through multiple winemakers all offering something different.

“Each winery has its own character which is how it should be, they all have different things that people like about them,” he said

“If you have a car with four people in it who visits the region, I think more often than not they would all go away with a different favourite.”

On what makes Moffatdale Ridge Wines unique, he believed their selection and relaxed atmosphere were key.

“Our product range is very diverse, we have everything from sparkling wine right through to liqueurs.

“We don’t present a super polished commercial front to people and I think people like that, it makes them relax.”

Moffatdale Ridge Winery.

Although none of the family are of Italian heritage, they love integrating the culture into their winery.

“Italy is the home of wine, the French think they are but the French are wrong,” Jason laughed.

“We built our cellar door in a Tuscan style and our menu is predominantly Italian.”

The winery also hosts Tuscan feasts throughout the year which includes a four-course lunch, wine tasting and an Italian entertainer who sings throughout each event.

The events were scaled back amid the pandemic but planning for their return was underway.

“We’ve got six dates booked for this year’s and then back to 18 next year,” he said.

Emily Kinsella from Moffatdale Ridge Winery.

Jason also has big plans for the business with his eyes set on building a wedding venue and luxury cottages along with a bigger winemaking site.

“We will be building a new winery facility here for processing because we’ve just outgrown the one we have,” he said.

“It’s a great region and locals should get out more and see what it's about and encourage anyone outside the region to come and visit.”

Moffatdale Ridge Winery won the South Burnett Times poll with 50 per cent of the vote.

Runner up Dusty Hill Vineyard

Dusty Hill Vineyard came in second place for Burnett's best winery 2024.

Third place Kingsley Grove Estate

Kingsley Grove Estate came in third place for South Burnett's best winery 2024.