Eukey to welcome unique winery, distillery retreat in new development for Granite Belt

Promising to produce the region’s first gin and white spirits in addition to a cellar door and accommodation, the exciting new venture could prove a new favourite.

IN THE WORKS: The new Eukey development will see a winery, distillery, and accommodation combined in one unique venture. Picture: via SDRC

A development bound for the Granite Belt will combine a winery, distillery, and secluded accommodation spot for one of the region’s most unique getaways.

The proposal was lodged by Nicole Jackson of Sabi Organics earlier this year, and was approved by Southern Downs Regional Council this month.

Planning reports reveal the new cellar door experience will run from a 64.2 ha property at 1747 Eukey Road at Eukey, which backs onto Girraween National Park.

The development application stated a historic railway carriage would be converted into accommodation for up to four visitors, with a shipping container and farm shed to form the distillery and cellar door components.

The venture’s cellar door and shop will be run from a renovated shipping container on the Eukey property. Picture: via SDRC

The report stated the distillery would be the first on the Granite Belt to produce white spirits such as gin, with the winery’s drops then made from grapes grown in the property’s 2 ha vineyard.

“Located within a short drive of wineries and the Stanthorpe township, it is anticipated to be a great location for tourists to stay while providing commerce to other local businesses in the region,” the report read.

“In addition, the venture is proposed to produce high quality essential oils from local plants that will be offered for sale on site and across Australia.

“Chickens, friendly alpacas, and organic gardens will provide an enjoyable ‘farmstay’ retreat for visitors and guests to the cellar door and accommodation.”

The floor plan for the Eukey distillery indicates it will be self-contained in a room off the existing farm shed. Picture: via SDRC

The proposal indicated plans to surround the winery and distillery with lavender, citrus, and olive plants to both beautify the property and mark the Land’s former use as a fruit orchard.

A 46 ha “sanctuary nature reserve” complete with a number of walking trails through open forest and views across Girraween National Park covers most of the remaining land.

A timeline for development has not been confirmed at this stage.

It is far from the region’s first accommodation shake-up this year, with a Killarney riverstay winning approval and the Granite Belt’s Mountview Wines gunning for a tourist park expansion.