Granite Belt named among Airbnb’s top ‘hidden gems’ across Australia’s wine country

Airbnb data has revealed the cool climate of the southern Queensland border and its tapestry of rich and vibrant wines to be a top destination among travellers. Here’s why.

The cool climate of the Granite Belt has been listed among the top wine regions in the country.

It would come as no surprise to food and wine fans that the cool climate of a Southeast Queensland region has made its way onto a national list of top wine regions to visit.

As the Easter holidays quickly approach, Airbnb has partnered with wine expert Mike Bennie who revealed the 12 must visit regions and listings across Australia, with the Granite Belt the only Queensland region to be mentioned.

Airbnb data has revealed vineyard getaways are vastly becoming the new destination for groups, particularly in the month of autumn, with bookings for more than three people having seen a year-on-year increase of almost 30 percent in 2024.

In a statement Mr Bennie said the chosen regions come with stunning vistas, food and wine and an array of exciting tourist attractions outside their cellar doors.

“Some of the wine regions chosen have been in the spotlight and perhaps fallen off the radar, while others highlight an insider’s knowledge of exciting places that come with a sense of discovery and grassroots connection to wine producers of a boutique nature,” he said.

“The collection showcases winemakers keenly invested in their regional staple grape varieties while also having points of difference, with quality as paramount.”

Stanthorpe has been crowned among Airbnb's top hidden gem wine territory as part of its Hidden Vines list from across Australia.

The Granite Belt has seen a major uptick in tourism in recent years, winning a number of tourism and wine awards, with the region becoming a popular attraction for visitors from northern NSW up to Noosa given its proximity to major cities.

Southern Queensland Country Tourism chief executive Peter Homan previously told this publication the region has only benefited post-Covid, with travellers booking at least eight months in advance.

“People seemed to discover something they loved in their own backyard during Covid when we couldn’t travel more than a few hundred kilometres,” he said.

“We’re a much more affordable destination compared to somewhere like the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast and we’ve got everything that travellers are looking for.”

At the 40th annual Queensland Wine Awards last year Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family-owned vineyards, took home a barrel of awards including Winery of the Year.

Robert Channon Wines outside Stanthorpe has been named as wine expert Mike Bennie’s top vineyards to visit.

Mr Bennie’s ‘Hidden Vines’ list for the Granite Belt included an honorary mention of vineyards Ravenscroft, Boireann and Robert Channon Wines, noting top Airbnb’s Pierpoint Country Cottage, Bridge Street Cottage, Mossy Rock Cabin and Davadi Cottage.

The Airbnb research also found younger generations have taken a keen interest in exploring these hidden gems, with Gen Z and Millennials 60 percent more likely to consider visiting a smaller wine region over the next 12-months.