Granite Belt Winter Brass Monkey Guide 2012
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Transcript of Granite Belt Winter Brass Monkey Guide 2012
STANTHORPE, QUEENSLAND
WHAT’S ON SCRUMPTIOUS SLOW COOKED PRODUCE WINTER REDS
brass monkey season
Winter
Winter is colloquially our Brass Monkey Season; frosty mornings, beautiful crisp clear days,
the bare trace of winter trees trimmed with frost, and cosy evenings with a glass of red in
front of an open fire.
Stanthorpe is the coolest (make that coldest) place in Queensland, and it’s the winter chill in
the Granite Belt that has earned the season its nickname.
June, July and August is the busy season in the Granite Belt and Stanthorpe, as visitors come to
enjoy a crackling log fire, slow cooked food, and sensational winter reds.
Plus, there is always the prospect - or hope - of snow and the first reports bring media and visitors
flocking to the region.
winterThe Brass Monkey Story
Where does the saying‘cold enough to freeze the balls off
a brass monkey’ originate?
There are several accounts. One version suggests a brass monkey was the name given to a metal rack used to store cannon balls on sailing ships.
Water would collect in these racks, and in winter it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so
they spilled out of the racks.
So that’s one way to freeze the ballsoff a brass monkey!
THE BRASS MONKEY, STANTHORPE
Winter Warming
GetawaysThe Granite Belt offers the perfect winter warming
getaway. Rug up for fresh cool days while taking in
the dramatic landscape of contrasts: from bushland
bordered by granite monoliths, to farms and vineyards.
As the mist sets on the mountains and lakes, it’s time
to enjoy an impressive red. Shiraz (or Syrah) comes
into its own in winter.
It is internationally recognised that granite soils
produce the best Shiraz and we would have to agree.
We encourage you to source a Shiraz with a rich ripe
flavour, a touch of pepper and silky tannins. This spicy
and complex wine is best served with local red meat
and winter vegetables.
The Granite Belt also produces some fabulous
Cabernets. Winestate Magazine loves Granite Ridge’s
Top Block Cabernet, or try Harrington Glen’s gold
medal 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy them while getting cosy next to a roaring log
fire...winter bliss!
log fires
In Winter, wake up to stunning misty mornings in the Granite Belt; the chance of meeting ‘Jack Frost”;
and if you’re very lucky, falling snow flakes.
As the sun slowly rises the land begins to sparkle, and a new day has truly begun. There is a feeling of
indescribable freshness that is invigorating for your soul. Take your time to breathe it in!
Those that can tear themselves away from a cosy bed will be richly rewarded. Make sure you bring your
camera to capture the moment.
As the day continues, the frost and icicles begin to melt, and the day warms to a beautiful crisp but sunny
experience.
Layer dressing is the key in winter; from below zero overnight our sunny days can warm up to 20 degrees.
misty mornings
In Season in WinterBroccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,
celery, leeks and mushrooms.
There is more... while not yet produced on a
commercial scale, the region is a proven
growing area for chestnuts and prickly pears.
Keen foodies will find wild asparagus, wild
fennel and the foundations have been laid for
the production of saffron and truffles.
winter warming produce
Mulled Red Wineby Andrew Simpson,Varias Restaurant
1 x 750ml bottle dry red wine
225g (1 cup) white sugar
125ml (1/2 cup) brandy
125ml (1/2 cup) water
2 oranges, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 x 7cm cinnamon sticks, lightly crushed
6 whole cloves
Pinch of grated nutmeg
Lemon peel, to decorate
Serves 8 approx.
METHOD
Place the wine, sugar, brandy, water, orange,
lemon, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a
large saucepan over low heat. Simmer, stirring
occasionally, for 5-10 minutes or until sugar
dissolves and mixture is aromatic. Do not boil.
Remove from heat.
Strain mulled wine into a large jug. Pour
among serving glasses. Decorate with lemon
peel and serve immediately.
The cooler weather has most of us craving rich, hearty foods, and feel-good decadent desserts.
Foodies, savour slow cooked regional produce, from heart warming wild mushroom and truffle infused soup, melt in your mouth tantalising pork roasted with apple and onion stuffing, or discover the call of the wild with gamemeat cooked to perfection, and finish it off with a heavenly hot chocolate.
After a bit of winter warming fun...make your own mulled
wine. Not exactly connoisseur material, but a steaming
hot mulled wine will warm the cockles of your heart
PIE
500g Diced Beef
1 large brown sliced Onion
Rosemary/Tyme
Roasted Garlic
Fresh cracked black Pepper and Salt (to taste)
375mL Felsberg ‘Bell Tower’ Shiraz (or red wine)
Beef stock
Gravy powder
Puff Pastry
METHOD
Brown off onions and beef with rosemary, tyme,
garlic and pepper in a pot until beef is sealed.
Deglaze pot with beef stock. Mix shiraz & gravy
powder, add to beef mix. Simmer on low heat
until meat is tender (approx 45 minutes). Prepare
shells/lids with puff pastry as for any other pies.
Fill shells with beef mixture, seal with lid. Brush
with egg wash and bake for approximately
30 minutes at 180C until pastry is crisp and
golden. Makes 5 pies
WARM WINTER SALAD
Sliced Spanish Onion, Mushrooms and Shallots
Diced roast pumpkin
Been sprouts
Rocket
Fetta
Caramalised balsamic vinegar METHOD
Pan fry onion and mushrooms until golden. Add
pumpkin, shallots, sprouts and warm through.
Remove from heat. Add rocket and mix through.
Add to plate, crumble Fetta over and dress with
vinegar.
Pepper Beef & Shiraz Pie with a Warm Winter Salad by Felsberg Winery + Cafe
BUNGAWARRA WINES
During the months of winter, especially July,
the Granite Belt comes alive with Yulefest
celebrations. A festive tradition of high
country hospitality.
From succulent turkey, traditional ham to
rich, indulgent brandy pudding, this is
Christmas the way our northern counterparts-
celebrate it. But if you want a true Granite Belt
experience try roast game-meat or succulent
duck.
Many of our restaurants and accommodation
properties offer a Christmas menu or weekend
celebration; book early as it’s one of the most
popular ways to enjoy winter in the region.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY DAY TOUR
Have you always wanted to experience
Christmas in July in Stanthorpe and never
‘gotten round to it’? Well, now there's no
excuse, with Stanthorpe's Filippo's Tours
offering a Christmas in July day tour from
Brisbane. Leaving Brisbane at 7.30am, you'll
have a morning tea stop along the way.
During your visit to the Granite Belt you will
visits fantastic wineries and food attractions,
along with a fabulous Christmas in July lunch
at the renown Shiraz Restaurant.
www.filippostours.com.au
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE7, 14, 21 + 28 july
Celebrate “Bon Natale” in July with a
Sicilian twist. Jason will entice your
tastebuds with food his Sicilian
family have for Christmas. A full buffet
of mains and dessert awaits you.
Bookings are essential. $40
www.goldengrovee.com.au.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ VINEYARD CAFE7, 14, 21 + 28 july
Have a weekend escape to the winter
wonderland of the Granite Belt at The
Vineyard Café + Cottages. Experience a
4-course Christmas in July menu at the
renowned Vineyard Cafe. Start your meal
with a glass of mulled wine. $85
www.vineyardcottages.com.au
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ CLAUDIA’S21 + 28 july
Experience Christmas in July, German
style. $60
www.claudiasrestaurant.com.au
christmas in (july) winter
turkey with all the trimmings
CHRISTMAS IN JULY @ HIDDEN CREEK WINERY CAFE
14 + 28 july
Enjoy a festive ‘Christmas in July’
dinner by the fireplace at Hidden Creek
Winery Cafe. $50 per person plus wine.
6.30pm for 7pm until late
www.hiddencreek.com.au
what ’s onSHIRAZ WINE DINNER AT HIDDEN CREEK2 june
A special dinner hosted by Master of Wine, Andrew Corrigan. Enjoy a three
course meal featuring Shiraz from the Granite Belt, other regions of
Australia and overseas. Price: $85 www.hiddencreek.com.au
VARIAS TAPAS AFTERNOON10 june
The prefect way to spend a lazy Sunday! Enjoy tapas at Varias Restaurant while
listening to the gorgeous sounds of Sarah & David Hume.
www.varias.com.au
Vintage Variety by the Fireplace Every 2nd weekend from june 16
A chance to try some of old wines from the Pyramids Road cellar door and
current releases side by side! Take your time and enjoy the winter ambience
of our cellar door with your friends. An informal tasting set up in front of their
fireplace. Bookings essential. $15
June - 16 & 17, 30 July - 1, 14 & 15, 28 & 29 August - 11 & 12, 25 & 26
www.pyramidsroad.com.au
what ’s onNow that the hard work of the Vintage is over it’s time for a bit of play ...
what ’s onNow that the hard work of the Vintage is over it’s time for a bit of play ...
YESTERDAY TO TODAYuntil 24 june
Celebrating our Italian heritage, this exhibition at
the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery includes two
components.
The first is a Historic Italian Collection of
memorabilia photos thanks to the Dante
Alighieri Society. Secondly, renowned
photographer Cory Rossiter looks at the current
Stanthorpe Italian community through the lense.
www.srag.org.au
Hidden Dimensions + Interpreting Elelements of Landscapes28 june to 5 august The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery presents
two exhibitions featuring landscapes: Hidden
Dimensions by Lyn Marshall - provides semi
abstract landscape paintings evolved from an
interest in Asian art philosophy.
Interpreting Elements of Landscape by
Rob Raymond - the artist shares his joy of our
local national parks through his drawings and
paintings.
www.srag.org.au
The Little Theatre presents
Under Milk Wood by Wales’ most
renowned modern poet, Dylan
Thomas.
An all-knowing narrator will
take you on a poetic tour of the
dream, memories, songs, gossip,
arguments and work routines of
the inhabitants of a fictional
Welsh village during one complete
day in Spring - all at once lyrical,
passionate, hilarious, nostalgic and
bawdy.
7.30pm 15 + 16 June
5pm 17 June
Complimentary refreshments at
intermission. Sunday includes a
special treat of hot soup and crusty
bread.
$20 adults, $15 conc
Tickets: Granite News Stanthorpe
(07) 4681 1099
Under Milk Wood15-17 june
what ’s on
GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE
what ’s onWINE MASTERCLASS23 june
Three courses of the best Italy has to offer at the Barrel
Room Cafe, Ballandean Estate. Wines will be perfectly
matched with each course and Dylan Rhymer,
Ballandean Estate’s Winemaker, will help you identify
the key tasting points of each wine.
www.ballandeanestate.com
SOLSTICE BLUES @ BUNGAWARRA24 june
The Solstice Blues@Bungawarra this year will feature
the Morningside Fats band, back by popular demand.
Led by Paul Renton, one of the shakers and movers
of the Brisbane Blues Festival, their sound is a
60s/70s blend of original and classic blues material.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of
Bungawarra Winery, or just rock up and enjoy the music
- wine and cheese platters are on sale at the cellar door.
From 2 to 5 pm. Entry $12 adults.
www.bungawarrawines.com
Faulty Towers 9 june
Enter the world of snobbish,
manic Basil; his domineering
wife Sybil; and the hopeless but
ever-hopeful waiter Manuel.
Faulty Towers comes to
Jester Hill Wines + Cafe for
a performance of organised
chaos. Tickets include a five
course dinner and a two hour
interactive show.
6.30pm for a 7pm start.
www.jesterhillwines.com.au
JAZZ IN THE SWIGMORE HALL15 july
A chance to try some of our old wines from the
cellar and current releases side by side! Take
your time and enjoy the winter ambience of our
old packing shed with your friends. An informal
tasting set up in front of our fireplace in the
cellar door. Tasting fee $15 per person.
Every second Saturday & Sunday from June 2012
June - Sat 16 & Sun 17, Sat 30 and Sun 1 July
July - Sat 14 & Sun 15, Sat 28 & Sun 29
August - Sat 11 & Sun 12, Sat 25 & Sun 26
Bookings essential.
www.robertchannonwines.com
Pranzo Italiano8 july Be an Italian for the day. Experience a five
course, long lunch featuring authentic live Italian
music and food with house wine included. Enjoy
a relaxed afternoon in the Barrel Room Cafe at
Ballandean Estate.
www.ballandeanestate.com
Markets displaying wonderful
winter wares. Experience local
beers and ciders, handmade pickles
and preserves, speciality craft,
secret recipe mulled wine and
Granite Belt produce. Enjoy the
winter atmosphere with music,
games and prizes.
Or book for the Granite Belt Winter
banquet featuring regional produce
on the grandest scale with a five-
course degustation.
www.masonwines.com.au
sample winter festivaljuly
what ’s on
swinging jazz in swigmore hall
ROBERT CHANNON WINES
GOLDEN GROVE ESTATE
BALLANDEAN
what ’s onWINTER WARMERS COOKING DEMO11 + 25 august
Join Varias Executive Chef, Andrew Simpsons for a cooking demonstration
of winter warming dishes. $50 per person includes a drink and nibbles on
arrival. 6pm for 6.30pm start. www.varias.com.au
The Pirates of Penzance 11 august
The Granite Belt Choir and local soloists present a Gilbert & Sullivan
concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance in the Swigmore Hall,
Robert Channon Wines. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at the
interval. $20/$15
www.robertchannonwines.com.au
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC WITH PENNY + ROGER19 august
Pyramids Road Wines invite you to their cellar door to join Penny Davies
and Roger Ilott for the launch of their new album “Boomerang Bay”. Be the
first to hear the repertoire of songs with a group of your friends in a cosy
setting, sipping wine by the fireplace. $10. 2pm to 5.30pm
www.pyramidsroad.com.au
THE WINEMAKER AND THE CHEF STRANGE BIRD DEGUSTATION DINNERS25 august
Join the Golden Grove Family for a night of alternative wines and food to
match. Costanzo brothers, winemaker Ray and chef Jason will work
together to match their alternative varieties (Strange Birds) to foods with a
Mediterranean flavour. www.goldengrovee.com.au
what ’s on
what ’s on
BARREL ROOM CAFE, BALLANDEAN ESTATE
COOKING CLASSES @ BARREL ROOM CAFE
11 + 25 august
Learn how to cook a three course meal in a
group atmosphere. Then enjoy all your hard work
with your new friends and a glass of wine.
Price: $70. 3:00pm to late.
www.ballandeanestate.com
brisbane to wallangarra28-29 july
Here is a relaxing and unique way to spend a weekend.
The special Winelander train will depart Brisbane’s
Roma Street station on Saturday, at about 7.00am.
From the large windows of your air-conditioned
carriage you will watch Brisbane’s Western Suburbs
pass and picturesque countryside, before the tortuous
climb of the Little Liverpool Range begins.
The next town is Laidley which marks the start of the
fertile black-soil plains of the Lockyer Valley. Onward
the train takes us through Forest Hill, Gatton,
Grantham and Helidon. These are the foothills of the
Great Dividing Range and after Murphy's Creek the
climb begins in earnest to Toowoomba.
South of Toowoomba you will encounter grain-growing
areas. Lunch is served as the train proceeds through
the small towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Clifton
and Nobby prior to reaching Warwick. Another range
follows as you climb to Dalveen. You are now in the
"Granite Belt" region. During the trip there are wine
tasting sessions in the club car.
On arrival at Stanthorpe you will be taken by coach to
visit the wineries, before reaching your motel. That
night, enjoy dinner at Claudia’s Thunderbolt Farm
Country Restaurant. A late start will be made on
Sunday morning. Enjoy lunch on the train as you
return to Brisbane.
www.arhs-qld.org.au
Regional Flavours @ South Bank21-22 july
Brisbane South Bank’s signature food
and lifestyle event, which celebrates
and promotes regional Queensland
produce, the people who grow it and
the creativity of our state’s chefs.
Now in its fourth year, Regional
Flavours plays host to more than 100
of Queensland’s best food and wine
producers from 12 different growing
regions; regions such as South
Burnett, Far North Queensland, and,
of course, the Granite Belt!
www.regionalflavours.com.au
what ’s onWinelander Train Journey
THE WINELANDER
Just breathe - crisp mountain air, clear starry nights, breathtaking views
and picturesque bushwalks.
Winter is a great time to visit our national parks; the climb to Pyramid is
definitely more pleasant on a cool day! And if clear, you will be rewarded
with panoramic views across southern Queensland.
Pack your fishing rod. Rainy weather is the perfect time to snag a fish or
two in the creeks. Fishing enthusiasts can chase an elusive Murray Cod or
Silver Perch.
And, if it’s very cold, hopefully, you will have the opportunity to play in
the snow. When the snow falls everything grinds to a halt, and the fun-
begins. So wrestle on the boots and wind a few scarves around your neck
and head out for some snow-time play.
outdoorsJust breathe the fresh air
GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK
The Granite Belt is the perfect place for family fun in Winter.
Children will love playing outdoors in the fallen leaves and climbing our granite rock formations. Make sure
they ‘rug-up’ before venturing outside.
During inclement weather there are also plenty of fun indoor activities for them to enjoy. Go apple juice
tasting; step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum - the red fire truck is a favourite with children of all
ages; or see law dogs in action. Check out our 15 Must Do’s for more ideas.
kidsWinter fun
1. Just breathe - let your children enjoy crisp mountain
air. At night count the stars or sit around a log fire and
toast marshmallows.
2. Grab a wicker basket and develop your hunt and
gathering skills. Children can realize the joy of food
in season bursting with flavour - this winter source
Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts,
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery and Leeks. Every
second Sunday be spoilt for choice at the Markets in
the Mountains.
3. With your season produce - topped up with award
winning Quart Pot Bakehouse freshly baked bread
and condiments from our many gourmet producers
- discover a great picnic spot. The visitor information
centre can provide a list offering man-made to natural
playgrounds.
4. Bring your bikes - ride easy tracks that wind around
Quart Pot Creek to our back country roads that
meander through the region.
5. (Hopefully) playing in the snow - it may snow during
a Granite Belt winter and we definitely get frosts that
blanket the land in white. So wrestle on the boots and
scarf and head out for some frosty play.
6. Pack your fishing rods - teach your children to fish in
one of our many creeks or a great option with picnic
facilities is Storm King Dam.
7. Throw a ball. When was the last time your family went ten pin bowling? It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours when the weather is not at its finest.
kids must do’s
8. Be aMazed. Get lost in the Granite Belt maze as many times as you wish and experience the tranquillity as you wander around the gardens and frog ponds. While you’re there play a game of
jumbo chess or mini golf.
9. Learn how to make cheese and about the different varieties at the Granite Belt Diary Farmhouse. Are you an early bird - children are also welcome to watch the milking at about 7am.
(bookings required)
10. Tasting for the younger generation - swirl and sip apple cider @ Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery. If it’s early in the season pick your own apples or share an enormous apple pie made from 22 apples.
11. And adults - don’t think that wine tasting with children in tow is out of the question; many of our wineries offer children’s toy boxes, vineyard tours and there is always the resident winery dog to play with (under supervision).
12. Discover our famous granite boulders and be elevated without hours of climbing @ Donnelly’s Castle. It’s only a 200 metre walk to the top providing breathtaking views over the valley. Surrounded by caves, legend tells us this was a hide-out of the famous bushranger Thunderbolt!
Feeling more adventurous - visit the renowned Girraween National Park. For spectacular 360 degree views climb Castle Rock or discover the precariously balancing rock on the Pyramid.
Learn more about the park’s history, flora and fauna from a ranger at the information centre. Camping is available but in winter make sure you bring your woollies.
13. More than lavender - discover lavender’s many uses at Crystal Ridge Lavender Farm or Aloomba Lavender Farm and also have a farm experience. Aloomba is also a 4000 acre working cattle farm
and Crystal Ridge is a prime lamb raising property with an animal display including alpacas, donkeys, miniature horses, goats, ducks and chickens.
14. Step back in time at the Stanthorpe Museum and discover our connection with French battlefields and how Stanthorpe got its name from tin.
15. See Australia’s only privately-owned working dogs training kennel open to the public for action and training demonstrations. Get up close and personal while seated behind a safety fence and see the dogs in an experience like no other.
And before you leave make sure you
have your photo taken with our
famous Brass Monkey - it’s a ball freezing
experience.
CRYSTAL RIDGE
Winter is all about rejuvenating the soul and living life in the slow lane.
The Granite Belt is the ideal destination to reconnect, relax and rest.
Though the region offers a plethora of things to do, many enjoy cocooning
themselves in one of our beautiful accommodation cottages and retreats.
A book and a generous glass of red the perfect companions.
To rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, why don’t you go on a yoga and
wellbeing retreat? Go by yourself or get a small group of friends together for
a weekend experiences that will leave you feeling calmer, more grounded,
connected and alive!
Not into yoga – spoil yourself with a massage or a beauty indulgence. You’ll
emerge a different person!
rejuvenateemerge a different person
MALLOW WELLBEING + COTTAGE
granitebeltwinecountry.com.au