Overview

While the modern history of the South Burnett region dates back only as far as 1993, vines were first planted in the early 1900s and wine for home consumption was made from some of these vines. As in the Granite Belt, table grapes were used both for winemaking and for eating in the early days.

In 1994, a report commissioned in conjunction with the Queensland Government to assess the agricultural and winery potential of the region (The Macarthur Report) revealed very similar viticultural and climatic conditions to those of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, making the South Burnett ideal for wine production.

The Big Picture

The town of Kingaroy is the geographical centre of the South Burnett region, which is defined by Blackbutt and the Brisbane and Coast Ranges in the east, the Great Divide to the south-west and west, and the Central Burnett and Burnett River to the north. The Stuart and Booie Ranges run from south to north through the centre of the region, with the gentle, undulating countryside of the Stuart and Boyne River plain in the west and Barkers Creek in the east.

South Burnett Wine Region

Climate

The climate can be classed as sub-tropical. November through to March is warm, with and the heaviest rainfall during December, January and February.

Soil

There is a diverse range of soils, described in ascending order as light sands, a variety of light clay red soils through to brown and black clays. The red, brown and black soils are of moderate to high fertility, and all have a pH level suited to viticulture.

Wines

Verdelho: South Burnett Verdelho has been well received. This variety appears to be well suited to warmer days and cool night. Wines are often aromatic, with herbaceous and tropical fruit flavours. Queensland is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing the best Verdelhos in Australia.

Chardonnay: As one might expect, this ever-flexible and accommodating variety performs well in the region. The wine tends to be soft but has pleasant and clear varietal character in a nectarine and melon spectrum. The use of quality oak and modern winemaking practices has produced many wines with good complexity and structure, but the unwooded Chardonnay also works quite well.

Semillon: The style of the Semillon is better compared to that of the Upper Hunter than the Lower Hunter. In other words, it mirrors some of the softness of the region’s Chardonnay and is relatively quick to develop. However, it does provide a distinctive varietal flavour, with some citrus and herb, and it is not surprising to find it in second place in the white wine plantings.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: This region is producing medium bodied wines with soft, sweet berry flavours. As the vines age, more extract and structure can be expected when vintage conditions are favourable.

Shiraz: The warm climate produces wines which are smooth and supple, light to medium bodied and with soft tannins. There are none of the spice and pepper notes sometimes evident in the Shiraz of the Granite Belt. Instead, ripe cherry, plum, mint and chocolate flavours are present in varying degrees.

Vital Statistics

Map Coordinates	26° 00' S
Altitude	300 – 600 m (984-1968 feet)
Heat degree days, Oct-Apr	2500 (cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise not adjusted)
Growing season rainfall, Oct-Apr	490 mm (19.3 inches)
Mean January temperature	23.8°C (74.8 °F)
Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm	Average 51%
Harvest	End Jan – Early Mar

A Case In Point: Brett Heading, Owner, Clovely Estate, South Burnett, Queensland

Clovely Estate, located in the centre of South Burnett, is Queensland's largest vineyard (175 hectares or 430 acres). All wines produced use estate-grown fruit and are made in its own winery.

Clovely Estate was formed in 1998, when the historic Murgon Cheese Factory was purchased and transformed into a state-of-the-art winery. The establishment of its own winery has allowed Clovely to take total control of the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass.

Clovely Estate is owned by Brett Heading, whose family has been a land holder in the district for many years. The winery's success owes much to his investment, vision and confidence in the South Burnett region.

Clovely Estate

Summary

The South Burnett region has a modern history of viticulture dating back to 1993. The climate can be classed as sub-tropical, with its diverse range of soils all having a pH level suited to viticulture. The region's main wine styles include Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

CHECKLIST

There are 15 cellar doors in the region, and over 400 hectares of wine grapes.
Queensland's largest vineyard (175 hectares operated by Clovely Estate) is located in South Burnett.
The climate combines mild winters and warm summers, making it similar to the Hunter Valley.
Most vines are planted approximately 550m above sea level.
Key varieties include Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Wine tourism is very important in the region, with all producers operating a cellar door.
The district is less than three hours from Brisbane and two hours from the Sunshine coast.
The South Burnett was the first Geographic Indicator approved in Queensland (2001).

Acknowledgements

The Queensland Government's Wine Industry Development Division, Queensland Wine Industry Association.

Wineries, Cellar Doors & Vineyards

Barambah, Bridgeman Downs Cellars, Captain’s Paddock, Clovely Estate, Copper Country, Crane Winery, Dusty Hill Vineyard, Kingsley Grove, Rodericks Fine Wines, Stuart Range Estates and Ziebarth Wines.

If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.