Severnlea: Vineyards, Tastings and Topaz Fossicking

Severnlea brings together wine growing, fruit growing and topaz fossicking. The experiences differ both in the type of accommodation and in the duration of individual tastings.

Wine Growing and Landscape

The vineyard at Ridgemill Estate sits about 840 metres above sea level. Granite-rich sandy soils, warm summers and cool evenings favour the cultivation of alternative grape varieties. Ridgemill Estate is home to the Granite Belt’s oldest Tempranillo and Saperavi vines and produces boutique wines, including Strange Bird varieties. The estate’s soils and climate are therefore as much a part of its winemaking story as its range of grape varieties.

Severnlea is also a centre for fruit growing and topaz fossicking. Along the back roads around town, roadside stalls sell seasonal stone fruit and fresh berries straight from the farm. The selection depends on the season and may vary.

Tastings and Experiences

At Savina Lane, two Wine Encounter programs differ mainly in duration and format. The Curious Wine Encounter lasts one hour. Wine Decoded lasts two hours, begins with a tasting from black glasses and explains in detail the role all the senses play in enjoying wine. Both formats are presented by the winery’s vignerons and include a tasting of premium, hand-selected single-vineyard wines.

The one-hour and two-hour formats give you a practical guide for planning your time. The duration may change if the provider adjusts the experience. Check in advance whether your preferred format is currently available to visitors.

Ridgemill Estates Wine Makers Tasting is a behind-the-scenes experience for two with winemaker Peter McGlashan and includes a cheese platter. Booking 24 hours in advance is required. Ridgemill Estate Winery’s Cellar Door offers wine tastings and wine sales; check opening hours and whether visits are possible before setting out.

For a picnic among the vines, Ridgemill Estate offers a pre-orderable picnic hamper, with 24 hours’ notice required. Before making plans, check whether this offer is currently available. At Savina Lane, you can bring your own picnic and enjoy views of the vineyard from the terrace. An electric vehicle charging station is also available there; check its current availability before you travel.

Beer and Regional Produce

Brass Monkey Brew House offers tastings of its fresh, small-batch beers. Beer paddles are served at the brewery or in the pet-friendly garden. Meals prepared in the kitchen are also available. This lets you complement wine tasting with another local beverage experience without changing the focus of your stay.

The roadside stalls on the back roads around Severnlea sell seasonal stone fruit and fresh berries straight from the farm. If you want to include these produce stops in your plans, time your visit to the season and bear in mind that what is available may vary.

Where to Stay in Severnlea

Whiskey Gully rents out luxurious bush cottages year-round for short stays and holidays. Year-round rental does not mean that a particular period is available; check availability for your travel dates before booking.

Ridgemill Estate has twelve studio cabins with king beds and fireplaces, including accessible and pet-friendly options. The three-bedroom Winery Escape House is also pet-friendly and has a fenced garden.

Discover more destinations: Tin Can Bay, Lake Eacham, Miles, Doughboy, Fletcher, Tully, Miriam Vale, Dunk.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.