Granite Belt wineries Whiskey Gully Wines Stanthorpe fine wines

BOUTIQUE IS BEST
In 7 years, we have won 7 trophies, 7 gold medals, 22 silver medals, 64 bronze medals

Whiskey Gully Wines, at Severnlea, is a modern vineyard in Australia's Granite Belt District, producing fine wines from a variety of grapes including Shiraz, for which Australia is famous.

The vineyard was established on one of the district's oldest station properties - Beverley - which was first settled in the 1870s.

The property originally grazed sheep, and later cattle. An orchard was established in the early 1900s. It wasn't until 1997, under the ownership of John and Denice Arlidge that the first grapevines were planted. .

Using modern viticultural techniques, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties were established and they immediately took a liking to the well drained granitic soil which imparts that marvellous flinty character to Granite Belt wines. In 1999 we planted more Cabernet Sauvignon and some French Colombard.

Whiskey Gully Wines declared its first vintage in 1999.

The 2000 vintage was particularly good and wines produced in that year picked up a total of 17 trophies and medals from wine shows including two gold medals. The 2002 vintage was also exceptional, producing two more gold medals and trophies and numerous others medals.

Whiskey Gully history

Whiskey Gully is a nondescript creek about five kilometres south of Stanthorpe where, 100 years ago, Irish miners who came to the area for tin, established illicit whiskey stills.

There must have been something in the water because the creek produces good grapes and, reputedly, good whiskey also.Whiskey Gully Wines' vineyard is on one of the Granite Belt's oldest station properties, Beverley, which takes in Whiskey Gully and an un-named creek.

The property was originally some 2,500 acres and supported first sheep and, later, cattle. Over the years, it has been divided up and now just 270 acres remain.

Vineyard History

The first vines were planted in September, 1997, using the latest viticultural techniques, including weed-matting and drip irrigation.

In October, 1999, more vines were planted.

The Granite Belt, although a relative new-comer to the premium wine market, is regarded as one of the most prospective wine areas in Australia. The granite soil is highly friable (drains well).

While it is fairly shallow in most areas there is little clay. The climate is excellent for grapes, especially above the 800 metre mark, as there is a prolonged summer with lots of sun and maximum daytime temperatures around 30^oC and cool nights.

Most new vineyards in the area use dolomite or lime to correct soil acidity prior to planting, along with good quantities of organic fertiliser. Beverley was planted this way and has shown quite remarkable growth.

Our aim is to get some four tons per acre of premium quality grapes using the Smart-Dyson trellising method.

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