Do you and the girls love nothing more than winding down with a glass of wine on the weekend? Well, take your vino affinity to the next level with these essential wineries and wine experiences near the Gold Coast.
Tamborine Mountain Wine & Dine Tour
First, let us show you the food and drink delights waiting for you in Tamborine Mountain, one of Australia’s most underrated wine destinations. On our Wine & Dine Tour, you will sample wines from Hampton Wine, Witches Falls Winery (along with a ridiculously good cheese platter) and Mason Wines. After a two-course lunch at Mason Wines, the next stop is Tamborine Mountain Distillery, where you can try unique creations like eucalyptus gum leaf vodka. After a pitstop at a Scenic Rim lookout, it’s time to head home with full bellies and full hearts.
Somm Wine Store
Somm Wine Store is a must-visit. Located in Nobby’s Beach, the husband and wife team is all about finding rare amazing wines from small producers. Every bottle is hand-curated and they call themselves “your personal sommelier, but without the pomp.” It’s a one-of-a-kind wine experience on the Gold Coast and they also frequently host wine-tasting sessions. Keep an eye on their Instagram and sign up for their newsletter for more information.
Paloma Wine Bar
Paloma Wine Bar splashed onto the Gold Coast bar scene in 2021. Yet it’s already earned the accolade of Australia’s Best Wine Bar at Gourmet Traveller’s 2023 Restaurant Awards. Located on Burleigh Heads’ prestigious James Street, it’s the sister venue to the award-winning Restaurant Labart. But Paloma is making a name for itself all on its own.
Grab the girls, pull up a chair and dive into the extensive wine selection that includes both Australian and international sips. Then try not to let the cocktail menu distract you! Gourmet Traveller noted that Paloma gets the balance between food and drinks just right. They offer a seasonal menu of small plates that changes depending on what high-quality fresh produce is available from local suppliers daily. It’s truly a Gold Coast wine experience you don’t want to miss.
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
If you’re in search of wineries near the Gold Coast, head to Sarabah Estate Vineyard, a hidden gem nestled in the fertile Gold Coast Hinterland. The family-owned estate and vineyard is open from Friday to Sunday and offers a little bit of everything. Most importantly, they host wine-tasting sessions every 30 minutes. Sip and savour their award-winning sparkling brut, plus rose, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and/or chardonnay.
Then you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas like the Truffle Pig at Chalet Bistro or pick up a charcuterie board to enjoy with a picnic on the grounds. Finally, stock up on local deli produce and of course, their wines at the shop and say hello to the friendly alpacas before departing for the day.
Rosella’s
Rosella’s is a quirky yet cool Australian-themed bar a stone’s throw from Burleigh Beach. Think native flora decorating the tabletops, gum nut printed tiles in the bathroom and art deco Aussie animal prints. But let’s talk about the drinks, which include Aussie-inspired cocktails, local beers and a long list of natural Australian wines. The selection highlights regional small-batch producers from places like the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Tamar Valley.
Now, if you’re going to visit Rosella’s with the girls, we recommend visiting on an empty stomach and sampling the cheese, meats and small plates available. It’s Aussie with a modern twist, like damper, a chicken parmi slider and spag bol spring rolls.
