By Lucy Waldron
Granite Belt Wine and Tourism played host to the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) in Brisbane on Thursday 8 February, offering a preview of Granite Belt Wine Country and unveiling exciting new attractions for the upcoming Harvest Season.
The event, held at City Winery in Brisbane, welcomed 18 ASTW members, accompanied by esteemed winemakers eager to showcase the region’s latest offerings.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the recently unveiled Strange Birds Map trail, indulge in tastings of Granite Belt wines, and savour an array of treats including jams, condiments, cheeses, and truffles.
The occasion was marked by the celebration of the forthcoming Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, featuring an Apple Peeling competition spotlighting fresh produce from Nicoletti Orchards. Kerry Heaney, a food and travel writer from Brisbane, emerged victorious in the spirited contest.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi was invited to address the attendees on behalf of the region extending a warm welcome and encouraging the visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s diverse attractions.
Martin Cooper, President of Granite Belt Wine and Tourism, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the ASTW members for their invaluable contributions in promoting the region’s unique charms over the past four years.
Their efforts have resulted in widespread coverage across state-wide and national publications as well as social media platforms, elevating the profile of Granite Belt Wine Country on a global scale.
Cr Pennisi underscored the significance of such initiatives in showcasing the region’s distinctive offerings and generating interest among potential visitors.
“When you get a travel writer to write for a magazine and that story goes on an aeroplane, for example, it’s marketing for the region, and it’s beneficial,“ Cr Pennisi said.
The event served as a prelude to the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, eliciting excitement among attendees.
Cr Pennisi shared his enthusiasm for the festival, highlighting the time-honored tradition of the grape crush competition, a spirited contest in which mayors vie for victory.
“I am most looking forward to winning the grape crush, as it is a bit of a tradition for Mayors to win,“ he said.
He will have some fresh competition this year so Cr Pennisi is keeping his techniques close to his chest.
As tourism thrives throughout the Granite Belt and with countless events and spaces with so much to do, the articles almost write themselves.
