Discovery adds spice to life. And when it comes to the discovery of a new winery there’s the added benefit of a new favourite for the cellar. With the approach of autumn, the weather comes in the tune of lazy sunny afternoons on the Sunshine Coast, creating a near perfect temperature for weekend getaways into the hinterland. So we have found a couple of wineries as good reason to venture up into the verdant highlands this fall.

The Flame Hill Vineyard

You’ll find the drive to 249 Western Avenue Montville an easy task with great reward as The Flame Hill, Cellar Door is open 10.30 to 5.30pm Thursday to Monday. You find the team warm and welcoming and more than happy to guide you through their complimentary tasting of three wines from the Flame Hill Vineyard label. If more is what you desire then for the small price of $6 you can try eight of their wines.

They also have a rather unique offer for those wishing to make things a little more special for groups with four special Private Wine Tasting offers. Flame Hill Selection:  $10 Per Guest
White Selection:  $12 Per Guest
Red Selection:  $15 Per Guest
, Reserve Selection:  $18 Per Guest.

As you’d imagine Flame Hill is as pretty as picture set within the roiling hillsides of Montville and comes with its own A la carte restaurant complete with sprawling outdoor terrace. Chef, Adam Lugg, will create a wonderful dining experience for you and your guests. The deck restaurant and outdoor terrace areas provide the perfect setting for leisurely eating and drinking all while savouring the right wine combined with the perfect dish. Flame Hill Vineyard’s menu is all about seasonal, fresh Sunshine Coast produce sourced locally or grown here on the 350 acre working cattle farm property.

Restaurant bookings are essential while a more casual dining experience can be enjoyed on the terrace. LUNCH is available Thursday – Monday from 12:00pm – 3:00pm SUNDAY BRUNCH is from 10:00am -12:00pm.

They are also noted for their promotion of our delightful regional cheeses.

As they say:

“The Flame Hill ethos is the provision of Wine and Food ethically, sustainably, and authentically from the paddock, all touched by the human hand, then cooked and served with conscience.”

For more information visit www.flamehill.com.au.

Maleny Mountain Wines

Quite apart from the fact that they are right on the main road into Maleny at 787 Landsborough Maleny Road, you really won’t be able to miss this winery as they have a constructed a rather unique, and memorable Cellar Door. An eight-metre high wine barrel set against the spectacular backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains! Inside the warmth of the timber and eclectic décor they have created an ideal autumn escape.

A family owned winery; Maleny Mountain Wines have been busy making quite a name for themselves winning numerous awards over the last few years. They have a very large range, including reds, whites, fortifieds and dessert wines along with a Reserve collection. They will encourage and guide you as you meander through their extensive list, providing a most entertaining experience for both the novice and more experienced wine palette.

So no matter whether your taste runs to dry or sweet, rest assured there will be something for you to savour on the day of your visit.

They are open seven days a week, from 9.30 to 5 pm for both wine tasting and sales through their cellar door. However it doesn’t stop there as you can also indulge in some light refreshments in the form of cheese and antipasto platters to be finished off nicely with a dessert and coffee.

For more information please visit www.malenymountainwines.com.au.