On the coast we have a wide variety of beautiful wines and food on offer – some of the very best are being made right here in our backyard. Flame Hill Winery and Vineyard is one of my favourites on the coast, with a fantastic quality product made by ethical and sustainable means. A home to not only grapes, but also a farm where they rear the produce used to create a spread to die for. Located in the Blackall Range, 420 meters above sea level, the vineyard consists of friable red scrub soils, draining to black clay creek, dotted with native species and some of the most spectacular seasonal flowering blooms including the iconic Flame Tree species. Surrounding the acreage on which the vineyard sits, is the breathtaking Flame Hill Farm – a working cattle property and ‘land for wildlife‘ where any and all species of animals may make their home. The station produces Black Angus beef products, served exclusively in their restaurant as well as a line of relishes, condiments and verjus from their fruiting crops and vines.

This February, on the 27^th, the annual grape ‘stomp’ festival – a celebration of a successful year of harvest and production – will be on once again. Ticket holders will be given the opportunity to sample, feast and crush grape between their toes. This signature event is unlike any other of its kind, featuring some of the freshest and best fine food, wine, beer. There will be live entertainment showcasing the musical styling of local jazz, including Brisbane’s most loved Big Band style swing jazz ensemble – Swing Central, and many supporting acts throughout the day.

For those interested in this fine food, wine and music experience, the vineyard offers two packages for the event, the Marquee Package for $55 including an alfresco style cellar lunch, ‘Stomp’ admission, a custom memento wine glass, tastings, live entertainment and the option to lend your best squashing digits to the grape stomping fun. For those looking to experience something of a more lavish nature then the Corporate Deck package may be what you’re looking for. For $105 the package includes a cocktail style spread of canapés and nibbles on their elegant private corporate deck overlooking the vineyard, sparkling white wine on arrival as well as the live entertainment and grape destruction. All Children under 12 years are admitted free of charge, of course.

I’ve many a lovely hour at Flame Hill, enjoying their fantastic, beautiful food and wine, as well as the amazing landscape. It’s honestly one of the most stunning and charming places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, with wild birds swooping through the vines and soaring overhead in and around each other, twittering as they do, hilarious guinea fowl and chooks chattering in the distance plotting their mischief to the gentle and calm cattle meandering about their pastures. Of course I cannot forget the most memorable resident, the endearing watchdog and renown vintner ‘Wild Bill’, a delightful and iconic Blue Heeler that calls this dazzling place his home.

For more information on the event and the vineyard itself visit the Flame Hill Vineyard website.