Fancy a whinny or two with your wine?
Then hop on board Drayhorse Shires Winery, Brewery and Vineyard tour of the Scenic Rim – an hour’s drive southwest of Brisbane.
What better way to explore the picturesque scenery of this rural area than by open-air heritage carriage – drawn by two gentle giants?
It’s a slow-paced tour that allows plenty of time to enjoy the glorious views – and the experience of visiting some of the region’s best-loved vineyards.
The tour starts at Bunjurgen Estates – a boutique maker of wines not far from Mount Alford. A wine and cheese tasting under the Jacaranda tree is followed by an “all aboard” cry from Drayhorse Shires’ owners, Nara and Gavin.
The pair has been involved with heavy horses and carriages for more than 25 years – running a successful business in the U.K. before settling in Australia.
Second stop on the horse & carriage tour is Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm – a stunning, purpose-built cellar door, situated on elevated country circled by blue mountains.
Guests try a tipple or two – then head to the restaurant, overlooking the lavender, for a gourmet lunch – the cost of which is included in the tour.
There’s time to pop into the Lavender Shop to pick up a lavender-themed souvenir – pot pourri; lavender water; and lavender-infused toiletries.
The final leg of the horse-and-carriage tour delivers you to the Scenic Rim Brewery in the little town of Mount Alford.
The town’s historic general store has been transformed into a boutique brewery – where owners Mike and Wendy welcome folks to try their range of unique beers.
What goes well with a cold ale? Peanuts? Potato chips? At Scenic Rim Brewery, you can top off your day of tastings with a home-baked Devonshire Tea: fresh scones, cream, jam and your choice of hot beverage.
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There’s every reason to spend more than a day in the Scenic Rim – so if you’d like to linger, then look no further than Milford Country Cottages.
Two bespoke cottages, full of country charm, are available for accommodation. They’re set in gently rolling countryside, about five minutes’ drive from Boonah.
Guests can chill out – or help owners John and Lyn with country chores, including collecting eggs or feeding the resident Black Angus cattle and retired race-horse, Neddy.
John and Lyn are staging a special event for Scenic Rim Eat Local Week – a day out called “Roast with the Host”. It’s a ticketed event which includes a spit-roast feast, roast veggies and choice of desserts – plus live entertainment and local produce displays.
While you’re there, check out John’s collection of heritage horse-drawn farm implements – dotted, like rustic sculptures, across the paddocks.
