History

The forming of the character of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt goes back to distant times, when magma formed some of the huge and ancient batholyths of granite which we know today, and at the same time dictated what minerals would be present, and what the soil characteristics would be. Furthermore the district's elevation was created.

Over very recent periods, man and his activities have shaped Stanthorpe's present character. namely: Firstly the minerals present, the finding of which gave the greatest single impetus to the area and established populations far in excess of those that could be expected from grazing pursuits.  The name Stanthorpe derivse from stannum (tin) and thorpe (village) Secondly, the elevation of 800-1000 metres produces a cool summer climate, conducive to growing fruit and vegetables, during a period of the year, that is largely too hot for their production in the rest of Queensland. Currently the popularity of wine tourism and the tree change phenomenon are boosting visitors and new residents to the area.

Early tin miners

Stanthorpe catholic parish priest from earliest days to early 1900s, Fr Jerome Davadi is credited as having started the wine industry here.  With the decline in tin mining, Fr Davadi (right) encouraged his parishioners to diversify.  He recognsied that the climate was ideal for growing stonefruit and grapes and in the early days wine was made mostly from surplus table grapes.  Winemaking on the Granite Belt has grown from humble beginnings of being stored in the old 44 gallon drum, to the best French and American oak barrels.  The present day reputation of the Granite Belt as the Queensland wine capital is something that Fr Davadi could only have dreamed of - or prayed for. Then again, perhaps he did!