A sip of joy and serenity

As we wind our way up the long, curving drive toward Sirromet Wines, a feeling of serenity washes over us. We roll the car windows down to breathe in the crisp, fresh air infused with the fragrance of the nearby lavender fields.

From the sea of pretty purple flowers to the sweeping green views and years-old native trees lining the road, everything in sight reflects the beauty of southeast Queensland’s Mount Cotton region.

As our car rounds the corner, we catch our first glimpse of the majestic brick and timber property ahead – it looks like it was plucked from the pages of a storybook.

Sirromet Wines is more than just a winery. It’s a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the pleasures of good food, fine wine and Australia’s great outdoors.

The sprawling property features a cellar door, restaurant, café, open grass spaces that are perfect for picnicking, a yard bar, and at the heart of it all, the winery itself.

But what truly takes your breath away is the sense of space and nature that envelops the property. Sirromet is nestled on 560 acres of bushland and grass, where free-roaming wallabies and birds happily make their home.

It’s a peaceful oasis, perfect for anyone wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And for us? A much-needed retreat.

We based ourselves at Sanctuary by Sirromet – a collection of luxurious tented pavilions that bring you closer to nature without sacrificing comfort. Each pavilion boasts a private ensuite and a balcony that seems to levitate above the bushland, giving it a unique ‘tree house’ sensation.

Here, in our own private retreat, we feel miles away from the noise of daily life.

After settling into our pavilion, our first stop is the 90-minute tour and tasting experience. Josh, our guide, is not only passionate but incredibly knowledgeable about Sirromet’s winemaking process.

Stories about the estate’s head winemaker, Jess, and the intricacies of winemaking at Sirromet, peppered with facts and figures, tumble from his mouth.

From the method of ageing wines in French oak barrels to the traditional process used for sparkling wines, it is fascinating to learn how each bottle is crafted with care. We even learn about the technicalities behind chilling reds for Queensland’s hot summers and how sparkling wine gets its bubbles. As wine lovers, we enjoy that the tour offers a behind-the-scenes look into the delicate process that ends with the perfect glass.

Of course, the highlight of the tour is the tasting itself. From the delicate pinot noir chardonnay to the crisp fiano (which quickly became our favourite), each wine reflects the artistry and dedication that goes into its creation. We savour every sip, feeling more connected to the history and heart of this beautiful location.

Once the tour wraps up, we indulge in a picnic hamper while overlooking the rolling green hills that back onto the property. While the hamper is a delightful treat, we recommend skipping it in favour of a meal from the Cellar Bar and Cafe, where you’ll find everything from fries and salads to burgers and pizzas.

But the real magic comes as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. We had pre-booked the Fiery Winter Warmer experience – a cosy gathering under the stars, complete with a private fire pit, rustic barrel table and a foodie hamper. The aromatic and warm mulled wine is a comforting touch; the spices and rich red wine tickling our noses and taste buds.

There’s a running joke my husband and I share: every special trip we take seems to end with fireworks. It’s happened everywhere, from Italy’s Lake Como and France’s Loire Valley village of Amboise to Dubai and even in the small New South Wales coastal town of Yamba. Unplanned, yet always magical. Even on our wedding night, colourful fireworks were staged by chance right outside our reception venue.

And so, as we sit by the fire at Sirromet, sipping the tummy-warming mulled wine, the tradition continues. We look across the horizon to see a light show of fireworks in the distance, dancing against the darkening sky. I glance at my husband, and with a smile, we joke, “Still got the fireworks after all these years”.

Later, as the night descends, we round out our evening with dinner at Tuscan Terrace. The pretty indoor-outdoor, Italian-inspired restaurant glows with fairy lights. As the dimming fires flicker in the distance, we enjoy a glass of 2019 Private Collection Nadine Blanc de Blanc. Green apple sherbet, lemon pith and delicate custard patisserie notes blend into a dry yet refreshing sparkling wine

Our escape to Sirromet was more than just a getaway; it was an experience that reconnected us with nature, fine wine and the quiet moments often lost in the busyness of life. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a serene escape, Sirromet Wines offers the perfect blend of relaxation and comfort. We left the next morning feeling rejuvenated and already planning our return.

The writer paid for all travel expenses.