The sunshine state isn’t exactly synonymous with winegrowing. But the Granite Belt “is an area that defies most of the visuals of tropical-fruit growing Queensland,” as Halliday taster Mike Bennie says. He recently returned from a tasting trip to the region – you can view a selection of his highlights here. And, if after reading, you're inspired to visit the region, we round up five of its top cellar doors.

If you'd rather travel abroad, we've pulled together a guide to California's most famous wine region, the Napa Valley, covering where to eat, stay and play.

But if your plans involve staying put for the next few months, to bask in the glorious spring weather, peruse this list of 16 sparkling wines in a range of styles and price points perfect for any occasion.

And finally, a brand-new episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast featuring Stephen Pannell (S.C. Pannell, Koomilya, Protero) is out now. Listen here.

Happy reading,

Halliday Wine Companion

Highlights from the Granite Belt

A selection of Mike Bennie's top wines from his recent tasting trip.

Queensland's top cellar doors

Before you hit the beach, detour to the state's most compelling wine region.

48 hours in the Napa Valley

Our guide to a weekend in Californian wine country.

Sparkling wines for spring

Sixteen bottles of bubbles to suit a range of social occasions.

There's still time to claim $259 in bonus value when you become a Halliday member

Join Halliday today to enjoy more than $259 in bonus value, just for signing up, including:

• A bonus bottle of 95-point shiraz (valued at $60 RRP) from Top 5 Red Star winery Robert Stein. 

• A complimentary enrolment in Halliday Wine Academy (valued at $199). Choose from one of our three online courses, which allow you to focus on Australian wine, or look abroad with our Wines of the World series.

Plus, as a member you'll unlock access to new wine reviews every week and be among the first to discover our Top 100 Wines and Wineries when they're announced in October.  

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