About Kurrajong Downs

The vineyard and restaurant known as Kurrajong Downs is located on the Casino Road, Tenterfield, New South Wales. The property was named for the Kurrajong trees that surround the estate. The vineyard has a Cellar Door for the sale and tasting of their wines and the restaurant can cater for over 100 people. They are open to the public 10am to 4pm Thursday to Monday

The vineyard lies at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level and is classified as a summer rainfall region. Temperatures are essentially mild, with a January mean minimum temperature of 13.5 degrees and a maximum average of 26. They have cold winters in such a high altitude, which promotes a slow ripening of the grapes, but a marked enhancement of flavour and complexity.

Kurrajong Downs also has a 7,000-acre commercial cattle property with Angus and Gelbvieh cattle grazing on the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

The property was settled in 1858 when the Rhodes family came to the Tenterfield region in search of gold in the Timbarra gold fields. Jonus Rhodes mined for fifty years until he shuffled off this mortal coil. The next two generations also searched for gold, without much success. It was in the 1930s when the next generation started the beef cattle business to the east of Tenterfield. The property has thrived ever since.

The labels on their wines reflect the mining heritage, with a short history of the name on the back label. The 2002 Timbarra Gold Chardonnay is a good example of this.

The proprietors, Lynton and Sue Rhodes, are happy to welcome visitors to their Cellar Door and relax on the viewing deck which overlooks the vineyard. Here they can sample their excellent wines and enjoy their wonderful food.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Semillon and Shiraz are the wines to be tasted and purchased at their Cellar Door.