About Whiskey Gully Wines

About five kilometres from Stanthorpe is the creek known as Whiskey Gully where illicit whiskey stills were set up here one hundred years ago by Irish miners in search of tin.  Now, the modern vineyard of Whiskey Gully Wines stands there, producing wines from a wide variety of grapes.

Originally the property was some 2500 acres in size and was used to graze sheep and cattle.  Over time, the land has been divided up and the property is now just 270 acres. 

In the early 1900s an orchard was established on the property but it wasn’t until 1997 that the first grapes were planted under the ownership of John and Denice Arlidge.  Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines were established and grew well in the well-drained soil.  More Cabernet Sauvignon and some French Colombard were planted in 1999, with Whiskey Gully also declaring its first vintage in that year.

In the early days of Whisky Gully, John Arlidge invited friends from the Brisbane Beefsteak and Burgundy Club to help with the harvesting.  Heat, bees and hard work were braved in February 2000 by a “few hardy souls” who are known as the “Foundation Pluckers.”  This grew into the “Pleasant Pluckers Club,” a name thought up by one of the first Whiskey Gully pluckers, Anthony Bilbrough.  The club ensures that not only do regular customers and friends get value from the wines but also a sharing of the fun and excitement as the business grows.  All  “hardy souls” are welcome!

The wines include: 2007 Zing, 2003 Beverley Chardonnay, 2004 Opera House Chardonnay, 2004 Beverley Chardonnay, 2005 Leap ‘n Liz Colombard, 2005 Reserve Chardonnay, 2004 Frosty’s Rosé, 2004 Piazza Red, 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Rep Red, 2005 Upper House Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Nectar and 2006 Nectar.