Why just visit a winery when you can camp there as well? With many Aussie businesses doing it tough due to drought or general economic down turn, many have decided to think out side the square. One such place is Kingsley Grove Estate Winery. Here they offer free-camping, so you don’t have to worry about driving after you have sampled some of their delicious wines.
Kingsley Grove Estate is a family owned, boutique winery located a little over 12 kilometres from the Queensland town of Kingaroy. It is a great spot to visit at any time of year.
HISTORY
Kingsley Grove was established in 1998 by Michael and Patricia Berry. Their son Simon and his wife Jo joined the family business permanently in 2014. Simon is the Chief Winemaker, whilst Jo handles the Cellar Door and Events.
Sadly Mike passed away just a few weeks after our visit, but it is great to see Simon and Jo carrying on the family tradition and continuing to make amazing wines.
THE WINE
Kingsley Grove grows 11 varieties of grapes spread out over 23 acres and is one of the largest wineries in the South Burnett region. All of Kingsley Grove’s wines are produced on the premises and a tour of the winery with Simon is a must when you visit. His knowledge and passion for the industry is evident in everything he does.
Kingsley Grove make a great selection of wines and these can be sampled 7 days a week at the cellar door. Try the Shiraz Viognier in the reds and the Sweet Berry White. For drinking around the campfire might I suggest the Fat Fox Fortified Shiraz!
THE FOOD
Food is available at Kingsley Grove on Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Public Holidays. Catering can also be arranged for groups. Simon’s wood-fired pizza’s are absolutely delicious as is the wine ice cream! Jo also puts together a fantastic cheese platter perfect for happy hour.
THE CAMPING
Perhaps one of the best bits about Kingsley Grove is the fact that you can free-camp there, right next to the vineyards. The camping area is huge, grassy (when they have had rain) and flat. All up there is room for about 50 caravans. There is also a large communal fire-pit that anyone can use. Perfect for chilly winter days.
We held our NextGen Caravan Owners Group get-together there and it was a great spot to relax for a couple of days. One thing, you do need to be self sufficient. There are no showers or water available although there is a toilet on the other side of the cellar door.
We loved our stay at Kingsley Grove. It was so quiet and peaceful. Even though the area was a little dry, it was still a lovely spot to stay.
If you fancy the idea of staying at Kingsley Grove, Jo and Simon will make you feel very welcome. Head over to their website for more information on staying at Kingsley Grove.
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