The rare opportunity to secure an established and highly developed wine and tourism business in the burgeoning South West Queensland tourism region has been presented with the listing of the award-winning Riversands Vineyards for sale.

Set over 22ha, just 2km from St George, Riversands Vineyards is a respected and well-known name in the Australian wine industry supported by an ideal temperate growing climate, secure water supply and quality operational infrastructure.

An incremental development program rolled out and refined over the past 26 years has significantly increased productivity and helped to droughtproof the vineyard, particularly through the establishment of an extensive irrigation network fed by a 226-megalitre water licence from the Beardmore Dam. The business also comes with highly experienced staff and a proven management structure.

Established markets ensure immediate wine sales income, complemented by revenue generated through the sale of table grapes. The successful cellar door and outdoor café, along with the increasing popularity of South West Queensland as a visitor destination, deliver further value and business growth potential.

The well-established vineyard includes 25,000 vines planted over almost 19 ha of deep sandy loam soils, and in 2022 produced a record harvest of White Muscat, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Merlot, Shiraz, Saperavi, Ruby Cabernet and Black Muscat wine grapes. A recognised brand, Riversands Vineyard wine is bottled at the iconic Ballandean Estate in Stanthorpe and has taken out a number of coveted Queensland and national awards.

Owner, David Blacket, said Riverland Vineyards’ Golden Liqueur Muscat was its most popular drop.

“As we are a hotter growing region we can produce superb fortified wines,” Mr Blacket said.

“When we bought the Riversands Vineyards, the winery was very much in its infancy, and we were able to take it to another level. We found the wine industry to be very supportive of newcomers, and we grew our venture alongside the Queensland industry.”

Today, Riversands wine is sold through multiple marketing channels including the cellar door, more than 50 retail outlets, at 30 shows and festivals, and direct-to-customer online transactions.

Mr Blacket said more than 13,000 people had visited the Riversands cellar door in 2021, with the tourism arm of the enterprise achieving record growth since July 2020, powered predominantly by active retiree travellers and bus tours.

“We cater for both the drive market and family adventure tourism along with coach tours and regularly host events, parties and weddings that appeal to families and regional tourists,” Mr Blacket said.

Balonne Shire Mayor, Samantha O’Toole, said the growth in visitor numbers to the region was the result of a maturing outback tourism market, with Riversands Vineyards among a growing list of high-quality attractions in the South West.

“Outback regions have been working very hard over a number of years to build attractions that appeal to the domestic market so there is now much for tourists to do and experience when they head west,” Cr O’Toole said.

“Our 2021 tourism season started earlier and lasted longer. In June during the school holidays, for example, the town was thriving, the shops were full and there were queues of caravans.

“I don’t believe we have reached our potential in terms of tourism, there are a number of big-ticket items Council is working on to provide attractions to be launched, and I see further opportunities for agritourism and our growing events to draw more people to the Balonne Shire.”

For more information about the sale of Riversands Vineyards contact LAWD Director Simon Cudmore, +61 433 160 413, or LAWD Director Josh Ledingham +61 457 099 445.

Riversands Vineyards is for sale on a walk-in walk-out basis by private treaty.