AS one of Tamborine Mountain’s longest established boutique wineries there is now doubt many locals have dropped in for a lunch or a wine tasting over the years at Mason Winery.
If you haven’t been for a while maybe now is a great time to return especially if you have just had a bunch of visitors land on your doorstep.
For more than a decade Robert Mason presided over the winery and in that time built up a loyal local clientele.
When he started to mention he was ready to retire from the seven day a week job his manager of eight years, Anna Rochfort, became interested.
It resulted in Anna and her partner, David Wistow, taking over the winery lease on July 1, 2024.
“It has been a hectic opening period for us especially as we also have to care for our two young children, Oliver and Matilda, who are still too young to go to school,” Anna said.
While it has made for a busy life for the young couple they are not complaining, in fact Anna said they love the challenge.
“It’s become a real family affair as mum, Dinah, also works here and we also have some other in-laws on the books,” she said.
“The business is growing and we have great plans for the future to add to the two cottages we rent out, the cellar door and the restaurant.
“Weddings are something we are concentrating on and bookings are coming through for next year on a constant basis.
“We are looking to build up our local visitors and have started putting on special events such as the Melbourne Cup function we recently hosted.”
Mason Winery offer an extensive wine tasting menu where visitors can look over more than 30 varieties that are grown and produced at Stanthorpe in the Ballandean area.
Stanthorpe is now producing award winning wines and Mason Winery is showcasing some of their best blends.
The 80 seat restaurant at the winery has earned a strong reputation over the years with its commitment to always source local produce.
Anna said even though making the restaurant proudly “local produce only” added costs it will always be the way for them to go.
“We are a local business backing local producers and we hope this will always be recognised by district residents when they decide where to go out for the day,” she said.
Mason Winery is located at 32 Hartley Road and is just a short five minute drive from Tamborine Mountain’s Gallery Walk.
The restaurant is popular and visitors are recommended to book for a meal and also if they are just planning a wine tasting.
The tasting is fully explained and poured and costs $10 a head.
