Oh How Far We Have Come!
From a motorcycle ride in 2010 to the prestigious Samuel Bassett Award in 2022.
We, Mick and Ann Bourke, set off for the Granite Belt on our motorcycles in March 2010. Little did we realise that 9 months later we would be the proud owners of Jester Hill Wines. Established in 1993 with the first plantings, Jester Hill Wines strives to ensure the unique Mediterranean-like climate and the savoury characteristics of the Granite Belt region is represented in every bottle.
From the early years we have been blessed to have three of our children actively working in and supporting the business. Shannon, the youngest of the crew moved with us at the age of 12 and has since gone on to become a well-known young lady in the wine industry, representing Granite Belt Wine Tourism in 2017 as Miss Wine for the Stanthorpe Ag Show. Mackenzie moved to the region when he finished school and completed his Chefs apprenticeship, running the Jester Cafe for 8 years and is now Mick’s right hand man in the vineyard and the winery. Kaitlyn, oldest daughter, is responsible for our website, social media, marketing and advertising. We wouldn’t be here without them.
Both Mick and I quickly jumped into our new venture boots and all, joining every organisation that we possibly could. Our first winemaker was Steven Oliver and since then, Mick has followed in his footprints. Although there have been changes made along the way, we have continued with a minimalist philosophy of winemaking and given the vineyard every opportunity to produce the best grapes possible. Our wines are made from 100% estate grown grapes.
Fast forward 2016 saw the first of the inaugural Granite Rockin’ Blues music day at Jester Hill Wines. Mick features on saxophone and harmonica in his very own band called Powersupply. We pride ourselves in finding the best local talent out there for the winery’s festivities. Now an annual fundraising event for the Glen Aplin Rural Fire Service, we have raised over the time approximately $4,000.
Meanwhile I, Ann, became very involved with Granite Belt Wine Tourism, filling the position of President for five years with Mick as President for one year. Not to be outdone, Mick has been Vice-President of Queensland Wine Industry Association for 4 years, with both of us having a huge responsibility for the organisation. Since 2019 we have been involved with the running of the Qld Wine Awards held at the prestigious Queensland Parliament House Brisbane.
WOW! It’s now 2022 and this year’s Qld Wine Awards saw Jester Hill Wines awarded multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as the one we are most proud of – The Samuel Bassett Award.
None of this would have been possible without our family and friends. Of particular importance is the welcome and support we as newbies were met with from fellow wine industry colleagues whom we now today call our friends.
Our family owned and operated winery and cellar door is open from 10am to 5pm daily. We welcome you all to visit our amazing cellar door and experience our humble hospitality. Our well trained and courteous staff will make your experience pleasurable and educational.
Come and taste our award winning wines, coupled with a tasting platter in the cafe or picnic in the vineyard with wonderful views of surrounding vineyards and mountains.