Banca Ridge

Banca Ridge was an initiative of the Stanthorpe State High School, which established the first commercial school winery in Queensland. Plantings have expanded from the initial marsanne and merlot to 10 varieties, including fiano, albariño, tinta cão and petit verdot. Students are involved in all stages of the grape growing and winemaking process under the direction of Arantza Milicua Celador. More recently the business has become part of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, designed to train students in the wine, hospitality and tourism industry, and the wines produced are a credit to the school and the program. -JAMES HALLIDAY