Shannonvale Winery – A Wine Odyssey Like No Other
Wine Without Rules – The Shannonvale Story
Tropical North Queensland is a place where nature thrives in full force—where traditions are questioned, and innovation leads the way. In a world dominated by grape wines, Shannonvale Winery stands apart, crafting sophisticated wines from tropical fruits that challenge expectations and redefine the drinking experience.
Nestled just outside Mossman, a short drive from Port Douglas, Shannonvale Winery is more than just a tasting stop—it’s an experience. The winding road through cane fields and rainforest leads to a boutique, family-run winery that has been crafting tropical wines for over two decades.
Meet the Makers: The Woodall Family
For the Woodalls, winemaking started as a passion before it became a thriving commercial venture. Trudy Woodall, the matriarch and winemaker, along with her son Laza, bring deep knowledge, humour, and a no-nonsense approach to their craft.
“We don’t consider ourselves wine connoisseurs,” Trudy laughs. “We’re just wine lovers.”
Laza, a key figure in the winery, explains what sets them apart:
“We have many base fruits to work with, achieving many styles and outcomes across all fruit varietals. Traditional grape wineries, on the other hand, only ever work with one fruit!”
The Tasting Experience: Expect the Unexpected
A visit to Shannonvale is not your standard cellar door experience. The tasting area, an open-air lean-to filled with relics of Queensland’s agricultural past, is both charming and intimate. Guests are welcomed by Hamish, the winery dog, before settling in for a curated tasting journey.
A sign at the entrance sets the tone:
“No, it’s not sticky and sweet.”
The wines here challenge expectations. While many assume fruit wines will be sugary, Shannonvale’s range is refined, structured, and well-balanced.
Wines That Break the Rules
The six main table wines and four fortified wines each offer a distinct flavour experience:
Dry Mango Wine – Crisp, dry, and nothing like the sweetness you’d expect.
Ginger Wine – Light, fragrant, and perfect with Asian cuisine.
Jaboticaba Wine – A deep, red wine with notes of cherry and spice.
Passionfruit Wine – A tropical take on a dry Riesling, perfect for seafood.
Lychee Wine – Aromatic and reminiscent of Gewürztraminer, beautifully floral.
Shannonvale’s crowning glory is its fortified Black Sapote wine—a deep, rich, and complex masterpiece. Often mistaken for chocolate in taste, it’s more like Christmas pudding, with layers of dark fruit, spice, caramel, and licorice.
“Drink it alone, facing a wall!” is the serving advice—it’s that good.
Alongside it, the fortified Lychee wine offers a smooth, aromatic contrast—a delicate yet indulgent experience that balances the floral, tropical notes of lychee with a refined sweetness.
The Kaffir Lime fortified wine completes the lineup, a citrus revelation that’s perfect for cocktails or a chilled nightcap.
A Wine Journey Worth Taking
Visitors often arrive with skepticism and leave as converts to tropical wine. The experience is immersive, educational, and—most importantly—delicious. Whether you’re a wine lover, a traveler, or just looking for something different, Shannonvale Winery is a must-visit destination.
Haven’t been yet? Time to plan a visit. Been before? You know it’s worth coming back.
Visit Shannonvale Winery – Open 6 Days a Week
Just outside Mossman, 15 minutes from Port Douglas
Order online & taste the tropics from home!