2026 Cairns Show Wine Awards accolades for Ballandean Estate Wines
Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery, has taken home two prestigious accolades at the 34th Cairns Show Wine Awards, held from 17–20 June 2026. The estate’s 2024 Saperavi earned a Gold Medal, while its 2024 Semillon was awarded a Silver Medal.
Cool climate wines at a national wine show in the tropics
The Cairns Show Wine Awards are unique in their focus on examining wine quality and style within the context of a tropical location, celebrating wines that excel in Far North Queensland’s vibrant tourism and hospitality environment. The awards draw entries from across Australia—including renowned regions such as the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and the Grampians—with celebrated producers like Bimbadgen, d’Arenberg, De Bortoli, and Peter Lehmann among the field. To shine in such esteemed company adds another chapter to Ballandean Estate’s already stellar Saperavi reputation.
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi shared her delight at the estate’s success:
“We couldn’t be more proud to see our Saperavi and Semillon recognised in the tropical north. Mario and I had the joy of participating at the public tasting, where an impromptu Saperavi masterclass for some of the guests turned into one of the highlights of the event. It’s a thrill to share the story of this remarkable varietal with so many wine lovers.
“We’re also incredibly proud of our Chief Winemaker Boxi Zhen, who served as a judge for the second year running, lending his refined palate to classes Ballandean Estate wasn’t competing in. It’s a wonderful endorsement of the calibre our young winemaker brings to the national stage.
Saperavi finds a second home on the Granite Belt
Originating in Georgia, where winemaking dates back more than 8,000 years, Saperavi has found a remarkable second home on the Granite Belt. Ballandean Estate was one of the first to plant the rare and alternative varietal in the region, with vines first established in its Bellevue vineyard in 2008. The estate’s granite soils reflect heat onto the fruit, speeding ripening during the day while cool overnight temperatures preserve acidity, resulting in mature, intensely flavored grapes. The 2024 Saperavi continues this proud tradition, having also achieved a 95-point Halliday rating.
Cairns soon to host a satellite cellar door
“The warmth of Far North Queensland’s wine community has been overwhelming, and we’re excited to be in negotiations with a Cairns partner to establish a satellite cellar door—bringing a taste of the Granite Belt to the tropics.”
The 2024 Saperavi and 2024 Semillon will soon be available for tasting at Ballandean Estate’s cellar door and for purchaseonline from 1 July onwards. Wine lovers are warmly invited to visit the Granite Belt to experience these award-winning wines firsthand.
About Ballandean Estate Wines
Ballandean Estate is Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery, with a winemaking history dating back to 1932. Located on the Granite Belt, 850 metres above sea level, the estate is home to some of Australia’s oldest Shiraz vines and rarest wine varietals. Combining the best of traditional and modern winemaking practices, Ballandean Estate produces premium cool-climate wines to suit all tastes. Visitors are warmly welcomed at the cellar door, located at 354 Sundown Road in Ballandean, open daily from 9am to 5pm. For more information, visit ballandeanestate.com.
