Ballandean Estate triumphs at Queensland Wine Awards
Ballandean Estate has reinforced its position at the pinnacle of Queensland winemaking following a remarkable performance at the recent Queensland Wine Awards. For the second consecutive year, the estate has been honoured with Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, and Viticulturalist of the Year — an achievement that places Ballandean Estate among an elite group of wineries recognised for outstanding quality and unwavering consistency. The winery secured top honours across multiple categories, affirming its dedication to producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Granite Belt.
Medal tally
This year, Ballandean Estate’s commitment to excellence was reflected in an impressive medal tally, with a total of 23 medals awarded at the Queensland Wine Awards. The estate received:
- two Gold Medals for the 2024 Opera Block Shiraz and the 2024 Opera Block Cabernet Sauvignon
- an additional 12 Silver Medals awarded for 2024 Nebbiolo, 2023 Nebbiolo, 2018 Nebbiolo, 2024 Saperavi, 2024 Shiraz Viognier, 2025 Miscuglio, 2025 Rosé, 2025 Novello, 2025 White Pearl, Non-Vintage Fine Old Tawny, 2023 Opera Block Chardonnay, and 2024 Reserve Semillon
- eight Bronze Medals: 2025 Fiano, 2025 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, 2025 Giallo Fiano Malvasia FM, 2024 Shiraz Durif, 2024 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, 2024 Merlot, 2025 Summertime, and 2024 Malbec.
Viticultural leadership
The estate also extends congratulations to Riversands Vineyards for whom Ballandean Estate serves as the winemaking team, after achieving outstanding results with a top Gold Medal for their 2024 Merlot and two high Silvers for the 2024 Saperavi and 2025 Vermentino, plus seven Bronze Medals. Together with Riversands, Ballandean Estate Wines brought home a total of 33 medals, further solidifying its place as a viticultural leader.
Champion Mainstream Red Wine of Show
The Queensland Wine Awards, renowned for celebrating excellence in the state’s wine industry, further recognised Ballandean Estate with the trophy for Champion Mainstream Red Wine of Show for its 2024 Opera Block Cabernet Sauvignon— a testament to the region’s strength in crafting bold, cool-climate reds.
Reflecting on the estate’s achievements, Chief Winemaker Boxi Zhen shared,
“It’s a great honour to receive recognition from the prestigious judges at the Queensland Wine Awards, amongst them Andrew Santarossa (Gapstead Estate – Vic), Liz Heidenreich (Clare Valley SA) and Emma Shaw (Collector Wines – Canberra). Throughout the judging process, they maintained a benchmark for excellence — the only wines to receive medals must be medal-worthy on the national stage. As the industry faces down a challenging time of wine glut across Australia, the premium quality demonstrated is a testament to Queensland wineries showing strength, resilience and ambition.”
Boxi Zhen
Mainstream varietals Shiraz and Cabernet score highly
Fourth generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi commented,
“We’re thrilled to see our Shiraz and Cabernet scored so highly. Renowned judge Andrew Santarossa, CEO of Gaptstead Estate in north Victoria, told us we can be proud that both our mainstream and alternative varietals are most than just hitting the mark — the Granite Belt region is up there with the best Australia has to offer.”
Leeanne expressed her gratitude for the support of their loyal customers and the wider wine community.
“This achievement belongs to our entire team, from the vineyard to production and the cellar door. We invite everyone to come and taste these award-winning wines and experience the magic of the Granite Belt firsthand.
“These accolades serve as a significant milestone for Ballandean Estate, which has been a pioneer in the region for decades. The awards not only honour the quality of the current vintage but also underscore the estate’s enduring reputation for consistency and excellence.”
About Ballandean Estate
As one of Queensland’s founding family-owned wineries, Ballandean Estate has a rich heritage of producing premium, cool-climate wines in the Granite Belt. The estate is renowned for its warm hospitality and its legacy of hosting memorable cultural events that bring the community together.
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