Celebrating Vintage 2026: innovation meets tradition

Let us present you withBallandean Estate’s Cantina Nota for 2026! On March 17, we wrapped up the 2026 harvest here at Ballandean Estate with the final load of Cabernet Franc — a fitting end to a season packed with challenges, gutsy decisions, and serious flavour. The last grapes are in, the presses are finally catching their breath, and we’re buzzing with anticipation at the cellar door.

Every vintage tells its own story, and 2026’s is a tale of resilience, teamwork, and a hearty splash of creative juices. Early heat waves were the catalyst for launching bold new vineyard trials that flipped thescript on grape growing and delivered some tasty surprises.

The extreme heat meant fast-ripening fruit, but our proactive techniques helped us bring in a dazzling array of grapes: Black and White Muscat, Shiraz, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all got their time in the spotlight.But it’s the Fiano and Durif — plus Viognier, Malvasia, Saperavi, and Cabernet Franc — that have us especially excited. If your wine rack is chasing something a little different, these Strange Bird varietals promise a wine adventure in every glass.

A dash of rebellion: pushing the boundaries

Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, sums it up, “Ballandean Estate built its reputation on innovation, a consistent quality, and a dash of rebellion. This vintage proves that when we push boundaries in the vineyard, we create truly extraordinary wines.”That spark led to two major vineyard experiments with our Durif and Fiano.

Reimagining Durif

Durif is a powerhouse variety: inky, robust, and not afraid to make a statement. But it does have its quirks — tight grape clusters and a tendency for drama. Enter vineyard manager Robyn Robertson, who gave the Durif bunches a serious prune just after flowering. Loose and well-ventilated, these clusters were less likely to hold onto moisture. The Durif vines focused energy on fewer grapes, producing berries with deep concentration and aromas that would make any oenophile swoon. This early intervention not only reduced disease risk, it gave us a Durif which is the ultimate choice for any lover of big reds. What makes our Durif unique is its vibrant and sophisticated cool climate expression, lean and fresh with intense acidity, a gorgeous inky purple with a crimson meniscus in the glass.

Finding the fabulous in Fiano

If Durif is bold, Fiano is the overachiever—fast-growing, vigorous, and, left unchecked, happy to throw a leaf party at the expense of the fruit. Our award-winning winemaker, Boxi Zhen, saw an opportunity to experiment. His solution? Radical leaf removal, right after the first week of flowering, baring the fruit to the Granite Belt sun. What followed was alchemy: to protect themselves from the sunlight, the grapes developed a natural “sunscreen” — skin tannins and proteins — which in turn supercharged their flavour. The Fiano juice that emerged was the best we’ve seen in three years: thick, lush, and aromatic, promising a wine that’s as textured as it is sensuous.

Boxi Zhen stirring it up

Behind our standout vintage is Boxi Zhen, our young winemaker who’s quietly enhancing the Ballandean playbook. Boxi ventured from China to Adelaide to earn his Master of Viticulture and Oenology, adding a degree in Food Science for good measure. With a keen scientific mind and a passion for minimal- intervention winemaking, Boxi lets the fruit and Granite Belt terroir shine in every bottle — wild yeast and all. His recent accolades— such as Emerging Winemaker of the Year 2024, Winemaker of the Year 2024 and 2025, and 95 points from James Halliday for both the 2023 Nebbiolo and 2023 Small Batch Reserve Chardonnay — mean the wine world is taking notice.

A legacy of excellence on the Granite Belt

Ballandean Estate isn’t just riding a winning streak; we’ve reinforced our reputation for excellence spanning 50-plus years of winemaking. The 2025 Queensland Wine Awards saw us named Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, and Viticulturalist of the Year — two years in a row. We don’t chase awards, but we do love knowing our commitment to premium,terroir-driven wines resonates beyond our vineyard gates. Every glass is a taste of Puglisi family history, and a celebration of what the land can offer.

Varietal stars of Vintage 2026 

After a mad rush at the end of January and into February, we can confidently say the vintage quality is outstanding. The extreme heat meant fast-ripening, but our proactive techniques helped us bring in a dazzling array of grapes: Black and White Muscat, Shiraz, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all had their time in the sun. But it’s the Fiano and Durif—plus Viognier, Malvasia, Saperavi, and Cabernet Franc—that have us especially excited. If your wine rack is crying out for something a little different, these Strange Bird varietals promise adventure in every sip.

What’s next in the cellar?

With the vineyard quieting down, Boxi and team are busy nurturing the new vintage through its next stages. We’re putting the finishing touches on our amici favourites: our 2026 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, the crowd pleasing White Pearl, and the Summertime blend. Up first? Our beautifully vibrant 2026 Rosé—perfect for a fridge near you. Looking ahead, keep an eye out for the 2025 Vintage Saperavi fortified wine (think winter evenings and good company).

Taste the gorgeous Granite Belt

2026 proved that a little innovation, collaboration, and a cheerful disregard for business as usual can lead to spectacular wines. While we work away on new releases, there’s no better time to discover our current range — from Halliday-hyped bottles to everyday savours. Visit our cellar door or shop online, and let’s raise a glass to rebellion, resilience, and the glory of the Granite Belt’s high-altitude wines.

About Ballandean Estate Wines

Ballandean Estate Wines is Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery. Since 1932, the Puglisi family has been producing premium quality wines on the Granite Belt. Blending tradition with modern techniques, Ballandean Estate is renowned for its Strange Bird™ alternative varieties and its commitment to the region’s history and future.