Ballandean Estate has been named Winery of the Season at Queensland Parliament House. It’s a program that celebrates the producers behind our state’s finest food and wine, and being chosen means the world to us. So if you find yourself in Brisbane, we’d love for you to pull up a chair at Strangers’ Restaurant and taste what we’ve been pouring.
Showcasing Queensland at Parliament House
Queensland Parliament’s Winery of the Season program celebrates producers whose products reflect the diversity, quality and innovation found across our state. Ballandean Estate is a great example of what makes Queensland special through its family enterprise, regional excellence and the courage to forge a new path.
When you raise a glass of our wine at Parliament House, you’re sipping far more than premium cool-climate wine. You’re tasting more than 90 years of Queensland history and five generations of family passion. It’s a story that began in 1932 and keeps unfolding on the Granite Belt, 850 metres above sea level, where our vines have grown for generations.
Experience Ballandean Estate at Strangers’ Restaurant
Here’s the part we’re most excited about. Working closely with Gerard Gasparin, Parliament’s Senior Supervisor of Fine Dining, we’ve paired three of our wines with a seasonal menu built around the best Queensland produce. Each course shows just how versatile our cool-climate wines can be.
The menu
To start, you’ll enjoy Goldband Snapper crudo with coconut and fennel purée, togarashi, finger lime ponzu and chive oil, matched with our 2025 Wild Ferment Malvasia. The wine’s bright aromatics and crisp acidity lift the fresh seafood and vibrant citrus beautifully.
For the main, there’s lamb rump with miso-glazed pumpkin, baby kale, black orange sauce and split jus, poured alongside our 2024 Durif. Its rich fruit and firm structure stand up to every bold flavour on the plate.
To finish, a vanilla rice pudding with a white chocolate cup, puffed rice and yuzu caramel ice cream, served with our 2019 Late Harvest Sylvaner. The wine’s gentle sweetness and refreshing acidity bring the whole experience to an elegant close.
It’s a genuine taste of the Granite Belt, right in the heart of Brisbane. Come along, settle in, and share a glass with us. We’d love to have you at the table.
Something special is coming to the Barrelroom this September — and seats are filling fast. We’re thrilled to announce The Chef, the Wench and the Winemaker, an exclusive long lunch experience in Barrelroom Wine Lounge. Taking place on September 12th and 13th, this is an experience that will stay with you long after the last glass is poured.
This special collaboration brings together Chef Ian from Underground Chef, Lisa from Saucy Wench, and Boxi Zhen from Ballandean Estate Wines for a food and wine experience full of flavour, story and regional hospitality.
It’s a meeting of cultures, kitchens and vineyards — Japanese, Malaysian, Italian and Chinese influences brought together. Expect bold sauces, handcrafted dumplings, slow-cooked beef cheeks, and perfectly paired wines from Ballandean Estate.
Seats in the Barrelroom are strictly limited, and just $120 per booking for two people.
This collaboration brings together three of the region’s most exciting culinary and wine minds:
Chef Ian — The Underground Chef
Chef Ian is known for pushing boundaries with bold, innovative Asian flavors that are as surprising as they are satisfying. His food doesn’t just taste extraordinary — it tells a story.
Lisa — The Saucy Wench
Lisa brings an irresistible energy to every table she touches. Expect wit, warmth, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a guest in someone’s home rather than a diner in a restaurant.
Boxi Zhen — Ballandean Estate Winemaker
Since joining us in late 2022, Boxi has brought a world of experience to our Granite Belt terroir — from the Napa Valley to South Australia to Qingdao. His minimal-intervention philosophy and instinct for coaxing the best from every varietal make him the perfect partner for a menu as adventurous as this one.
A menu built to linger over
Each course has been thoughtfully designed to complement the bold character of Ballandean Estate’s cool-climate wines.
Course OneTrio of Chicken Yakitori, Duck Spring Roll & Pork and Prawn Shu Mai
A vibrant, flavor-packed opening that sets the tone for the evening — delicate textures meeting the bright acidity of our Granite Belt whites.
Course TwoTempeh & Glass Noodle Dumpling
A beautifully crafted vegetarian course that rewards the patient palate — earthy, subtle, and deeply satisfying alongside a glass of estate Chardonnay.
Course ThreeAsian-Style Beef Cheek with Asian Mushroom Jus
The showstopper. Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this dish is the perfect partner for Boxi’s robust, character-driven Shiraz — a pairing that feels like it was written in the stars.
Reserve your tickets before they sell out
This is a genuinely exclusive experience — the Barrelroom seats a limited number of guests, and demand for events like this is always high. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a weekend getaway to the Granite Belt, or simply looking for an evening that goes beyond the ordinary, this is the one.
Ballandean Estate is an easy drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast — so make a weekend of it. We’ll take care of the rest.
Some legends never slow down. This week, Angelo Puglisi — the Father of Queensland Wine — turns 83, and you’re invited to celebrate with us.
Angelo has spent his entire life on Ballandean Estate. He planted his first Shiraz in 1968, opened our cellar door in 1972, and helped build Queensland’s oldest family-run winery from the ground up. You may find him on his red tractor, tending the vines he loves.
A love that has stood the test of time
Behind every great winemaker is a great partner. Mary has stood beside Angelo for 55-plus years.
When Angelo and Mary Puglisi took over the farm from Angelo’s parents in 1968, they saw the potential for a new industry and began to make wine commercially. Angelo and Mary replanted the vineyard, moving from table grapes to wine grapes. These were some of the first wine grapes to be planted on the Granite Belt, a modest beginning for this now multi-million-dollar industry.
The Cellar Door was opened in 1972 and through the years has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors per year to taste wines and enjoy the hospitality.Today, their daughters Robyn and Leeanne carry the family passion forward — proof that this legacy is in wonderful hands.
Angelo’s love for wine and community
Angelo’s generosity runs as deep as his vines. Through Opera in the Vineyard, he raised over $1 million for charity, sharing his love of wine and community far and wide. Opera in the Vineyard was born of a friendship between Angelo and his neighbour, the late David Pugh. Listening to opera and watching the sunset over the vineyards with a glass of Angelo’s shiraz was a cherished tradition.
Raise a glass to the Father of Queensland Wine
To honour him, we’re pouring out a little celebration of our own. Whether you reach for an elegant Shiraz or a rare cool-climate varietal, every bottle toasts a life devoted to Queensland wine.
Grab your favourites before the clock runs out — and raise a glass to 83 remarkable years.
We’re having a winter to celebrate — and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Since 1932, our family has poured everything we have into crafting wines that honour this remarkable corner of Queensland. And right now, we have exciting news fermenting.
On September 12th and 13th, 2026, we’re hosting The Chef, the Wench & the Winemaker — a long lunch experience where exceptional food, premium wines, and great company come together for an afternoon you won’t soon forget. Something special is coming to the Barrelroom this September — and seats are filling fast. We’re thrilled to announce The Chef, the Wench & the Winemaker, an exclusive long lunch experience in Barrelroom Wine Lounge. Taking place on September 12th and 13th, this is an experience that will stay with you long after the last glass is poured.
Angelo Puglisi’s birthday is coming up Wednesday, 29 July 2026, watch this space!
Winter at Ballandean Estate brings frost, brass monkey mornings, roaring fireplaces, and expressive red wines. We’re an easy drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast — so why not make a weekend of it? Let us pour you something truly memorable, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
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.
The double win reflects Ballandean Estate’s enduring commitment to crafting premium cool-climate wines that span both classic and rare varietals. From its award-winning Saperavi to its elegant Semillon, the estate continues to showcase the exceptional quality of Granite Belt fruit on the national stage. This year’s success builds on a strong showing at 2024’s Cairns Show Wine Awards, where winemaker Boxi Zhen’s wines won Gold and the Trophy for the 2024 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, along with Bronze medals for the 2023 Wild Ferment Viognier, 2023 Shiraz Viognier, and 2024 Rosé. Now regarded as one of the top 10 Australian wine shows, the awards continue to grow in stature.
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.
To everyone who joined us at Vineyard Sing 2026, thank you. You brought the good vibes, the big voices, and the kind of community spirit that turns a day at Ballandean Estate into a lifelong memory. From the first warm-up note to the last dance, you made this day unforgettable
That energy carried straight onto the Opera Block stage. Local legends No Relation kept the music rolling, rocking the vines with retro classics that had the crowd up and dancing from the first set.
When every voice rose as one for Take Me Home, Country Road by John Denver, the vineyard was humming. Our next choir tune was Can’t Help Myself, which saw inner soul singers unleashed, songbooks and microphones in hand.
As the afternoon stretched on, the sun dipped lower and painted a vibrant sunset behind the Opera Block stage. With the vines glowing red and gold around us, it was a gorgeous goodbye to Autumn — voices, colour, and warmth blending in harmony.
Take a scroll through the photos and see if you can spot familiar faces in the choir and out on the dance floor. You might just catch yourself mid-song or mid-dance move.
We are already buzzing for the next Vineyard Sing, and we hope you are too.
Wine lovers from far and wide are converging upon Ballandean Estate this Saturday, May 23, for Vineyard Sing,a musical festival drawing people together to sing in imperfect harmony. Set against the backdrop of the estate’s historic vineyards, the six-hour festival promises a unique blend of singing, dancing, premium wines and gourmet food.
The event will see hundreds of pop-up choir members lifting their voices in unison, creating a powerful experience where the audience becomes the performers.
Event organiser Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“There’s nothing quite like seeing a vineyard full of people singing their hearts out together — it’s joyful, a little bit cheeky, and exactly what Ballandean Estate does best.
“Imagine it: hundreds of voices joining together for one unforgettable sunset chorus, right here on our Opera Block stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome people up to the Granite Belt, where the skies are clear and the wine is flowing. The vineyard sits at an impressive elevation of 850 meters above sea level, a vibrant backdrop of red and gold.
“At its heart, Vineyard Sing serves as a celebration of community, and the connection between fine wine, live music, good times and the local landscape.”
Vineyard Sing is set to accommodate a large turnout — the main event marquee is scheduled for full installation Thursday, songbooks have been printed, and Italian street food preparation is underway.
No Relation will be playing three sets, with special guest Michelle Hampton, A seasoned entertainer whose infectious energy gets a crowd up and dancing.
Event organisers have confirmed that the natural elevation of the site ensures the venue is high and dry, providing ideal conditions for both the performers and the spectators.
Building on the estate’s legacy as the premier host for the region’s largest events, including the iconic Opera in the Vineyards — which spanned 27 events, drew crowds over more than 2000, and raised over $1 million for charity — Vineyard Sing is set to become the next chapter in Ballandean Estate’s storied history.
Event details
Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 Time: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM Location: Ballandean Estate Wines, 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean QLD 4382 Tickets: $50 per person – Limited availability! Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DJJANA
As Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery, Ballandean Estate Wines has been a cornerstone of the Granite Belt’s wine and cultural scene for generations. Known for its award-winning cool-climate wines and its commitment to community, the estate has hosted some of the region’s most iconic events, blending world-class experiences with the warmth of family tradition.
If you’re seeking clear skies and a sunny weekend, head on up to the Granite Belt, where we are high and dry, ready to celebrate. We are gearing up for a huge turnout to Vineyard Sing amongst our red and gold autumn vines.
We’re honoured to share that Ballandean Estate has just been awarded a SILVER Best of Queensland Experience stamp of recognition by Tourism and Events Queensland. We share this honour with you, and thank you for your support and glowing reviews across platforms such as TripAdvisor and Google Business. The Silver acknowledges operators who consistently deliver a high-quality, world-class visitor experience. For our amicis in the Far North of Queensland, we will see you at the Cairns Wine Show Public Tasting and Wine Show dinner Saturday 20th June 2026.
Watch this space for upcoming winemaker dinners and events coming soon.
Ballandean Estate Wines is preparing to host Vineyard Sing on Saturday, 23 May 2026, a six-hour festival which promises a unique blend of singing, dancing, premium wines and gourmet food.
Event organiser Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi shared her delight in the strong support from the local community and friends of Ballandean Estate.
Introducing the Ultimate Wine Country Weekend
“We’d like to thank everyone who got behind this event early, and for all the visitors who made this one of our biggest Easter weekends yet in a time of uncertainty.
“To show our appreciation, we’re introducing the Ultimate Wine Country Weekend, valued at over $1200. The winner will receive a three-night stay at Accommodation Creek Cottages, a welcome hamper on arrival, an elevated tasting and lunch experience at the Barrelroom Wine Lounge, and transport to and from the event.
“Imagine relaxing by the firepit, enjoying your cozy country cottage set amongst ancient gum trees, overlooking the stunning Sundown Valley in Ballandean. What a great place to relax after an exhilarating day of music, wine, and excellent company.
“Entering the giveaway is incredibly simple. Every Vineyard Sing ticket purchased before 5pm Thursday 23 April automatically constitutes one entry into the draw. We’d also like to reassure our wonderful early supporters that we have entered existing ticket holders into the draw. We will announce the winner on Friday 24 April 2026.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone for a day of music and connection in the vines. Ballandean has so much to offer, and we’re glad to give someone the chance to explore the people, place and passion that make it magical,” said Ms Puglisi-Gangemi.
Building on the estate’s legacy as the premier host for the region’s largest events, including the iconic Opera in the Vineyard — which spanned 27 events, drew crowds over more than 2000, and raised over $1 million for charity — Vineyard Sing is set to become the next chapter in Ballandean Estate’s storied history.
🗓️Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 Time: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM Location: Ballandean Estate Wines, 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean QLD 4382 Tickets: $50 per person – Limited availability! Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DJJAN
Vineyard Sing — cheese platter and a welcome bottle of wine, plus transport to and from the event
Barrelroom Wine Lounge $100 voucher — enjoy lunch and an elevated wine tasting
Valued at $1200
Watch highlights from the inaugural Vineyard Sing event November 2025
A musical journey with gourmet food and premium wines
Unlike traditional concerts, Vineyard Sing invites attendees to become the performers. Under the expert guidance of choirmaster who brings over 20 years of experience leading participatory choruses, a pop-up choir will come together to sing all-time favourite songs in harmony.
The day’s musical journey will feature a special guest appearance from Michelle Hampton, a seasoned entertainer whose infectious energy gets the crowd up and dancing, adding another layer of excitement to the day.
The festival will feature three dynamic sets of live music, including performances by local band No Relation. Guests can also indulge in gourmet food from local vendors and sip on Ballandean Estate’s award-winning wines, all while soaking in the breathtaking vineyard views.
About Ballandean Estate Wines
As Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery, Ballandean Estate Wines has been a cornerstone of the Granite Belt’s wine and cultural scene for generations. Known for its award-winning cool-climate wines and its commitment to community, the estate has hosted some of the region’s most iconic events, blending world-class experiences with the warmth of family tradition.
If you’d like a media famil to Vineyard Sing in May, we can pop you (and a friend if you like) on our VIP list.
We hope you are making the most of the second-last long weekend until October! It’s the perfect excuse to go on a wine adventure and spend a little time doing Easter your way. We are ready to welcome you!
Ballandean Estate is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Our cellar door dream team might just pour you something new, an exclusive preview of our top-Halliday-rated red varietals, or a small batch premium Chardonnay.
Enjoy a wine flight in the courtyard overlooking the vines, or settle into the Barrelroom Wine Lounge for an immersive wine and food experience. The wine lounge will be serving signature platters from 11am to 4pm every day. We highly recommend booking online or calling the cellar door on 07 4684 1226 to avoid disappointment, as limited sittings remain for Sunday and Monday.
Experience for yourself what makes us Queensland’s Winery of the Year 2024 & 2025, a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Winner three years running, and a Best of Queensland Experience.
Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ballandean Estate Wines, 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean QLD 4382
Tickets: $50 per person – Limited availability!
Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DJJANA
