Ballandean Estate set to host first vineyard party in five years

Queensland’s oldest family-run winery is getting ready to welcome 1000-plus visitors through its cellar door this weekend. Ballandean Estate is hosting its first vineyard party in five years to honour Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine, in a belated 80^th birthday celebration on his beloved Opera Block.

Angelo’s daughter and estate manager Robyn Puglisi Henderson says,

“This event has been a long time coming. Our last vineyard party in 2018 was in honour of the 50^th anniversary of our Shiraz planting, some of Australia’s oldest vines.  Mum and Dad planted some of the Granite Belt’s first wine grapes, and our Opera Block Shiraz in 1968.

“We’re ready to enjoy a mouth-watering long lunch and party atmosphere. Twelve marquees! Local Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo, is starting us with antipasto, followed by an assortment of pastas, locally made Italian sausages and an array of sensuous salads. And, of course, Ballandean Estate’s premium wines. 

“Our 250-plus party guests will be treated to live music from David & Sarah Hume, bocce, croquet, Giant Yahtzee, and of course, birthday cake, thanks to Foxy’s Bakery in Stanthorpe.

“We’re kicking off festivities at 11am. Ballandean Estate will also be welcoming Grazing the Granite Belt punters through our cellar door and into the Barrelroom Wine Lounge over the day. All hands on deck!.”.

Robyn Puglisi Henderson

Over the past 80 years, Angelo’s family business has been at the forefront of developing and promoting the Queensland wine industry, from modest beginnings  to a now multi-million-dollar industry. Queensland’s Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show award is a perpetual acknowledgment to Puglisi’s influence and respect in the industry.  

Join Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and the Puglisi family — for an event to remember.