Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery, has secured two major trophies for its 2024 Durif at the prestigious 2025 Australian Small Winemakers Show. The accolades celebrate the estate’s commitment to producing exceptional cool-climate wines in the Granite Belt region.
The 2024 Durif scored 96 points from the judges and received the following awards:
· Preben Jacobsen Memorial Stewards’ Choice Trophy
Image: (L to R) Boxi Zhen, Ballandean Estate Winemaker; Chris Doig, President Australian Small Winemakers Show; Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, Ballandean Estate Business Manager
Ballandean Estate’s Winemaker Boxi Zhen, who is building on his reputation as 2024’s Emerging Winemaker of the Year, shared some of the challenges inherent to this Strange Bird varietal,
“Durif is renowned for being both beautiful and challenging in the Granite Belt, with tight clusters that require meticulous care in vineyard and cellar. The effort spent coaxing out its best qualities is evident in this vintage, which offers uniquely Granite Belt fruit profiles and a dark, graphite-like tannin structure—distinctively different from other regional Durifs.
“The 2024 release is marked by harmony between rich fruit and oak, matured in 50% new French barrels that are seamlessly integrated. Expect a wine with balance, structure, and a velvety-silky palate. Pronounced black berry characters, florals, and vanilla cream notes lift the nose in this benchmark Australian Durif.”
According to Business Manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson,
“Winning two trophies on the night for our 2024 Durif was a great honour. Receiving the Preben Jacobsen Memorial Stewards Choice Award was a special moment for the Puglisi family. Long time family friends and associates, Dad (Angelo Puglisi) and Preben Jacobsen were part of the original committee which established the Australian Small Winemakers Show back in the seventies.
“We purchased our Bellevue vineyard from Preben back in 1996, and 12 years later we planted our Durif vines on that property. It is a fitting tribute to see this varietal flourish on the land we are now custodians of.
“Preben would be thrilled to see a Granite Belt Durif awarded 96 points, scoring ahead of wines from Rutherglen and Barossa.
“Ballandean Estate had an excellent growing season, which allowed us to craft a wine with a distinct Granite Belt character that we are incredibly proud to share. Winning Best Queensland Red Wine of the show was an added reason to celebrate.”
TASTING NOTE AND JUDGES’ COMMENTS
2024 Durif — 96 points
Lovely fragrance of lavender and violet; hugely floral and inviting. Tarry, graphite-edged tannins provide direction and freshness. Harmonious oak integration (50% new French). Velvety, silky palate with pronounced black berries and a touch of vanilla cream. Distinctive Granite Belt Durif—delicious now, with structure to age.
FAST FACTS
Ballandean Estate produced 1929 bottles of 2024 Durif this year, 160 cases, 14% alc v/v
One hectare of Durif is currently planted in the Bellevue vineyard, 850 metres above sea level at Ballandean.
Ballandean Estate harvested 3.9 tonnes harvested in 2024 after two rounds of heavy bunch thinning. Of these, 2.4 tonnes of the best bunches were selected to produce the straight 2024 Durif.
Media tasting samples are available upon request.
Ballandean Estate Wines is transforming the iconic Opera Block stage into a vibrant, interactive music festival with the launch of Vineyard Sing on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
This unique event invites guests to become part of the performance in a day-long celebration of song, wine and community spirit. The six-hour concert experience will unfold in three sets, anchored by the popular band No Relation, known for their crowd-pleasing repertoire of pub classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Image: Sisters Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi (L) and Robyn Puglisi-Henderson (R) of Ballandean Estate Wines
“We wanted to create an experience that goes beyond just watching a performance; we want our guests to be the performance,” said Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, event organiser at Ballandean Estate.
“Vineyard Sing is all about that collective joy you feel when you sing at the top of your lungs with friends, old and new. It’s a chance to connect, have fun, and make incredible memories together, surrounded by the beauty of the vineyard.”
Guiding the vocal journey is Choirmaster Dave Stuart, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience blending vocal harmonies. Stuart, who has shared the stage with Australian music luminaries like Katie Noonan, James Morrison, Phil Emmanuel, and Peter Cupples, will teach attendees several songs in three-part harmony. The day culminates in a joyous group performance in the round, with a special guest appearance also teased for the event.
Vineyard Sing Songbook released
To build anticipation, the winery has launched the Vineyard Sing Songbook, which contains the lyrics for the day’s anthems. While the songs remain a secret, the collection promises singalong classics perfect for a sunset chorus.
“We’ve just published the songbook, and the excitement is building! Whether you’re a shower soloist or a car karaoke pro, this is your official invitation to warm up those vocal cords. We’re preparing for hundreds of voices to come together for one massive, unforgettable singalong,” added Puglisi-Gangemi.
The festival is fully catered, offering an array of gourmet food and drinks for purchase. The Ballandean Estate Wine Bar will pour its award-winning wines, while Rotary Stanthorpe will operate a beer and spirits bar as a fundraiser for Tessa Pascoe’s Apple and Grape Ambassador pursuit. The culinary lineup features creations from Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo and low-and-slow barbecue from Trappo Smoked Meats, with menu items including Bruschetta, cheese boxes, Arancini, gourmet pasta boxes, Smoked Brisket Tacos, and Cannoli.
Welcome to bring your own picnic blanket, beanbags and chairs, but no food or alcohol
Ballandean Estate is thrilled to announce its inaugural Vineyard Sing, a music festival set to take place this Saturday 8 November at the Opera Block stage.
Event organiser Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says, “We’ve been looking to shake up our Spring Vineyard party, and with 27 Operas in the Vineyard to cherish, we want to give our loyal wine-lovers an opportunity to connect again through music.
“Ballandean Estate is inviting people of all musical abilities to gather, drink wine, and sing together — united by a shared love of music, fun, and community. Vineyard Sing isn’t your average day in the vines — this is a full-bodied blend of wine, music, and unfiltered joy!
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
Bringing wine lovers together to make beautiful music
“Just weeks ago, we were reminiscing about Opera with some friends in the Barrelroom. Creative juices started flowing, and I reached out to my mate Todd from local band No Relation, adored for their pub classics, 70s, 80s and 90s covers. Imagine my delight to discover his bandmate Dave was a choirmaster for 20 years in Sydney! And that the big band was keen to perform again together.
“Vineyard Sing took shape. You’ll be guided by a charismatic choir leader who teaches several songs in three-part harmony over the course of the afternoon. By the end, our wine lovers will perform these songs together in the round, creating hilarious, joyous memories along the way.
Wine, beer and spirit bars, smoked meats and Italian treats
“Our world-class wines will be flowing at the Ballandean Estate Wine Bar. For the beer and spirit lover, Rotary Stanthorpe will be fundraising for Tessa Pascoe’s Apple and Grape Ambassador pursuit.
“Vineyard Sing will have a range of foodie delights on offer, from Bruschetta, cheese boxes, Arancini, gourmet pasta boxes, Smoked Brisket Tacos, and life-changing Cannolii to sweeten your song.
“We are excited to welcome Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo back to Ballandean Estate, and cannot wait to indulge in low and slow carnivore treats from Trappo Smoked Meats.”
“Good vibes, loud singing, great wine and food — pack your friends and head to Ballandean, it’s going to be awesome!” says Ms Gangemi.
The event kicks off at 1130am at 354 Sundown Road Ballandean, and runs until 4pm, with buses running to and from Stanthorpe.
Tickets to Vineyard Sing are just $49, and the event is fully catered. All food and wine can be purchased onsite.
Wine-lovers descended upon Ballandean Estate last Saturday at the latest vineyard party celebrating the end of spring and the excitement of the new harvest to come. Revellers joined Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and five generations of the Puglisi family — for yet another a party to remember.
Angelo’s daughter and estate ambassador Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said,
“We farewelled Spring in spectacular fashion over the weekend. Our party people gathered on the Opera Block from far and wide, enjoying live music from No Relation and dancing in the rain. Moody skies, verdant greens, a shower or three helped make it a day to remember. With world-class wines flowing and a great Italian-inspired meal thanks to Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo, we laughed, ate and danced the afternoon away, such a fabulous way to spend the day.
“We shared Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny as a special treat for everyone, the perfect pairing with Nonna’s amazing tiramisu. This is a history-making release, embodying Dad’s lifetime building one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Queensland. What a way to top off a relaxing afternoon in Ballandean.”
Over the past 80 years, Angelo Puglisi’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.
Ballandean Estate Wines is thrilled to announce the release of our 1987 Rare Tawny, crafted by Angelo Puglisi. This exceptional vintage, 37 years in the making, offers an unparalleled tasting experience, rich with flavors that promise to dance on your palate.
The 1987 Rare Tawny experience
Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny is a masterpiece, described by Mike Bennie from Halliday as “rich, slippery and ultra-dense, loaded with molasses and treacle characters, cinnamon, bitter-dark chocolate, toffee and stewed plum, with dried orange peel, raisin, and preserved cherries in tow”.
This award-winning tawny expresses decades of dedication and passion for winemaking, presenting an elegant symphony of flavors.
Signature Barrel Collection
To celebrate this remarkable release, we’ve curated a limited edition Signature Barrel Collection. Each collection includes a beautifully crafted Mongolian oak and glass barrel, signed and numbered, along with three bottles of Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny. Only 26 of these Signature Barrel Collections are available for the first release, making them a coveted addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
How you can secure the inaugural Aged Barrel
Before the general release, we invite you to participate in a unique opportunity — our Online Charity Auction. Opening today at 12pm, the auction features Number 01, the inaugural Aged Barrel, ready to be filled with Angelo’s distinctive tawny. This Mongolian Oak barrel, seasoned to perfection, comes with three bottles of the just-bottled 1987 Rare Tawny.
The successful bidder will also enjoy a food and wine lunch experience with Angelo Puglisi in the renowned Barrelroom Wine Lounge at Ballandean Estate Wines. This is more than an auction; it’s a chance to make history and contribute to a meaningful cause of your choosing. The proceeds of this auction will benefit a registered Australian charity selected by the winner, with all administration costs borne by Ballandean Estate Wines to ensure the chosen charity receives 100% of the winning bid.
Once the auction concludes, the remaining 25 Signature Barrel Collections will be released for $950 each. These collections can be purchased online or reserved through Robyn via email or phone.
Join us in celebrating Queensland’s wine heritage
This event is not just about enjoying the finest of aged port; it’s about celebrating the rich heritage and tradition of Ballandean Estate Wines. Place your bid in the Online Charity Auction today and experience first-hand the magic of Angelo’s 1987 Rare Tawny.
For more information or to place your bid, visit our auction page.
Ballandean Estate has announced a vineyard party on Saturday 30 November 2024, celebrating the end of spring and the excitement of the new harvest to come. Wine lovers will be joining Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and five generations of the Puglisi family — for a soiree to remember. Angelo’s daughter and estate manager Robyn Puglisi-Henderson says,
“Our 2023 vineyard party was in honour of Dad’s 80th birthday and lifetime contribution Queensland’s wine industry. Over 250 people gathered on the Opera Block from far and wide, feasting on a long Italian lunch, dancing in the vines and enjoying Ballandean Estate’s world-class wines. It was heartwarming to celebrate with our amicis.
“This year, we’ll be mixing up the festivities, kicking up our heels and seeing out spring with a splash of sensational wines and a mouth-watering long lunch. “We can’t wait to see what Italian-trained chef Jason Costanzo will be thrilling our senses with this year. We have a long Ballandean connection with Jason, who is the son of Golden’s Grove’s Sam and Grace Costanzo. “Our party guests will be revelling to live music from No Relation, lucky door prizes, bocce, croquet, and more. We’ll have a charity raffle in support of Rotary Stanthorpe, for whom we’ve raised more than $1.6 million over the years, thanks to Opera In the Vineyard and charity race days.”
Robyn Puglisi-Henderson
Festivities kick off at 11am and continue until 4pm. Tickets are strictly limited, $80 per person including a glass of sparkling on arrival, Italian buffet lunch and an optional shuttle bus.
Over the past 80 years, Angelo Puglisi’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.
ENDS For all media enquiries please contact: Robyn Puglisi-Henderson Ph: (07) 4684 1226
Ballandean Estate hosted its first vineyard party in five years to honour Angelo Puglisi, founder of the Queensland wine industry, in a belated 80th birthday celebration on his beloved Opera Block.
In support of the Queensland wine industry
Over 250 supporters of Queensland’s wine industry braved the weather to honour Angelo Puglisi, the Father of Queensland Wine — and the Puglisi family — for an event to remember.
Angelo’s daughter and estate manager Robyn Puglisi Henderson says,
“This event has been a long time coming. The Opera Block is where Mum and Dad planted some of the Granite Belt’s first wine grapes, and our Opera Block Shiraz in 1968.
“It is beyond their wildest dreams what has happened over the course of 50-plus years on this vineyard. From 27 Opera events raising $1.4 million for charity, to Grazing the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe Rocks, Jazz in the Vineyard, weddings, festivals and race days.
“Our last vineyard party was in 2018, held in honour of the 50th anniversary of our Shiraz planting. So many of our customers have returned to celebrate not just Dad, but their lifelong support of Queensland wine.”
Robyn Puglisi Henderson
Wine pioneers
Over the past 80 years, Angelo Puglisi’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.
Vineyard party atmosphere
Guests enjoyed a long lunch and party atmosphere under twelve marquees, live music from David & Sarah Hume, bocce and croquet in the vines. Local Italian-trained chef Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo served antipasto, followed by an assortment of pastas, locally made Italian meatballs and an array of salads. Foxy’s Bakery in Stanthorpe supplied the birthday cake.
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 80th 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 50th 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.
Queensland’s oldest family-owned and -operated winery will be hosting the launch of podcast series Beyond the Crown at The Barrelroom this Saturday at 5pm, a rich tapestry of stories from the former Queens, Princesses and Young Ambassadors of Stanthorpe’s Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.
Podcast producer Lou Bromley says,
Raise your glass to the Queens as we gear up to celebrate 150 years of Stanthorpe in 2022,” says Ms Bromley.
“Beyond the Crown is part-oral history, part-documentary and part-photographic essay that seeks to tell the stories behind the people of Stanthorpe’s Apple and Grape Harvest Festival. Season one features ten podcast episodes with bonus interviews, and a digitised collection of images and videos of previous festivals from private collections.
“Ballandean has a strong tradition of winning Southern Belles, from Queens to Young Ambassadors, all helping to raise funds for charity and to support the festival.
“One of the first Queens was Dorothy Papagallo, Miss Orchardist 1957. Her family grew apples, stone fruit and vegetables in the Ballandean area, a property which now hosts Accommodation Creek Cottages and Granite Ridge Wines.
“Robyn Puglisi-Henderson was crowned Queen in 1992, and her sister Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi entered in 1990. They continue the Puglisi family’s trailblazing legacy as outstanding advocates for Queensland’s wine industry and as some of Australia’s most influential women in wine: Winemakers Federation Board memberships, Samuel Basset award winners, and export market innovators for Shiraz trade to China.
“Since 1954, Stanthorpe has hosted Australia’s longest-running apple festival—originating as ‘Back to Stanthorpe Week’, then the Apple Blossom festival in 1955, finally evolving into the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, a biennial event that has been crushing it since 1966 and now draws over 60,000 people to Stanthorpe.
“I wasn’t expecting to discover that the smallest apple growing district in Australia hosts the longest continuous running apple festival in our country. It’s a wonderful birthday surprise for Stanthorpe turning 150 in 2022.”
“Mayor Vic Pennisi has secured archival footage of the fashion regatta at Storm King Dam from 1955 to 1964, which we hope to share at the launch of Episode 1, Dorothy Papagallo’s story, at The Barrelroom on Saturday.
Lou Bromley has a property in Ballandean and works as a podcaster and writer, and previously produced content for ABC Radio. She is looking forward to completing her novel, her Harvest Festival Queen, in 2022 as a writer-in-residence with Queensland Writers Centre for their Fishbowl Residency.
Want to listen? Here’s how to find Beyond the Crown
The podcast launches on Saturday 8 January with one episode released each week up to mid-March. To find ‘Beyond the Crown’, you can listen online here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/beyond-the-crown/ and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Episodes will also be available on Spotify, Apple and your favourite podcast app.
A non-fiction book is now being planned for 2026 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, bringing all the interviews, photos and additional ephemera into one publication. The podcast will continue to release new episodes after 2022 in the lead up to the book launch.
Beyond the Crown is funded by Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Listen to Episode 1, Dorothy Papagallo, ‘Sputnik and the Festival Queen’ here:
Guest blogger: Louisa Duval (alias) | Australian Romance Readers Association
‘Let’s get sashed’: How my romance novel research turned into a podcast
I write small town, contemporary romance, inspired by my local rural fire brigade at Ballandean, a small village south of Stanthorpe in Queensland where we have thirty-five acres on the Severn River. I was outlining my novel about a heroine sentenced by the…https://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2022/01/02/guest-blogger-louisa-duval/
Ballandean Estate’s annual Gamekeepers Dinner is going ahead on Saturday 25 September, with a second round of tickets released because of border closures. This culinary event sells out every year within days and has a culinary pedigree of thirty-plus years.
Ticket Release
Ballandean Estate’s annual Gamekeepers Dinner will be held at 6:30pm on Saturday 25 September at Ballandean Estate Wines, 354 Sundown Rd Ballandean.
Tickets to the all-inclusive degustation are $140 per person, with a courtesy bus available to and from the event for $15 per person round trip.
“People just keep coming back for the Gamekeepers Dinner, it’s a feast fit for royalty and chance to experience a mouth-watering array of game served up degustation style, matched with a museum tasting from the Puglisi family cellar.
The Barrelroom is serving up five spectacular courses, starting with Chinese-style Quail Consommé short soup with Quail Dumplings.
“Second and third courses feature Smoked Kangaroo Carpaccio served with potato confit and a garlic saffron crème; followed Wild-shot Goat Ragu tossed with handmade potato gnocchi.
“For the first time we’ll be plating up a Kangaroo Island Duo of Pheasant, oven roasted supreme stuffed with truffled butter; and a Coq au Vin Maryland with golden shallots, local button mushrooms, braised cabbage, crispy prosciutto, confit garlic pomme puree and a chicharron crumb.
“Dessert will be a Stanthorpe Apple Tarte Tatin with vanilla bean gelato and white chocolate nougat, exquisite.
“This year’s tickets sold out on the 28 March, the day of release. A number of our return guests come from over the border and have withdrawn due to lockdown uncertainty, freeing up a very limited number of tickets. Last year was a sold-out intimate event with 70 guests. Decadent food, museum wines and the ambience of The Barrelroom delivers a must-do feast to remember.”
Robyn Puglisi-Henderson
Friends of Ballandean
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