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.
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.
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.
Ballandean Estate Wines is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Vineyard Sing event on Saturday, 23 May 2026. This six-hour festival promises a unique blend of award-winning cool-climate wines, gourmet food, and the collective joy of a participatory musical experience.
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.
Vineyard Sing 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/DJJAN
Watch highlights from the inaugural Vineyard Sing event November 2025
A participatory festival of wine, music, and community
Event organiser Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi shared her excitement for the event, saying:
“The atmosphere at our first Vineyard Sing was electric! It was an afternoon of pure unfiltered joy that still resonates, bringing people together in a way that only music, wine and a spectacular lightning storm can.
“We’re thrilled to continue this tradition in 2026. Imagine this: a glass of award-winning wine in hand, the beauty of the vineyard stretching out before you, and the joy of belting out iconic anthems alongside hundreds of new friends. You’re invited to gather around the Opera Block stage for a celebration of community, music, gourmet food and the finest cool-climate wines.”
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.
What a feast! Our G’day Italiano event was everything we hoped for and more. The evening felt casual, intimate, and just like a big family dinner on Christmas Day. We brought together 24 guests at the wonderful Vincenzo’s at The Big Apple for an unforgettable celebration of Italian food and Australian wine.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation as we talked about history, played some lively wine trivia, and made new friends. It truly felt like a gathering of old companions, sharing stories over incredible food and wine.
And the food was simply glorious! The team at Vincenzo’s crafted a spectacular six-course menu that left everyone speechless. Guests enjoyed house-made antipasto, crispy arancini balls, savoury Spaghetti Al Gambero, and tender Pork Saltimbocca. For a sweet finish, we indulged in classic Tiramisu and a rich Affogato.
Each course was perfectly matched with a selection of Ballandean Estate wines, from our Opera Block classics to our unique Strange Bird varietals. The pairings elevated every dish and showcased the best of the Granite Belt’s cool-climate wines.
A huge thank you to Vincenzo’s at The Big Apple for hosting us and delivering such an incredible dining experience. To everyone who joined, thank you for making the night so special. Buon appetito, mates! We can’t wait to see you at the next one.
Ballandean Estate Wines celebrated a resounding success with its inaugural Vineyard Sing festival last Saturday, which saw over two hundred guests transform the winery’s iconic Opera Block into a vibrant open-air concert. The unique event blended a full day of live music with a participatory choir experience, culminating in a spectacular lightning storm and Barrelroom Wine Lounge party.
A musical journey
The festival unfolded over three sets, with popular local band No Relation providing a high-energy soundtrack of classic hits and interactive singing sessions led by esteemed choirmaster Dave Stuart.
“The energy was simply electric. Seeing hundreds of people, many of whom started the day as strangers, come together to sing in harmony, belting out Jon Bon Jovi, INXS, Stevie Wonder and more. Vineyard Sing was everything we hoped for and more,” said Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, event organiser.
The day’s musical journey featured a special guest appearance from Michelle Hampton, a seasoned entertainer whose infectious energy got the crowd up and dancing, adding another layer of excitement to the day.
“ABBA’s Mama Mia was the moment the crowd lost its inhibitions, and it stayed that way for the afternoon, an hilarious outpouring of community joy. We are so grateful to our guests, our band No Relation, chef Jason Constanzo and Trappo Smoked Meats for making the first Vineyard Sing an unforgettable success.”
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
A feast for the ears, eyes and palates
The festival atmosphere was complemented by a diverse selection of gourmet food and drinks. The Ballandean Estate Wine Bar served its renowned cool-climate wines, while Rotary Stanthorpe managed a beer and spirits bar, successfully fundraising for Tessa Pascoe’s Apple and Grape Ambassador pursuit. The culinary lineup featured Italian-trained chef Jason Constanzo and Trappo Smoked Meats, with popular menu items including Smoked Brisket Tacos, gourmet pasta boxes, arancini, and cannoli.
Guests enjoyed the festival atmosphere under the marquee on VIP lounges and seating, and in the olive grove on picnic blankets and beanbags, with smooth logistics managed through return bus services and a fully catered on-site experience.
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.
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
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
