Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, has been awarded one of Australia’s most coveted wine honours, with its 2023 Saperavi named Wildcard Wine of the Year by the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. The recognition celebrates wines that defy expectation, bold choices from unexpected places. These qualities characterise the Granite Belt’s growing claim on Australia’s fine wine landscape, delivering a huge national win for a Queensland wine Australia did not see coming.
Queensland wine stands on Australia’s biggest stage
“Today, Queensland wine stands on Australia’s biggest stage, up against 7500 wines from over 1000 wineries, across 60 Australian wine regions. That’s why being named Halliday’s Wildcard Red Wine of the Year means so much.
“The Wildcard award celebrates those willing to take the road less travelled. To create something extraordinary where few people expect it. That feels like the story of Queensland wine.”
“It’s also a testament to winemaker Boxi Zhen’s minimal intervention approach, which is underpinning the Granite Belt as a region that continues to build on its momentum for new and exciting wines
“Our vineyard team is led by Robyn Robertson, Viticulturalist of the Year two years running and production team by my husband Mario Gangemi.
“We’re just so proud of the Ballandean Estate team, from the cellar door to the Barrelroom Wine Lounge and beyond.
“What a great night for the Granite Belt, with Balancing Heart Vineyard named 2027 Dark Horse Winery. As Mike Bennie said, it’s the region he wants to drink from the most, with wines that challenge and delight.”
What Halliday contributor Mike Bennie has to say about the 2023 Saperavi, Wildcard Wine of the Year
Reviewing the 2023 vintage, Halliday contributor Mike Bennie described it as
“a thick-set, muscular red … all ripe fruit, lush spice, woody intonations, chocolate, coffee and cream,” adding that it “nails the brief, finds immense balance, even a little peppery, spicy freshness, and stains the palate with persistent, dark fruit character. A black hole of immense satisfaction.”
Wine critic Mike Bennie
Pioneering the Queensland wine industry
For Ballandean Estate, it is both a personal milestone and a regional one. The 2023 Saperavi carries the weight of a family legacy stretching back more than nine decades, and the ambitions of a wine region that has spent decades proving itself on the national stage.
“We didn’t inherit a famous wine region. We helped create one.”
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
That creation began in earnest with wine pioneers Angelo and Mary Puglisi. As young marrieds, they shared a vision: to build a wine industry in Queensland. Angelo planted his first Shiraz vines in 1968 and, in 1971, rolled trucks carrying 1,000-gallon barrels into Stanthorpe. Together, they opened the cellar door in 1972, laying the groundwork for wine tourism and helping transform the Granite Belt into a destination.
“The day I decided to create a wine industry in Queensland …to me, that was the day that my life changed.”
Angelo Puglisi
Today, at 83, Angelo can still be found on his red tractor, tending the vines he has nurtured for more than 50 years.
Strange Bird Saperavi crowned Halliday Wildcard Red Wine of the Year
Saperavi itself is no ordinary varietal. Originating in Georgia, where winemaking dates back more than 8,000 years, it found a remarkable second home on the Granite Belt when Ballandean Estate planted its first vines in the Bellevue vineyard in 2008. The estate’s granitic soils reflect heat onto the fruit, accelerating ripening during the day while cool overnight temperatures preserve acidity, producing intensely flavoured, deeply coloured grapes of rare character.
Ballandean Estate will showcase the 2023 and 2024 Saperavi vintages at the at the Taste the Awards event in Melbourne, held the evening following the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Half Acre, 112 Munro Street, South Melbourne.
About Ballandean Estate Wines
Ballandean Estate is Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, with a history dating from 1932. Located on the Granite Belt, 850 metres above sea level, the estate produces premium cool-climate wines from both traditional and rare alternative varietals, including its celebrated Saperavi. A Five-Star Halliday winery and two-time Queensland Winery of the Year, Ballandean Estate is open daily at 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean. For more information, visit ballandeanestate.com.
Winery of the Season
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.
Images on this page used with permission from Strangers’ Restaurant at Queensland Parliament.
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, French toast, compressed apple, gianduja Chantilly, bread 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.
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.
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.
Ballandean Estate Wines is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the powerful lineage of women who have steered Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery through decades of growth, innovation, and community service.
We raise a glass to Ballandean Estate’s influential women in wine
Sisters Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi and Robyn Puglisi-Henderson now helm the operations, driving the business forward while honouring their heritage. Robyn has been instrumental in taking Granite Belt wine to the world, spearheading major export achievements that have placed Ballandean Estate on the global map.
“As long as there’s been a Ballandean Estate, there have been strong women behind it all. Since 1932, the Ballandean Estate wine dream has been supported by strong women. They backed bold ideas, raised families, and helped take that dream from our corner of the Granite Belt to the world. We’re proud to raise a glass to them this International Women’s Day,” said Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, business and export manager.
A legacy of female leadership
Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, one of Australia’s most influential women in wine, is the third family member to receive the prestigious Samuel Bassett Award, recognising her significant contribution to the Queensland wine industry and her role as a vocal advocate for the region. Leeanne was Queensland’s first female voice and vote on the Australian Grape and Wine Board and is now the Queensland Wine Industry Rep on its Small Winemakers Committee. She sits on numerous boards such as Granite Belt Wine Tourism, is a Director of the Community Bank Stanthorpe, and is a past President of the Queensland Wine Industry Association.
(L to R) Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, Robyn Robertson, Mary Puglisi, Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi
Estate matriarchs, wine pioneers and intergenerational influence
This modern leadership is built upon the indomitable foundation laid by Mary and Josephine Puglisi. At just 19 years of age, estate matriarch and wine pioneer Mary Puglisi visualised opening a cellar door, acting as the catalyst for tourism on the Granite Belt similar to the Barossa and Hunter Valley regions. She spent over 50 years welcoming visitors and was also a recipient of the Samuel Bassett Award. The legacy stretches back even further to Angelo’s mother, Josephine, who arrived in Australia from Sicily at age 12. In a display of incredible fortitude during World War II, she stared down the Australian Army when they demanded the internment of her husband and father. Instead of surrendering their farm machinery, she negotiated a deal to supply crops to feed the Army, securing the family’s future.
The influence of women flourishes throughout Ballandean Estate, from the vineyard to the cellar door. The welcoming faces of the cellar door—Lizzy, Stef, Olga, Lily, Leisa, Karen, Donna, Jan, Tessa, and Yvonne—play a vital role in sharing the estate’s story and hospitality with visitors every day.
In the vineyard, leadership is underpinned by the expertise of Robyn Robertson, who grew up in Ballandean on a family orchard and brings decades of viticultural knowledge to the estate. After an accomplished tenure with Sirromet Estate, Robyn was appointed Vineyard Manager in 2019.
Her guidance and passion continue to elevate the quality and innovation of Ballandean’s wines.
“I’m honoured to help carry forward Ballandean Estate’s winemaking legacy, nurturing innovative varietals and guiding the next generation in our vineyards,” says Robyn Robertson.
Based on data from 2021–2023, approximately 21.5% of viticultural roles (vineyard managers/growers) in Australia are held by women. This marks a significant increase from 10% a decade prior, a clear upward trend in female leadership within Australian vineyards.
A spirit of community service and country hospitality
The spirit of community service also thrives in the next generation. Anna Henderson, daughter of Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, served as the 2024 Apple and Grape Festival Ambassador, continuing the family tradition of service. Furthermore, team member Tessa Pascoe has been named a 2026 Young Ambassador entrant. These roles underscore the estate’s commitment to fostering leadership and community engagement in young women, ensuring the values of the estate are passed down to future leaders.
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.
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.
This Australia Day long weekend, embark on an unforgettable escape to the Granite Belt for G’day Italiano — an exclusive event blending the best of Italy and Australia at an iconic Granite Belt venue. Hosted by Ballandean Estate, the wine dinner will be held Saturday 24 January 2026 at Vincenzo’s on the New England Highway, Thulimbah, from 630pm to 11pm.
Six courses of wine and Italian food
G’day Italiano promises a six-course artisan-crafted Italian feast, expertly paired with the region’s acclaimed wines. Sisters Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi and Robyn Puglisi-Henderson, renowned hosts from Ballandean Estate, will guide guests through a culinary journey where warm country hospitality meets bold Italian flavours and Ballandean Estate’s cool-climate wines.
A night to remember, hosted by the Puglisi sisters from Ballandean Estate
Event organiser Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi says,
“This event is set to unfold inside Vincenzo’s Café, Deli, and Wine Bar — a much-loved venue known for its Big Apple, inviting country charm and authentic Italian-inspired cuisine.
“Our G’day Italiano menu features house-made antipasto, golden arancini balls, Spaghetti Al Gambero, Pork Saltimbocca, classic Tiramisù, and decadent Affogato. Each course is perfectly matched with Ballandean Estate’s award-winning wines, including new release Novello, Opera Block classics, Strange Bird alternative varietals, and luxurious fortified sips such as our Chocolate Liqueur and White Liqueur Muscat. Buon appetito!”
G’day Italiano is the perfect excuse for a long weekend getaway
Set in a relaxed summer atmosphere, G’day Italiano pairs unforgettable food and wine with great company — making it the ultimate evening for anyone looking to enjoy the long weekend in true Australian-Italian style. Attendees are encouraged to make a weekend of it by exploring the stunning Granite Belt region, renowned for its vineyards, fresh produce, and warm hospitality.
Tickets are $100 per person, including all six courses and wine pairings. Seating is limited, so secure your spot for this one-night-only celebration at Vincenzo’s via https://www.trybooking.com/DIHLF.
About Ballandean Estate and Vincenzo’s
Ballandean Estate is Queensland’s oldest family-owned and -operated winery, celebrated for its innovative spirit and commitment to quality wine.
Vincenzo’s Café, Deli, and Wine Bar is a Granite Belt icon and premium food and wine destination, offering authentic Italian-inspired dishes, local and imported wines, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of country hospitality. New owner Vish Sharma has been welcomed with open arms to the Granite Belt and will continue Vincenzo’s tradition of authentic Italian cuisine.
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
