Ballandean Estate Wines Celebrates a Legacy of Female Leadership on International Women’s Day

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.

Vineyard Manager Robyn Roberston fermenting change

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.