Vineyard party honouring 80 years of Angelo Puglisi

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.