Wine on Wednesday

Amanda is Living her Dream

The Australian wine industry has had more than its fair share of ups and downs this year, but in Queensland’s premier wine region the Granite Belt, one young woman is living her dream.

Amanda Vidler is the inaugural recipient of the Ballandean Estate Wines Scholarship. The award was offered by Angelo and Mary Puglisi with the intention of giving young Queenslanders, the opportunity to become part of the growing wine industry.

“We want to encourage young people who have expressed and interest in wine science and viticulture to continue their studies and bring technical skills back to our region.” Explains Angelo, “If offering this Scholarship assists them to choose our industry as their career, and they come back to the Granite Belt, then I will be thrilled.”

Amanda received the Scholarship late last year and is currently studying Wine Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. The Scholarship includes $3000 for the purchase of equipment and books pertaining to her studies over 3 years and also the opportunity to work with Ballandean Estate Wines Chief Winemaker, Dylan Rhymer


Amanda has been working with the winemaking team since vintage began in February and has participated in all aspects of the winemaking process including harvesting the fruit, analysis of fruit, preparing yeast for additions (pictured) and working in the laboratory. Later in the year, she will participate in blending and bottling the wines she has assisted in producing.

For more information regarding the Ballandean Estate Wines Scholarship or an application form, contact the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.