Ballandean Estate Wines

Wine on Monday

2011-04-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's raining in the Granite Belt today and we are very glad for our decision to finish our harvest last week. All of our grapes are safely in the winery - "doing their thing" and transforming into some delicious drops for us all to enjoy in a few months and years. We are sure there are also a few sore heads in the district today after the huge success that was our first Pranzo Italiano in the Barrelroom Cafe. Congratulations to chefs Matt and Bobbi Wells for creating a wonderful meal and atmosphere in the Cafe - the food was absolutely fabulous and we are already taking bookings for the next Pranzo events in July, October & December. We are also very pleased to announce that the Mercure chain has once again released their Grand Vins Autumn Wine List and we have been included with the 2007 Generation 3. Ballandean Estate is the only winery to be included on every list that has been created since the lists began.

Wine on Tuesday

2011-04-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

The last of the grapes was picked today and it has been a difficult vintage to say the least. With so much rain it has been a trying year but if early indications are anything to go by, it looks like it will have been worth the effort. Whispers in the winery indicate that the whites are looking great (and I have had a taste and can vouch for that) and the reds smell fantastic. So although we may not have picked as many grapes as we would have liked, it looks like we are going to have some great wines in very small volumes.

Wine on Wednesday

2011-02-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

Vintage is almost underway, with the first of our grapes being harvested later this week. It is an exciting time in the winery and a relief for the grapegrowing team as it has been nothing short of a 'difficult' year to grow grapes.
Tours are still conducted daily and experiencing vintage is a great way to cement your love of wine and the Granite Belt.
People have been asking how to get to Ballandean, well all roads are open and we suggest you add another 20 minutes to your trip. All businesses are operating as usual and we are waiting with the welcome mat for your return.
See you all very soon.

Wine on Tuesday

2011-01-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

Some amazing images taken by our winemaker Dylan Rhymer in the vineyard after the floods.

Incredible to see the damage that was caused andeven more worrying about how we are going to fix it time for vintage!

Nothing we can't fix with a bobcat a front end loader and some time, I'm sure.

Wine & Water

2011-01-11T20:14:00.001-08:00

Thanks everyone for your concerns during the floods. We are fine but very wet and the floods have damaged the roads and have been over the little creek. The sun is shining at the moment and we are assessing the vineyards to determine when we will be able to get back in there to keep out disease.
It has been a trying few weeks and the last couple of days has made it a little more difficult but we are OK compared to others who not far away.
In time, things will get back to normal and of course, our doors will always be open for a chat. So if you are in our beautiful region sometime soon, make sure you come on in and say G'day.
Good luck and best wishes to all of our friends and customers in other parts of the state, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wine on Friday

2011-01-06T22:47:00.001-08:00

Well, the rain has finally stopped today. Hopefully, the vineyards will begin to dry out and we will see some sun... fingers crossed anyway.
The cellar door is open as always and visitors are enjoying our range of wines including our gorgeous whites, but particularly our new release 2007 Cabernet/Merlot. This wine boasts lovely blackcurrant overtones on the palate and the bouquet is reminiscent of a bowl of forest berries - Delicious.

Wine on Tuesday

2010-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it is official!! We now tweet to the world. It has been a long time coming, but we are keeping up with the times (or has this media already passed by?) and will be tweeting regularly.
Of interest this week is the news from the winery that the bottling line has just passed 1million bottles bottled - that is a lot of wine to share with the world, so you all better do your best and help us out. It is Christmas party season!!

Sylvaner makes its move on Sydney

2010-10-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Matt Moran and his sommeliers choose the 2005 Sylvaner for ARIA Sydney! We have had a very exciting week here at the winery with our spectacular 2005 Late Harvest Sylvaner being included on the prestigious wine list of ARIA restaurant in Sydney.
Fantastic news for the Sylvaner which we have been producing on the estate for over 25 years.

Wine on Wednesday

2010-09-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Yay, Oprah is coming! Oprah is coming! Wonder if she drinks wine? Let's hope so when she visits Queensland in a few months time.
Just to let you all know, we have just released our new Sparkling Shiraz which is absolutely delicious and perfect to sip on while visiting a Queensland Island and our new Nebbiolo is also out today.
Take some time out today and take a look in your cellar for some Ballandean Estate Wines and if the cellar is looking bare, it must be time to head out to Ballandean for a visit.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

2010-07-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

It is with great excitement that we announce that James Halliday has given us a ranking of 4.5 Stars out of 5 in his brand new Wine Companion.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have won a number of awards and trophies for our wines and this recognition is now the icing on the cake.
The Wine Companion is a highly recognised publication in wine circles and our highly ranked inclusion will no doubt draw attention to our celebrated brand.

BE in GOLD medal company

2010-07-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

2007 Generation 3 wins Gold and Inaugural Trophy.

This year the Brisbane RNA Wine Show presented a new trophy - The Corrigan Scudamore-Smith trophy for the best Queensland gold medal winning wine of the show.

Our 2007 Generation 3 took out the honours and Leeanne proudly accepted the trophy!

For Class 32, the first 5 Gold Medal Winning Shiraz included 4 wines produced by Fosters Group and our Generation 3 Shiraz!

The 2007 Generation 3 is not yet released, but you can pre-order some by contacting us via the website www.ballandeanestate.com

BE in good company!

2010-06-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ballandean Estate was proud to sponsor the opening of Brisbane's newest and hottest dining venue this week.
Situated in the heart of the ever evolving Southbank dining precinct, The Southbank Surf Club is the brainchild of TV Chef and author Ben O'Donoughue.
Over 250 of Brisbane's who's who flocked to the new venue to sample the fine food and fabulous wine, on what was to be a night of great entertainment.
The drinks were certainly flowing, with other sponsors including Champagne Mumm, Corona Beer and Peroni.
General Manager and resident sommelier Kolby Johnson has put together a tight but well tuned wine list which features wines from across the globe including the Ballandean Estate SSB and Sylvaner.
Wine list and menus can be viewed at the Southbank Surf Club web site:
http://www.southbanksurfclub.com.au/

Wine on Monday

2010-05-23T23:53:00.001-07:00

It is great to see that it is not only Queenslanders enjoying our wines.
For the second year in a row, Vue du Monde in Melbourne has included our "best in the world" Late Harvest Sylvaner on their prestigious wine list.
The Sylvaner is a fabulous addition to a cheese platter or luscious dessert and we are proud to have this delicious wine included on the wine list of such a renowned restaurant.
We will keep you posted as we continue our march southward and will let you know the next venue you will be able to buy our wines from.
Don't worry though, there is enough Ballandean Estate Wine to share with the southern states!!

Wine on Thursday

2010-05-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Next time you are visiting a Mercure in Queensland, make sure you check out the Queensland Wine List. You will find our gorgeous 2007 Family Reserve Shiraz on the list. This wine won a Gold Medal at the Queensland Wine Awards last year and is full bodied, fruit driven and exhibits lovely integration of French oak. We appreciate the support shown by the Mercure group and look forward to receiving lots of great feedback about this wine list.

Wine on Wednesday

2010-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Things are slowly getting back to normal as we all recover from a sensational Opera in the Vineyard. Most guests proclaimed that it was "the best ever" and all reports are that David Hobson will be coming again in the near future.
We featured the 2008 Family Reserve Viognier and the 2005 Shiraz at the lunch and dinner and both wines were very well received. The Viognier is listed as one of the Strangebird wines and it was a great style to showcase with the meals. Of course the Shiraz is always fantastic and serving a 5 year old wine is becoming a bit of a novelty these days!
Well, plans are already underway for Jazz in the Vineyard - August 28, 2010 and then we will start all over again.

Wine on Wednesday

2010-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes!!! Opera in the Vineyard is on this weekend and the whole place is buzzing!!

The marquee is being erected (a huge job) and the phone is ringing off the hook with guests making last minute enquiries about the weather and the coach timetable.

Just so you know, bookings for meals are now closed, but you can still buy tickets for the concert only up until Sunday.

Don't forget, the whole day is Black Tie and it is just lovely watching everyone wander through the vineyards dressed to the nines.

If you are keen to come, please give us a call or book online.

Wine on Monday

2010-04-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Great news this week. We are continuing our push into the southern states and Vue du Monde has once again listed our "Best in the World" Late Harvest Sylvaner. Vue du Monde is a highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Melbourne and a position on their highly acclaimed wine list is a great coup for Ballandean Estate.
We are delighted to have our Sylvaner listed with Vue du Monde once again and next time you are in Melbourne and looking for a great meal, why not pop in and enjoy a glass of Ballandean Sylvaner while you are there.

Wine on Monday

2010-03-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our friends at Schultes Meat Tavern at Plainland.
Schultes were last week named as the best Bacon producers in Australia. If you are driving along the Warrego Highway at Plainland, you can pick up the best Bacon in Australia and of course some Ballandean Estate Wine while you are there!

Wine on Wednesday

2010-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

Great news from some of our retailers in Brisbane.

According to Stewarts Bottle Shops situated around the city our 2009 SSB (Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc) was amongst the Top 10 best sellers over the Christmas period.

What a fantastic effort!!!

We are sure that the people who purchased the wine would have enjoyed it with fresh Queensland seafood.

Wine on Australia Day

2010-01-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Australia Day everyone!!!!
Great news for food and Ballandean Estate lovers - our wines are now available at iconic Brisbane city restaurant Jo-Jo's!! The wines were personally selected by Stefan and will now feature on the restaurants wine list.
Don't forget, when you dine and wine at Jo-Jo's to get your Myer car parking ticket validated and you will receive a great discount - what more can you ask for!!!
Great wine, fabulous food and discounted city parking.

Wine on Friday

2010-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

It's official!
Ballandean Estate Wines has been listed in the Courier Mail today as the BEST WINERY IN QUEENSLAND!!!!
Now who are we to argue with the views of the esteemed journalists from the Courier Mail?
But of course we would love everyone to form their own views and visit our Cellar door to decide for themselves.
Vintage is a great time to visit and we have started crushing already, so the winery is definately buzzing with excitement as the grapes are crushed and fermented.
So, if you would like to experience the BEST WINERY IN QUEENSLAND, you are most welcome anytime.

Wine on Wednesday

2010-01-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Well can you believe it??
Vintage has begun with grapes arriving from one of our contract wineries and the first fruit has already been crushed, pressed and is in tank fermenting!!
Our vineyards are looking spectacular - the colours a this time of year are astounding. The fruit on our second block is looking great and we are excited about making our wines this year despite our losses late last year.
We can assure you that even though the vintage of 2010 might be a small one, it will be a great one.

Wine on Monday

2009-11-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Ballandean Estate Wines was happy to support the wedding of Amanda and Matt on the Gold Coast. We were happy to support the cause when GoldFM sent out the may day and we are pleased to advise that the wines were enjoyed by the Bride and Groom and guests. We wish them both the very best.

Wine on Saturday

2009-10-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

Gold, Gold.
That's right - another show another swag of awards and the team are brimming with pride.
As well as medals, winemaker Dylan Rhymer proudly accepted 2 trophies - Champion wine of the Show and Most Successful Exhibitor.
The New England Wine Show is fast becoming one of the 'must do" regional wine shows in Australia. The calibre of the judging panel is second to none and winemakers from around Australia are keen for the feedback.
Gold medals were awarded to the 2009 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc and the 2007 Shiraz (not yet released).

Wine on Thursday

2009-10-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the whole team.
At the gala awards night for the Australian Small Winemakers Show - held in Stanthorpe, we received 7 Bronze medals and 1 Silver medal.
In a competition of over 1800 wines from all over Australia and New Zealand, we are very pleased with this result and look forward to sharing some of the award winners with you soon.
Award winning wines available to you now are the 2008 Family Reserve Viognier, 2005 Family Reserve Shiraz, 2006 Cabernet Merlot, 2009 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc.
The public tasting will be held this weekend at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds and is a great way to get your taste buds tantalised.

Wine on Thursday

2009-10-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

As you know, we have released some amazing Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends over the past few years and you will be pleased to know that the new 2009 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc is no exception.

Released on October 10, this new vintage has already won 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. It is widely available throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast through Dan Murphy stores, Festival Cellars and many other independant outlets as well as restaurants throughout the state.

Keep an eye out for this great wine and enjoy it on a balmy afternoon with some fresh Queensland seafood.

Wine on Wednesday

2009-10-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Some exciting news to share today is the Premier Anna Bligh using our wine on Masterchef tonight.
Yep, the Premier has decided to use our Generation 3 in one of her dishes for the competition, so we hope she wins her round - it will be hard not to with such an incredible ingredient!!!
The Generation 3 is our Signature red wine and is only produced occassionally. Our winemaker Dylan Rhymer sources the best parcel of grapes from our vineyards and nurtures the wine to produce an amazing wine with generous fruit flavours and firm tannins. In the 9 vintages since Dylan began, we have released 2 Generation 3 with a third on the way.
Check out the show tonight and see how the Premier fares.

Wine on Monday

2009-09-20T21:17:00.001-07:00

It was great catching up with you at the Carnival of Flowers - what a fantastic place to go and show our range of wines!!
It has also been seriously busy at the Cellar Door with visitors enjoying the beautiful weather in the Granite Belt while tasting our fabulous range of wines. Be on the lookout for the 2009 vintage white wines, all of which will be released in the next couple of months.
First cab off the rank will be our 2009 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc. Yes, it has huge shoes to fill with the triple Gold Medal success of the 2008 vintage, but we are sure you will enjoy this wines just as much as its predecessor.
Keep an eye out for the 2007 Family Reserve Chardonnay that has just been recalled for the final judge off in Winestate Magazine for best white wine in Australia. We will keep you posted on its progress.

Wine on Tuesday

2009-09-14T22:44:00.002-07:00

AAAAAGGHHH
Who would have thought posting a Blog was this difficult!!
I know it has been a while, but there have been lots of happenings at Ballandean in the last couple of weeks.
Saturday night saw the annual Gamekeepers Dinner (the 26th event!!) held in the Barrel Room Cafe and it was sensational. Mary Puglisi prepared a fabulous meal featuring quail, rabbit, venison and duck during 5 courses of pure indulgence. 65 guests enjoyed the meal and the accompanying wines.
Jazz in the Vineyard has also been hailed a huge success as we have raised approx $15000 for a number of charities throughout the state. A happy crowd of just over 300 guest enjoyed a fabulous array of musicians, some fabulous food and of course our award winning wines.
Check out the website for upcoming events.

Wine on Thursday

2009-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

The excitement is building as we prepare for the Annual Jazz in the Vineyard!
This Saturday will see hundreds of people arrive for a casual afternoon of great food, amazing wines and "cool" Jazz overlooking our picturesque vineyards.
The sister event to our well established Opera in the Vineyard, the Jazz event is also a fundraiser for the Stanthorpe Rotary Club with the beneficiaries being DrugArm and Carramar home for Senior Citizens.
It's not too late to enjoy the Jazz, tickets are always available at the gate and the weather is glorious, so if you have not made any plans, why not consider a trip to Ballandean in the beautiful Granite Belt.

Wine on Monday

2009-08-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Wine with Style!!
What a thrill to have our Late Harvest Sylvaner strutting it's stuff on the catwalk at a glamorous Palazzo Versace event with high profile designer Alex Perry.
The event was a part of a number of glamorous events held at Vanitas Restaurant promoting all things glamourous and luxurious. The menu included glamourous clothes, glamourous cars, glamourous food and of course, glamorous wine - a tag the Late Harvest Sylvaner wears well.

Wine on Friday

2009-08-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well, Ekka has begun and so has our 12 days at the show! If you don't have a chance to visit our beautiful region, then this could be your opportunity to taste our wines, right in the middle of the "big smoke".
We have a great range of our wines available at the Ekka and we would love to see you at our site. We are situated in the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavillion and we are sure that when you enter, it will be hours before you leave!

Wine on Friday

2009-07-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Get set for some “RazzamaJazz”!!!!

If you like your music cool and jazzy with a touch of Swing and Rock, then Jazz in the Vineyard 2009 at Ballandean Estate will be right up your alley!!!

The seventh annual Jazz in the Vineyard at Ballandean Estate is wonderful way to enjoy great wines, fantastic food and great music in a relaxed atmosphere while assisting the Stanthorpe Rotary Club in their fundraising efforts.

The RazzamaJazz band will be a highlight of the day, with their unique Jazz sound. Altogether, there will be 5 bands performing a range of styles including Dixieland, Funk and Latin Jazz with some swing and a little bit of Rock and Roll all of which are sure to get your toes tapping!!!

“ We love hosting Jazz in the Vineyard!” says Angelo Puglisi of Ballandean Estate Wines, “It is a casual and very relaxed day with terrific food and the music is always great! And to top it off, the money we raise is going to some deserving charities.”

Set amongst the picturesque vineyards of the Estate, the event begins at 11am with the music not stopping until 6pm. Included in the ticket price is a souvenir wine glass, transfers from Stanthorpe and around Ballandean and 4 meal vouchers that include a gourmet grill, a pasta dish, a tasty cheese platter and a delicious dessert prepared by the famous Bramble Patch.

If you would like to attend this annual charity event, you can book your tickets online at http://www.ballandeanestate.com/ or call the winery direct.

Wine on Wednesday

2009-06-02T16:01:00.001-07:00

Some excitement today as Channel 9 did their live weather cross from the winery!!
Check it out on our website as we have a link for you to have a look. Don't the barrels look fantastic!!

We are also getting ready for our visit to Southbank on the 13th June. If you have some time and love wandering around tasting wine and food, why not come down and see us.

Wine on Friday

2009-05-29T00:03:00.001-07:00

The weekend is here and it looks like a busy one at Ballandean.
It is also exciting that the Jazz brochure is being printed and we are already taking bookings. If you are on our mailing list with email, you will be receiving your email newsletter in the next couple of days. It looks like it will be great so take some time to check out the page on the website and help us support Drug Arm and Stanthorpe Rotary by booking a ticket.

Keep an eye out on the telly - we have had a couple of great stories on various shows. Last week on Creek to Coast - check out the link and in the next few weeks we will be featured on Postcards Australia.

Wine on Monday

2009-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

You need to check out the website and take a look at Angelo!!!
For those of you who know him, this is "Angelo at his best!"
We have had a couple of television crews at Ballandean in the last couple of months and they have been kind enough to let us put their vision on our website. It is a good look at what goes on in the vineyard and winery during vintage - take some time to check it out.

Wine on Wednesday

2009-05-05T21:05:00.001-07:00

It was fabulous!!!

It was wonderful!!!

It was magical!!!

It was Opera in the Vineyard - 2009!!!

Sitting in the vineyards, sipping on fine wines and enjoying beautiful music surely sounds like a dream for most people, but on Sunday May 3, that dream was a reality for over 1000 people in Ballandean.

Arias from some of the most popular opera, performed by some of the best talent in Australia was what we had the pleasure of enjoying for 3 hours on Sunday afternoon.

Raising money for charities such as the Wesley Hospital Brisbane, the Hear and Say Centre and the Stanthorpe Senior Citizens Home was the main aim of the Opera and we will let you know how that went in a few days time.

Following the Opera, we enjoyed a magnificent dinner and danced the evening away.

If you would like to enjoy Opera next year, please contact the winery and leave your details or check out the Opera in the vineyard website - operainthevineyard.com

Wine on Thursday

2009-04-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

The vineyard is a hive of activity today with Rotarians coming and going while the set up for our annual Opera in the Vineyard.
It is truly amazing the amount of effort that is put in by the club and our staff to make sure that the event goes off every year without a hitch.
This year we are fundraising for the Wesley Hospital, Carramar Home for Senior Citizens and also for a young Stanthorpe boy who needs assistance with his hearing. We have been associated with the Hear and Say centre previously and they work they do is miraculous. It certainly gives you a great feeling to see a child who has benefitted from the work we are doing today and on the generosity of our Opera guests.
It is not too late to book, however, we sell tickets to the concert at the gate so if you are up for a magical afternoon of arias and fine wine, then make you way to Ballandean this weekend.

Wine on Thursday

2009-04-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

The days are gorgeous and the vines are turning beautiful hues of crimson, yellow and orange and the chill in the morning air is welcoming winter to Ballandean.
If you would like to experience the fresh, clean mountain air and the welcoming warmth of an open fireplace, then now is the best time to visit. There are so many beautiful places to stay and Ballandean village is busy with visitors to our beautiful home - why not take some time out and enjoy it with us.

Wine on Wednesday

2009-04-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

It is almost here and the arrangements are all being made for a wonderful day of Opera on May 3. The artists are busy rehearsing and the Rotarians are organising their 3 days of volunteering to make sure the day is a huge success.
The artists this year are fabulous with the news that Ms Katherine Tier has been invited to participate in the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition later this year - aren't we lucky to hear her first at Opera!!!
This year, some of the funds raised will be going to the Hear and Say Centre in Brisbane and will be used to assist a local child. The centre has helped many children with hearing problems and we are only too pleased to fundraise for them.
There are still plenty of tickets available and you can even pick them up at the gate on the day. Accommodation is getting harder to find, but don't forget about the complimentary coaches from Tenterfield and Warwick as well.

Wine on Wednesday

2009-03-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Wine On Saturday

2009-03-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a while and things have been very hectic at Ballandean. Vintage is in full swing and there has been the threat of cyclonic activity but I am happy to report that the rain did not come and the grapes are still fantastic!!! Yay!!
The excitement is building as the vintage kicks on, the sugar levels are high and the pH is at good levels, so the winemaker is happy, the grapegrower is happy and that means we are going to produce some amazing wines this year. You can look forward to crisp dry whites, succulently sweet dessert styles and red wines with great depth and flavour.
Ballandean has probably fared as having the best vintage in Australia for 2009 - a big call I know, but this year has been absolutely perfect - the right amount of rain, long dry growing season and no disease, what more could we ask for!!!

Wine on Tuesday

2009-02-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Ballandean Estate shows a Big Heart

In these current financial times it is difficult for charities to raise funds for their continued valuable work, but having a long term and committed partner like Ballandean Estate Wines has proved to be invaluable to the Mater Hospital.

Supporting the Mater Hospitals fundraising event, the Rendezvous with Romance, has been a priority for Ballandean Estate Wines for over 15 years. “It is the least we can do” says co-owner of the vineyard Mary Puglisi.

“Our oldest grandson Steven was born at the Mater Hospital almost 17 years ago and he was very premmy - only 695gms. If it wasn’t for the staff and facilities at this hospital we just wouldn’t have him.” Mary recalls.

A new relationship with the Mater Hospital began shortly after, with funds from the first Opera in the Vineyard – held at Ballandean Estate (every May) going to the neonatology unit to support the doctors and nurses and other families.
Angelo and Mary Puglisi decided the following year that Ballandean Estate would also be able to assist with fundraising and have supported the Rendezvous with Romance by supplying the wines for the dinner ever since.

“If you are in a position to help where you can, you should – you never know when you might need the facilities for yourself or your family” says Mary “Just like we did all those years ago”.
Robyn Henderson and Mary Puglisi from Ballandean Estate Wines with Sister Angela Mary Doyle and member of Board of Directors of the Mater Foundation Mrs Betty McGrath and Mr McGrath at the 2009 Rendezvous

For more information regarding events at Ballandean Estate Wines, please contact the winery direct or check out our website http://www.ballandeanestate.com/.

Wine on Thursday

2009-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

More picking today and the fruit is looking fabulous.

The weather has been very kind and we have had perfect conditions for growing wine grapes. Perfect temperature, perfect rainfall, perfect grapes!!

There has been a lot of doom and gloom written about the Australian wine industry with heat causing a lot of damage down south but here in Ballandean we have had no such problem. Who says that Ballandean is not a cool climate - yes we are!!!

Anyway, enough about the temperature.

If you are looking for a bottle or two of our wonderful wines then you can find them around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. There is a good selection at Dan Murphys, Ashmore Tavern, Era South Brisbane and many more. We will update the posting regularly with new outlets.

Wine on Tuesday

2009-02-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

Well, vintage has well and truly started today. The pickers have been in the vineyard picking some of the best white grapes we have seen. Beautiful muscat grapes being picked to produce our luscious liqueur white muscat. These grapes will be lovingly crushed, pressed, fortified and then left in barrels for up to 12 years - they taste great today but will be perfect in 12 years or so.
Patience - that is what you need to be a great winemaker and Angelo Puglisi is certainly patient. Watching over his vineyards for 12 months and then waiting for the fruits of the vine to be ready for our customers tastebuds - it takes time but is worth it in the end.

Wine on Australia Day

2009-01-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

What a terrific day to celebrate being an Australian!! And what better way than with your favourite Ballandean Estate Wines!! Today it has been about easy drinking wines that you can share with family and friends to celebrate what it means to live in our fabulous country.
Wines like the White Pearl and Summertime are long standing favourites on Australia Day - both are fabulous with BBQ meals or just to enjoy while sitting around enjoying the Summer. Summertime is a light red that you serve cold and is terrific with a lamb chop!! How much more Australian can you get!!
Happy Australia Day everyone!!!

Wine on Friday

2009-01-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Friday is a great day to think about the wines you are planning to drink on the weekend.
Are you having dinner with friends?
Is this Friday special enough to open that bottle you have been waiting for a special occasion for?
Well, we have some great wines for weekend tippling:
Start your Friday night with a cool and refreshing SSB, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc - you can't go wrong with this fabulous wine. It is a great style to use before dinner with a cheese platter or if you are serving seafood or Thai food, then this is the wine for you.

Wine on Tuesday

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At Ballandean Estate, the focus is always on fabulous wines and great food.
Vistors to the cellar door at the moment are enjoying some of the best wines we have ever produced as well as being able to view the winemaking process.
It is our pleasure to explain the winemaking and grapegrowing process and guests to the winery are able to experience the smells, the tastes and the excitement that is vintage at Ballandean.
Also in abundance at the moment are the fruits of the region: peaches, nectarines, berries and crisp veges are everywhere, so now is the best time for a visit to our beautiful part of the world.

Today at Ballandean Estate Wines

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It has been busy at the winery, with preparations being made for the new vintage. If the weather stays kind to us, we will be picking some of the early varieties in just over 2 weeks.

It is almost show time in the Granite Belt and that usually means rain but we will keep our fingers and everything else crossed and hope for a brilliant lead up to vintage.

You know, it is possible to see what happens in the winery. We are happy to show you around and you can get a real feel for what it is like to be a winemaker. The smells, the stress, the taste of the fruit - it can be very addictive!!!

Visitors to the cellar door have been enjoying the wines - we know they are good, but they have also been enjoying all the fabulous wonders of Summer in the Granite Belt - fresh fruits, cool nights and beautiful National Parks, I don't know why more people don't visit at this time of year!!

Welcome!!

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Ballandean Estate Wines is the heart and soul of the wine industry in the Granite Belt.

Operating as a family business for over 70 years, the estate has produced award winning wines since the early 1970's and is proud of the reputation for quality wines that they enjoy in the Australian wine industry.

With over 100 acres of vineyard planted around the Ballandean village, the winery produces approximately 25 different wine styles and proudly offers these wines for tasting at the Cellar Door on Sundown Road.

The Cellar door is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. You can enjoy an educational and interesting tasting of our wines at the bar, wander through the Gourmet Food Gallery or spoil yourself with a meal prepared in the Barrel Room Cafe.

Tours are operated daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.