Ballandean Estate Wines is situated within the Granite Belt in Queensland’s Southern Downs. 100 acres of vines are nestled among gigantic granite boulders a frightening 1015m above sea level. The altitude of the vineyard site contributes to the cooler than average temperatures experienced in the area - perfect for growing grapes with intense flavours.

Ballandean Estate Wines is an icon in the Queensland wine industry, being the largest and oldest family run winery in the state. Salvatore Cardillo established the Estate in 1930 when he brought his family from Italy to settle in the Stanthorpe area and started to grow some grapes on his farm which were then made into quantities of bulk red wine and sold locally. In 1941 his son-in-law Alfio Puglisi took over the farm and continued the family tradition.

In 1968, Alfio’s son Angelo Puglisi and his wife Mary took over the farm and, deciding to make wine commercially, they replanted the vineyard - replacing the table grapes with several varieties of wine grapes. The vines are still carefully nurtured by Angelo today and the Estate crushes over 350 tonnes of grapes every year.

Ballandean Estate has on display the oldest working barrels in Qld. An ancient 140 years old, they are filled with ageing liqueur Muscat and Port and take pride of place in the winery's Barrel Room Café.

Ballandean Estate produces a large range of estate grown and produced wines including some alternative grape varieties: Sylvaner, Viognier, Durif and Saperavi. Angelo Puglisi has always been keen to find varieties that best suit the conditions of the Granite Belt – his search continues. - Daniel Jess