Ballandean Estate shines at Cairns Show Wine Awards

Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery has taken home two prestigious accolades at the 34th Cairns Show Wine Awards. Ballandean Estate Wines was awarded for its 2024 Saperavi with a Gold medal and its 2024 Semillon with a Silver medal. Held from 17-20 June, the Cairns Show Wine Awards “focus on examining wine quality and style within the context of a tropical location”. Ballandean Estate said “to shine in such esteemed company” as celebrated producers Bimbadgen, d'Arenberg, De Bortoli and Peter Lehmann “adds another chapter” to its Saperavi reputation especially. Originating in Georgia, where winemaking dates back more than 8,000 years, the winery said Saperavi has found a second home on the Granite Belt. Ballandean Estate was one of the first to plant the alternative varietal in the region, with vines first established in its Bellevue vineyard in 2008. Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi shared her delight at the estate's success.