Historic family-owned Granite Belt winery ready for a drop after drought, fire and COVID

Ballandean Estate Wines at Stanthorpe is gearing up for what the Puglisi family is anticipating will be a bumper season as a COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan helps the family support staff and maintain business operations until tourism is thriving on the Granite Belt once again.  

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure. 

Angelo and Mary Puglisi work alongside each other running the vineyard and cellar door, while sisters Robyn Henderson and Leeanne Gangemi keep the business running smoothly and customers happy. In the winery, Mario Gangemi works as production manager. 

Ms Henderson said three years of drought had affected grape crops and while recent bushfires had started to impact tourism, which represented 75% of the business, it was COVID-19 that brought tourism to a standstill.  

She said it meant the business, which was established in 1927, had to adapt in ways it never had before.  

“We have depended on tourism for 50 years and never shut the doors. During COVID there was no tourism so we had to change the business to go online,” Ms Henderson said.  

“Like the rest of Queensland’s tourism industry, with very little warning our core business was closed down. We quickly ramped up our online offers and the response was unbelievable. 

“We have the most amazing customers and they responded very well, as did new customers who were looking for something different. We did things we have never done before. We spent money on social media advertising that we hadn’t ever imagined spending and it paid off. 

“We have been here a very long time. In the early years my great grandparents made wine and grew fruit and vegetables. They ran that business through the war years. In the 1960s my dad saw what they had done and concentrated on growing grapes and making wine. 

“My father, Angelo Puglisi is recognised as the father of the modern Queensland wine industry.” 

Ms Henederson said the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan allowed 12 staff to maintain their positions and covered on-going costs.  

“The loan allowed us to have produce to sell to keep tourism going to keep staff,” she said. 

“It’s definitely a relief. It gave us the confidence to maintain spend on our drought affected vineyard and support our staff and remain a viable business in our community.  

“As a family that has been here for a very long time, we thought, at least we are all in this together. This is what family does and everybody has to pull their weight.” 

Ms Henderson said while the winery was open, the family was especially looking forward to sharing a wine with loyal customers when conditions returned to business as usual.  

“If restrictions remain lifted, our winter season is going to be amazing.  Forward bookings in the region have boomed since travel has been allowed.  This loan gives us confidence to face the next 6 months with certainty,” Ms Henderson said.  

“It’s wonderful to see the customers return.” 

For important information about your loan visit the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page.

QRIDA is delivering the $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.