Ballandean winery host brand new Rotary charity race day event

Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery is set to host Rotary Stanthorpe’s new annual charity fundraiser in May.

OFF AND RACING: Ballandean Estate Wines is set to become home to new charity event, Rotary Stanthorpe’s Charity Autumn Race Day, punters Melissa and Peter Schulte from Schultes Meats at Plainlands are both looking forward to the inaugural event.

The Stanthorpe community are set to benefit from a new charity event hosted by Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.

Ballandean Estate Wines and Rotary Stanthorpe are galloping ahead with the inaugural Autumn Race Day after the event went on hold over 2020 due to the pandemic.

The winery is set to host Rotary Stanthorpe’s annual charity fundraiser on Sunday, May 2.

Event ambassador and fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said they were over the moon that COVID restrictions are lifting for events.

“We’re so grateful for Queensland’s support of the Granite Belt throughout the pandemic,” she said.

“In December we hosted the Granite Belt’s biggest picnic of 2020, as The Merry Muster, a convoy of seven buses from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, descended on our region to boost the economy and last week we released Grazing the Granite Belt tickets, which have all but sold out in a matter of days.”

Ms Puglisi-Gangemi said another favourite event, Opera in the Vineyard, has raised over $1 million for charity in partnership with Stanthorpe’s Rotary Club.

“After 27 brilliant events, we are ready to shake up the format so that this premier experience can be enjoyed by all,” she said.

Fourth generation vignerons, Robyn Puglisi-Henderson (left) and Leanne-Puglisi-Gangemi are stoked to be hosting the inaugural charity event at Ballandean Estate Wines, Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Granite Belt.

“The Autumn Race Day will combine the action, thrill and glamour of racing in the heart of the Granite Belt.

“We expect that this new event will establish itself a firm place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

“Attendees can look forward to a thrilling festive atmosphere featuring a long lunch, raffles, fashions on the field, live music, lucky door prizes, alternative races and the chance to sample some of Queensland’s finest wines.”
Ms Puglisi-Gangemi said this year’s event would have a very locally-oriented program.

“We are a community in recovery so this year, we will be showcasing our local performers and this will enable us to allocate much more of the event takings to Rotary charities,” she said.

Rotary Stanthorpe’s Charity Autumn Race Day will be held at Ballandean Estate Wines, 354 Sundown Road Ballandean from midday until 5.30pm on Sunday, May 2.

Ticket prices are $130 for lunch, a welcome glass of sparkling, entertainment, $4000 in “funny money” and a reserved seat.

A shuttle bus will be running from the town centre for just $20 return.

Early booking is recommended.

Funds raised at Autumn Race Day will be distributed to Rotary charities.

Book your lunch table here.

Originally published as Ballandean winery host brand new Rotary charity race day event