What could be better than an Italian lunch in the barrel room of an Italian winery? Not much I hear you say.
The Puglisi family has been cultivating grapes and making wine for more than 80 years. The first vintage was released in 1932 after Savlatore Cardillo and his young daughter Giuseppa came to settle in Ballandean. Father and daughter planted table grapes on their farm and from these made quantities of bulk red wine. Through war and tough times, together they created a life and a business.
In 1940 a young Italian widower, Alfio Puglisi, met and married Giuseppa. They and their 3 children have continued to expand and improve the vineyard and winery and today it is a thriving business with award winning wines.
Occasionally they hold a long table lunch in their barrel room. We thought it a good idea to attend.
The table below was just one of the long tables.
The enormous barrels dominate the room.
Lunch was accompanied by some great Italian music.
…and the food.
You may be thinking that this lunch took place in Italy, but it was actually at Ballandean Estate near Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt in Queensland, Australia. Take a look at the beautiful vineyard.
The 26th January is Australia Day, a day to celebrate all things Australian, including all of the wonderful people who have recently made it home. This weekend is a long weekend, giving us a bit more time to see our beautiful country.
Here is some gorgeous Australian scenery for you to enjoy.
I managed to get a few members of the local wildlife to sit still for a minute.
The blue skies must be seen to be believed.
Happy Australia Day! Thank you to all the people who make Australia the diverse and amazing place that it is.
We stayed at Cypress Ridge Cottages at Ballandean, not far from Ballandean Estate. The cottages are lovely and set in the beautiful bush.