Ballandean Estate employee Nancy Benvenuto has been honoured by the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe as a 2023 Pride of Workmanship Award winner.
Nancy was nominated by Ballandean Estate to recognise her 40 years of employment and her qualities in terms of dedication and building the Granite Belt as a wine tourism destination. Fourth-generation vigneron Robyn Puglisi-Henderson says, “As a family, we live and breathe wine. Nancy has been part of the business since Leeanne and I were teenagers. Our cellar door is an extension of our Italian hospitality, a place where we can share our stories, heritage and of course our world-class wines!
“Nancy comes from our long line of Sicilian grape-lovers. In keeping with her maiden name of Puglisi — she certainly has the gift of the gab! Nancy’s greatest contribution by far is that of a Queensland wine ambassador, hosting tens of thousands of Granite Belt visitors at our cellar door. Her dedication, depth of wine knowledge and warmth have been an integral part of building Ballandean Estate’s reputation as the friendliest cellar door on the Granite Belt.
“Over the years, Nancy cooked for thousands of hungry visitors in the Barrelroom Café. She is a wonderful cook, and many satisfied patrons count themselves lucky to have had Nancy cook them a meal. Nancy has been a loyal and enthusiastic employee in all facets of Ballandean Estate Wines… Nancy has bottled and labelled thousands of cartons of wines throughout her career.
“Her dad and my dad (Angelo Puglisi, the father of Queensland wine) were first cousins. This means we share great grandparents! Nancy’s husband Angelo worked here for over 35 years before he retired and her dad also worked here for several years. Rarely in business do employees stay for 40 years. We are so lucky to have Nancy!’ says Ms Puglisi-Henderson.
Readers also enjoyed our story about Haley Jensen Bring It On
