The Royal Queensland Wine Show (RQWS) has named its most prestigious award after the man known as ‘the father of the Queensland wine industry’ – Angelo Puglisi of Ballandean Estate Wines.
Australia’s first capital city wine show of the season will now award the Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show trophy.
RQWS Committee Chair Angus Adnam said naming the trophy after Angelo was befitting due to the significant contributions he has made to the Queensland wine industry.
“Mr Puglisi was instrumental in establishing a modern wine industry in Queensland beginning in the 1960s, when he planted recognised wine grape varieties in the Granite Belt,” Mr Adnam said.
“Previously, wine in Queensland had largely been made from table grapes.
“He then became a leading figure in shaping the Queensland industry, continuously improving grape growing and winemaking techniques.”
Angelo said the Queensland wine industry had been his life for more than 50 years and it was an honour to have the Grand Champion trophy named after him.
“I hope the award encourages people in the wine industry to always strive to do their best and create the best wines that reflect their region,” Angelo said.
The winner of the Angelo Puglisi Grand Champion Wine of Show will also be awarded a $12,000 RNA fellowship to be used for travel, training and education to further their winemaking skills.
Winemakers will have the opportunity to showcase their top drops to more than 900 consumers at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show’s (RQFWS) Grape Grazing event on Friday 12 July at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
