From civil construction in Gladstone to growing wine on the Granite Belt, we know which one we prefer!

In 2013 we decided to pack our bags, change our lives and move to Ballandean to start our new adventure, and we never looked back

Brad the Engineer and Stacey the Safety Manager moved to Ballandean in the middle of July 2013. It was freezing, FREEZING cold, the vineyard was overgrown but dormant ready for pruning (that can’t be too hard, right?). The initial plan was to get the accommodation up and running and we would ‘learn how to do that’ as we pointed out to the vinyard. Within 2 weeks of being in Ballandean a winery who had previously purchased grapes from our place dropped by, welcomed us to the area, explained that they had previously purchased the grapes from our vineyard and they would like to buy them again this vintage (what is vintage??????????). Sure no problem! We quickly had to learn how to prune, grow and pick grapes. How do you sell the rest of the grapes? Do you put and ad in the paper?

Lucky for us we were supported by the whole community. Everyone dropped by to welcome us, share knowledge and equipment, advise us on what’s next in the vineyard. They welcomed us with a big cuddle and they have never let go. There were many mistakes, lessons learned, tears and laughter. Ask Stacey about the flat battery in her old Fiat tractor, hole in the radiator and a jar of minced garlic. The ‘old boys’ saved her thqt day.

In 2015 we planted our ‘babies’. We were one of the first vineyards in Australia to plant Alvarinho and it will always be a bit special to us. The original vineyard on the property is over 35 years old so very established when we arrived, whereas the Alvarinho and Manseng are really part of our story, our journey into this world of boutique wine growing and making.

In 2016 we released our first wines. Working with Glen and Andrew at Bent Road Winery we were able to make wine from the grapes we grow and we moved from operating only as a vineyard (grower of grapes sold to other wineries) to vineyard and wine makers. There really is something very satisfying about growing grapes, picking grapes an then following them to the winery and making your own wine from them. All of our wine is made from grapes we grow (Estate Grown), we hand prune and hand pick the grapes and sometimes as even foot stomp and basket press, especially when we only pick small volumes of less than 1 tonne. You really can drink in the View at Sancerre Estate.

In 2023 we finally, FINALLY started the process of building our Cellar Door. We hope to open mid 2024. Until then we are taking tasting appointments and online orders. Please get in touch if we can help you Enjoy the View.

Brad and Stacey Allan

Wine Growers at Sancerre Estate.