Boxi Zhen. Image courtesy Ballandean Estate

Boxi Zhen from Ballandean Estate has been named the Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year by the Royal Queensland Wine Awards, which the winery said is a testament to his “fresh perspective and minimal intervention approach”.

The Emerging Queensland Winemaker of the Year recognises emerging talent and craftsmanship, and fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi from Ballandean Estate said the award was a great opportunity for the young winemaker.

“Boxi is thrilled to be undertaking the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course,” said Puglisi-Gangemi. “He’s really looking forward to having his wines featured at Treasury Brisbane outlets, and the privilege of being an Associate Judge at 2025’s Royal Queensland Wine Awards.”

Zhen moved to Adelaide from China at the age of 24 to complete his Master of Viticulture & Oenology at the University of Adelaide. He also has a degree in Food Science, which Ballandean Estate said places him in “excellent stead” to continue the R&D science-based approach of its previous winemaker, Dylan Rhymer.

“We blended Boxi into the family fold at the start of 2023, when he started the next chapter of his winemaking career, after working across the Napa Valley to China, South Australia and now the Granite Belt,” said Puglisi-Gangemi.

“We hope that Boxi’s minimal intervention approach will underpin the Granite Belt as a region that continues to build on its momentum for new, exciting wines that suit our ever-changing climate.”

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