"Sunday was our first frost of the season, and from a chilly start of one degree in the morning, the day blossomed into a crisp, cool day, bathed in sunshine and cerulean skies," Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said. Leeanne is the daughter of Ballandean Estate owner and event founder Angelo Puglisi.

"2019 is our 27th opera event, and we are thrilled to work in partnership with Rotary Stanthorpe. Over $1 million for charity has been raised since the event's inception. This year's fundraising will be distributed by Rotary to charities End Trachoma 2020, Hummingbird House and several more.

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"This year's theme was Diamonds Are Forever. Guests bedazzled in black tie, kilts, we even had a Lady Penelope!

"A huge thanks to our major sponsor Stanthorpe Jewellers, who donated a spectacular champagne diamond ring worth over $2500."

Opera attendees were delighted by husband and wife operatic stars Rosario La Spina and Milijana Nikolic, who lit up the stage with a passionate performance. It was a rare opportunity for Serbian-born mezzo-soprano Nikolic to perform with her real-life husband, a powerful international tenor. Tenor and mezzo is an uncommon pairing.

The sizzling duo fell in love at the Academy for Soloists at Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

"Rosario's tenor brought goose bumps to the skin as it reverberated through the valley, Nessun Dorma-the thrill," Leeanne said.

"He soars with breathtaking clarity. Incredible acoustics.

"To witness Milijana bring Carmen to life onstage was extraordinary, her voice just oozes elegance and passion."

Brazenly seductive, unrepentantly exotic, recklessly strong-willed, the character of Carmen has enthralled the world's imagination for more than a century and a half, musical director Mark Taylor said. He is Opera Queensland's Head of Learning, Regional and Community, and compere on the day.

"Don José's Flower Song was an audience favourite, an aria sung as Don Jose's relationship with Carmen reaches its first crisis, high drama indeed."

The program of songs ranged from iconic tenor arias to sparkling melodies from the world of operetta, complemented by musical insights, personal stories, and a few surprises.

Opera in the Vineyard was born of a friendship between Angelo and his neighbour, the late David Pugh. Listening to opera and watching the sun set over the vineyards with a glass of Angelo's shiraz was a cherished tradition.

From humble beginnings, this event is now the jewel of the Granite Belt's social calendar and one of South East Queensland's premier cultural experiences. The 2019 performance was created and directed by Opera Queensland.