Australia‘s best wineries of the year have been announced

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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Halliday Wine Companion has unveiled its shortlist of Australia’s top wineries, and now we wait to see who takes the crown.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado, dabbler or enthusiastic drinker, every year when the Halliday Wine Companion releases its carefully selected annual shortlist of wineries, it’s very good news. This year, the Halliday judges reviewed over 8000 wines across more than 945 wineries around Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. And while it will be the job of average Australians to vote for their number one picks, it’s safe to say that this shortlist is the perfect guide to help plan your next wine trip or dinner party accompaniments.

“The last 12 months have posed many challenges for the Australian Wine Industry. The annual Halliday Awards offer winemakers, viticulturists, wine drinkers and the agricultural and farming communities the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the breadth of talent, quality and skill in the Australian wine landscape. We look forward to celebrating our makers and their wares and sharing their accolades with the rest of the world," said Katrina Butler, Head of Tasting Halliday Wine Companion.

The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion (the bestselling and definitive guide to Australian wine, for those not yet in the know) will include over 60 new producers, each with tasting notes and scores.

Oakridge Wines, Vic
Australian wineries are bringing the goods. (Image: Visit Vic)

But now, to the main event. The Winery Of The Year shortlisted venues are (in no particular order):

1. Brokenwood Wine, NSW

A favourite in the Hunter Valley and a Certified Sustainable Winery, Brokenwood Wine strives to make award-winning drops accessible to all. Pop into their relaxed winery for a taste of their previously award-winning Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.

Brokenwood Wine, NSW
Enjoy tasty and sustainable wine. (Image: DNSW)

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2. Giaconda Vineyard and Winery, Vic

Beechworth, Victoria, is home to Giaconda , which has come a long way since it was established by a mechanical engineer who became interested in wine in the early 1970s. Today, it’s a family affair, and fully certified organic by the Bio Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI). They’re known for complex and fragrant wines.

3. House of Arras, Tas

Of course, Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine vineyard had to make the shortlist. House of Arras follows the traditional French technique, méthode traditionnelle, to craft its wines. It’s a highly specialised process, requiring considerable expertise, and gives this winemaker the edge.

House of Arras, Tas
Taste sparkling made with traditional French techniques. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Adam Gibson)

4. Oakridge Wines, Vic

A stunning vineyard and delicious restaurant in the Yarra Valley, Oakridge Wines pairs incredibly tasty wines with stunning views. With the Yarra Valley being globally recognised as one of the world’s top cool-climate wine regions, there are plenty of reasons to get over there.

reatuarant Oakridge Wines, Vic
Come for the wine, stay for lunch. (Image: Visit Vic)

5. Rieslingfreak, SA

A name that does what it says on the tin, Rieslingfreak in South Australia’s Tanunda takes German influence and traditional winemaking styles to create some incredibly tasty rieslings.

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6. The Standish Wine Co, SA

A sixth-generation Barossa Valley local, Dan Standish, established his winery in 1999 while still working as a winemaker elsewhere. The Standish Wine Co. isn’t opening for tastings until 2026, but you can still order their incredible wines online.

winery at barossa valley
Check out the Barossa Valley for amazing wine. (Image: Tourism Australia/ SATC)

7. Yangarra Estate Vineyard, SA

At Yangarra , you’ll find varietals produced from only the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone. While South Australia’s Kangarilla may feel far away from the grapes’ origins, the resulting wines do not.

Yangarra Estate Vineyard, South Australia
From the Rhone to South Australia, taste Yangarra’s wines. (Image: Small Batch Wine Tours)

How to vote

Wine lovers can cast their vote for the 2026 People’s Choice Award on winecompanion.com.au . Nominations are based on criteria including standout cellar door experiences, outstanding restaurant offerings, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and overall quality of wines. Submissions are open until 11.59pm on Thursday July 31, 2025. Entrants will go in the running to win a prize pack valued at over $1300. The 2026 People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on Saturday August 16, 2025.

Seven major trophies will be awarded in August, including Wine of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Winery of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year, Best Value Winery, Best New Winery, Dark Horse Winery, together with the third inductee into the James Halliday Hall of Fame: Australian Wine Industry. The winners of 17 varietal categories will also be announced, including Sparkling of the Year, Shiraz of the Year, and Riesling of the Year, alongside White Wine of the Year and Red Wine of the Year.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .