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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The best new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road

    Louis Costello Louis Costello
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    A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

    Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

    Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

    1. The Monty, Anglesea

    Nina Cantina at the monty great ocean road
    Pop into Nina Cantina for tacos and views.

    Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

    A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

    Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

    2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

    Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior
    Discover this new adults-only retreat.

    Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines. The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

    Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout
    See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

    Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

    The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

    3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

    cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park
    Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

    Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

    Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

    Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria
    Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

    4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

    Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping
    Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

    Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

    Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

    A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

    Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op
    Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

    Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

    Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

    Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.