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These 8 wineries have just been named Australia’s best

Credit: Oakridge Estate

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
The prestigious Halliday Wine Companion has uncorked its shortlist of the best wineries in Australia right now.

Spanning experimental micro-producers to lauded household names, Australia lays claim to an astounding number of excellent wineries – certainly too many to count. Thankfully, the Halliday Wine Companion has unveiled its 2027 shortlist, presenting a definitive list that shines a light on the top Australian wine producers currently leading the pack.

This year’s Halliday Tasting Team swirled, sniffed and sipped their way through a staggering 7520 wines from 1033 wineries before whittling down the field to just eight finalists in the Winery of the Year category. Alongside the other major category awards, the winner will be announced on 19 August 2026, so stay tuned.

South Australia dominated the shortlist, securing the largest number of finalists and reinforcing its status as one of the country’s premier food and wine regions – recently bolstered by the arrival of the SA Michelin Guide.

In no particular order, below are the wineries that made the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards shortlist for Winery of the Year.

The best wineries in Australia right now

Koomilya, McLaren Vale, SA 

best australian wineries
Koomilya operates on an old-school shiraz vineyard.

It’s hard to compete when there are so many incredible wineries in McLaren Vale, yet Koomilya stands out with its forward-thinking approach to traditional shiraz making. Stephen and Fiona Pannell have regenerated an old shiraz vineyard with organic farming and environmental care, producing single site wines that reflect each season.  

Forest Hill Vineyard, Great Southern, WA 

Forest Hill winery
You can visit Forest Hill Vineyard for cellar door experiences.

Tucked deep in the belly of Western Australia’s Great Southern region, 45 minutes west of Albany, Forest Hill Vineyard began its viticulture journey in 1965 – fuelled by an ambitious belief in the potential of the cool-climate landscape. From its vibrant rieslings to its complex cabernet sauvignon, each wine reflects the region’s unique geological character.  

House of Arras, Tas 

house of arras tasmania
House of Arras is renowned for its quality cool-climate sparkling.

Its vineyards protected by mountain wilderness and influenced by the Great Southern Ocean, House of Arras is best known for its sparkling wines borne from Tasmania’s unique crisp climate. Winemaker Ed Carr uses a meticulous fine bottle maturation method known as tirage to create the brand’s signature elegant and creamy effervescence.  

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Sami-Odi, Barossa Valley, SA 

Winemaker Fraser McKinley
Winemaker Fraser McKinley has reframed the identity of Barossa wine.

A small-batch vineyard vying for top honours against household heavyweights, Sami-Odi is a cult indie producer that creates around 1000 cases per year. Despite the winery having no cellar door, public tastings or traditional marketing, it has a dedicated mailing list of oenophiles who patiently wait to get their hands on a bottle of its unblended shiraz. 

Oakridge, Yarra Valley, VIC 

oakridge winery
Oakridge Estate delivers remarkably consistent wines.

It’s not the first time Oakridge has been nominated as a finalist for Winery of the Year, having been recognised for its unwavering consistency of quality across its vintages. The company continues to set high standards for Yarra Valley winemaking, from benchmark chardonnay to delicate pinot noir. Drop in for curated tastings of classic and award-winning Oakridge wines or join a chardonnay masterclass. 

Tolpuddle, Tas 

tolpuddle vineyard tasmania
Tolpuddle is known for its chardonnay and pinot noir. (Credit: Adam Gibson)

Located in the Coal River Valley about 30 minutes from Hobart – one of Australia’s coolest and driest climates – Tolpuddle has been named one of Australia’s best wineries for good reason. The 31-hectare vineyard has light silica over sandstone soil that ensures well-balanced grapes with intensity of flavour, producing its must-try Tasmanian chardonnay and pinot noir.  

Yeringberg, Yarra Valley, VIC 

yeringberg
Walk among prized vineyards at Yeringberg.

Established in 1863, Yeringberg is a fourth-generation family winery and farm carrying forward the de Pury legacy of traditional, unhurried winemaking. The vineyard’s wines boast remarkable longevity, with reds that can age for at least 21 years. Pre-booking is essential for visits.

Bekkers, McLaren Vale, SA

best wineries australia
Bekkers sits among the Halliday finalists for Winery of the Year.

This hyper-boutique, family-owned winery in South Australia’s McLaren Vale produces wines in tiny quantities, paying great attention to finesse and fine texture. Pop into Bekker’s tasting room for sweeping vineyard views and top drops in fine glassware. 

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Best Value Winery shortlist

  • Evans & Tate, Margaret River, WA
  • Medhurst, Yarra Valley, VIC
  • Ministry of Clouds, McLaren Vale, SA
  • MMAD, McLaren Vale, SA
  • Thomas Wines, Hunter Valley, NSW
  • Wirra Wirra Vineyards, McLaren Vale, SA

Best New Winery shortlist

  • Decades, Tas
  • Fervor, Great Southern, WA
  • Foreign Friends, Beechworth, VIC
  • L’Anima, McLaren Vale, SA
  • S. Caica, McLaren Vale, SA
  • Thunderstone, Porongurup, WA

How to vote

Wine lovers can cast their vote for the 2027 People’s Choice Award on the Halliday Wine Companion website. 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 Friday, July 31, 2026. The 2027 People’s Choice Award winner, alongside the major awards, will be announced at the Halliday Wine Companion awards ceremony

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.