The world’s best shiraz for 2026 isn’t a rare collector’s bottle or triple-digit splurge. It’s a bang-for-your-buck sipper from SA punching well above its price tag.
Australians have long backed the quality of their world-class wines, but the latest winner comes with a surprise twist: it costs just $25. The McLaren Vale shiraz proves you don’t need deep pockets to drink like a champion.
Beresford Estate‘s Classic Shiraz 2023 has just won the title of the world’s best shiraz at the 2026 International Wine Challenge, one of the most prestigious wine awards in the world. Rising to the top of 111 international shiraz entries, the wine scored an impressive 97 points during the blind tasting and emerged as the highest-scoring Australian Trophy winner across the entire competition. It also took out four trophies, making it one of the most awarded wines in the competition, across all countries.
Beresford Estate’s Classic Shiraz has been named the world’s best.
The accolade adds to South Australia’s growing culinary clout, which has been enjoying a surge of global attention since the Michelin Guide revealed the state would feature in its first-ever Australian edition.
At just $25 a bottle, Beresford Estate’s Classic Shiraz outshone a host of premium labels such as Penfolds, Tolpuddle, House of Arras and Stefano Lubiana – showing you don’t need to fork out a fortune to sip the world’s top drops.
Beresford Estate offers guided wine tastings as well as vineyard accommodation.
But what exactly makes this drop stand out from the pack?
The shiraz is a well-balanced, medium-bodied expression of McLaren Vale’s unique terroir, layered with hints of red cherry, cloves, musky redskin, vanilla bean and fine-grained tannins that coat the mouth with a smooth texture. Subtle plum and floral notes on the nose add lift and elegance, creating a wine that is at once approachable and complex.
A rigorous winemaking process ensures the shiraz is well-balanced.
And with winter officially settled in, now is the perfect time to crack open a bottle. Bring it to a fireside dinner reservation, pair with a slow-cooked roast or savour over a lingering lunch with friends.
Cosy up by the fire with a glass of world-class shiraz.
Established in 1985, Beresford Estate has long been capturing the spirit of McLaren Vale’s subregion of Blewitt Springs in a quiet pocket of South Australia. Now, with a world title under its belt, the secret is officially out.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Can you visit Beresford Estate, McLaren Vale?
Beresford Estate is set on 28 hectares of vineyards.
Beresford Estate welcomes visitors to explore its range of wines in person. The 28-hectare vineyard offers a variety of experiences onsite, from shiraz soirees with canapés and live music to classic guided wine tastings and gourmet Picnic & Sip hampers. Guests can also stay on the estate in contemporary suites overlooking rolling vineyards.
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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.
From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.
Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.
Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.
1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island
Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.
G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.
Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.
End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.
2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough
It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)
Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.
Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.
3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.
On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.
Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.
4. D’Aguilar National Park
Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.
D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.
Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.
5. Arcade Wine Bar
Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.
Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.
Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.
Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.
6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail
Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.
Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.
7. Farm Visits
Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.
At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.
8. Miss Sprinkles
Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.
An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.
The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.
