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Australia has voted: this Victorian winery won People’s Choice 2026

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
The people’s vineyard – as voted by you!

While many awards are decided by an expert panel of judges, the Halliday Wine Companion also hands the power to the people. Its annual People’s Choice Award is determined entirely by everyday wine lovers – and this year, they’ve spoken loud and clear.

Who took home the People’s Choice Award this year?

The Halliday Wine Companion presents a range of awards each year to vineyards and cellar doors across Australia. Wines from each category are blind-tasted and decided by a team of industry professionals, including wine experts, writers and critics – all led by Halliday’s editor-in-chief, Campbell Mattinson.

Brown Brothers winery in Milawa, Victoria
And the winner is… Brown Brothers in Milawa! (Image: Visit Victoria)

But for the People’s Choice Award, this panel is switched out for the everyday Aussie. From seasoned oenophiles to weekend wine lovers, everyone gets a say. And this year, the people have chosen… Brown Brothers ! Nestled in the town of Milawa – which recently gained attention thanks to the new Pedal to Produce trail – the family-run winery has been hand-crafting wines since 1889.

Its flagship cellar door lies at the heart of King Valley, one of Australia’s best-kept wine regions, and is renowned for its premium experiences. Guests can enjoy everything from guided tastings and long lunches to wine workshops and behind-the-scenes tours. Keen to splurge? You can even opt for helicopter flights and hot air balloon rides over the picturesque vineyard.

Brown Brothers winery in Milawa, Victoria
The Victorian vineyard is known for its incredible wine experiences. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You’ll also be treated to stunning views of the Victorian countryside, whether you’re in the cellar door, restaurant or private Prosecco lounge. Add in its extensive range of divine wines and it’s no wonder Brown Brothers took out the People’s Choice Award this year.

Other crowd-favourite wineries

While Brown Brothers topped the list this year, South Australia made its mark too, with five wineries in the top 10. Coming in second place was Down the Rabbit Hole , a cosy cellar door sitting among some of McLaren Vale’s top vineyards. Like its name suggests, the winery aims to inspire imagination and adventure among its guests – from its organic tipples to the Italian food served at its onsite restaurant, Fiore.

Down the Rabbit Hole in McLaren Vale, South Australia
McLaren Vale’s Down the Rabbit Hole took out second place. (Image: Elise Cook)

Third place was claimed by Brokenwood in NSW’s Hunter Valley. This award-winning vineyard is one of the region’s most popular thanks to its homegrown wines and gourmet restaurant that champions local, seasonal produce. Fourth and fifth place went to two more SA wineries: Laughing Jack and Elderton – both in the Barossa Valley.

Brokenwood winery in the Hunter Valley, NSW
Coming in third place is Hunter Valley stalwart, Brokenwood. (Image: Destination NSW)

The top 10 is rounded out by:

6th: Howard Park, Margaret River, WA

7th: Château Tanunda, Barossa Valley, SA

8th: Thicker Than Water, McLaren Vale, SA

9th: Best’s Wines, Great Western, Vic

10th: Cofield Wines, Rutherglen, Vic

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

    As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

    Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

    federal mill geelong in autumn
    Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

    It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

    Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

    Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

    Morning

    Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

    Pavilion Geelong in winter
    Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

    Afternoon

    After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct , a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery . Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery .

    Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnut
    Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

    Night

    For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre . Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar .

    Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

    Morning

    Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store . Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

    Afternoon

    To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective , which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

    two people trying the wine at Austin's wines
    Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

    Night

    Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

    table spread at two noble restaurant
    The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

    Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

    Morning

    For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker , an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail , visiting local producers like  Bellarine Smokehouse , Flying Brick Cider House  and FarmDog Brewing .

    croissants at ket baker
    Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

    Lunch

    There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

    Afternoon and night

    Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington , where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel . Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

    waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel
    Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

    Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.