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.
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.
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.
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.
Coming in third place is Hunter Valley stalwart, Brokenwood. (Image: Destination NSW)
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
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
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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.
Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.
1. It’s easy to get to
Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)
At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).
2. The coastline is stunning
Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.
The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.
Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.
For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.
3. Taste exceptional food and wine
Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.
While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.
Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.
Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.
And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.
4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors
Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.
The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).
The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.
5. Lean into wellness and relaxation
Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.
Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.
Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.
6. Get a culture fix
Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)
Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.
If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.
7. Gorgeous accommodations
Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.
The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.
For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.
