This Victorian vineyard just took out Australia’s winery of the year

And it’s not the first time…

Calling all wine lovers – Australia’s top winery of 2025 has officially been crowned. An expert tasting panel from leading wine authority, The Real Review , assessed tipples from cellar doors across the country to determine the winner.

Clocking the title of Winery of the Year is a pretty big deal, considering Australia is home to 65 designated wine regions and roughly 2700 producers. But with over 15,000 wines tasted and 414 wineries ranked, the hard work is over and the titleholder has been revealed.

Which is the best winery in Australia?

Taking out the best winery in Australia for 2025 is Wine By Farr in the Moorabool Valley, just outside of Geelong in Victoria. It marks the fifth consecutive year in which a Victorian winery has taken out the top spot, and the second victory for Wine by Farr following a win back in 2022.

Wine by Farr in Geelong, Victoria — Wine by Farr is the 2025 Winery of the Year.

“Wine by Farr is a thoroughly deserving recipient of Winery of the Year. Nick Farr and his team continue to produce wines of exceptional quality and character, year after year," says The Real Review’s principal wine writer, Huon Hooke.

“Our tastings confirmed this, with the RP Pinot Noir earning an impressive 99 points and a finalist position for Red Wine of the Year. It was closely followed by a trio of 98-point wines: the GC Chardonnay, Tout Près Pinot Noir and By Farr Shiraz."

The family-owned and -operated business has been in the vinification game since 1994, focusing on minimal-intervention wines that reflect the land and seasons. Boasting 14.5 hectares of vineyards – with the remaining 30 hectares dedicated to grazing and cropping for cattle – the cellar door prides itself on its distinctive style; a style that’s clearly turning heads.

The vintners at Wine By Farr reap the rewards of its geographical location, a unique microclimate created from ancient riverbed deposits that date back thousands of years and result in six distinct soil types across the property. The team use this to grow small yields of intensely flavoured fruit that create an inimitable range, from smooth pinot noirs to aromatic chardonnays. And while there’s no cellar door to visit, its products are available at most major bottle shops.

Wine By Farr is among friends, too. The state of Victoria secured nine positions in the top 20, demonstrating its strong hold in the world of wine. South Australia also impressed, claiming seven of the top 20 spots.

Hooke added, “Victoria featured prominently in the top rankings this year… this is echoed in our new selection of category winners: the White Wine of the Year and Red Wine of the Year both hail from the Yarra Valley and reflect the region’s strength in cool-climate styles."

Wynns Coonawarra Estate in South Australia — South Australia’s Wynns Coonawarra Estate took out fifth place.

“South Australia again contributed the largest share of the rankings, accounting for just over 35 per cent of the Top Wineries list," Hooke says. “Wynns Coonawarra Estate stood out as the highest-ranked South Australian winery, rising 21 places this year to claim the number five position."

Completing the top five wineries of 2025 are the Yarra Valley’s Yarra Yering , Levantine Hill and Giant Steps respectively, a testament to the region’s remarkable cellar doors. South Australia’s Wynns Coonawarra Estate rounds out the top five. And so it seems that Aussie wine lovers should start packing for a winter weekend down south ASAP.

The top 10 wineries in Australia

Wine By Farr, Vic
Yarra Yering, Vic
Levantine Hill Estate, Vic
Giant Steps Wine, Vic
Wynns Coonawarra Estate, SA
Yalumba Winery, SA
Seppeltsfield Estate, SA
Oakridge Wines, Vic
Cullen Wines, WA
Wendouree Wines, SA

Find the full list of winners here .

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.