Australia‘s best wineries of the year have been announced

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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Halliday Wine Companion has unveiled its shortlist of Australia’s top wineries, and now we wait to see who takes the crown.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado, dabbler or enthusiastic drinker, every year when the Halliday Wine Companion releases its carefully selected annual shortlist of wineries, it’s very good news. This year, the Halliday judges reviewed over 8000 wines across more than 945 wineries around Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. And while it will be the job of average Australians to vote for their number one picks, it’s safe to say that this shortlist is the perfect guide to help plan your next wine trip or dinner party accompaniments.

“The last 12 months have posed many challenges for the Australian Wine Industry. The annual Halliday Awards offer winemakers, viticulturists, wine drinkers and the agricultural and farming communities the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the breadth of talent, quality and skill in the Australian wine landscape. We look forward to celebrating our makers and their wares and sharing their accolades with the rest of the world," said Katrina Butler, Head of Tasting Halliday Wine Companion.

The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion (the bestselling and definitive guide to Australian wine, for those not yet in the know) will include over 60 new producers, each with tasting notes and scores.

Oakridge Wines, Vic
Australian wineries are bringing the goods. (Image: Visit Vic)

But now, to the main event. The Winery Of The Year shortlisted venues are (in no particular order):

1. Brokenwood Wine, NSW

A favourite in the Hunter Valley and a Certified Sustainable Winery, Brokenwood Wine strives to make award-winning drops accessible to all. Pop into their relaxed winery for a taste of their previously award-winning Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.

Brokenwood Wine, NSW
Enjoy tasty and sustainable wine. (Image: DNSW)

2. Giaconda Vineyard and Winery, Vic

Beechworth, Victoria, is home to Giaconda , which has come a long way since it was established by a mechanical engineer who became interested in wine in the early 1970s. Today, it’s a family affair, and fully certified organic by the Bio Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI). They’re known for complex and fragrant wines.

3. House of Arras, Tas

Of course, Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine vineyard had to make the shortlist. House of Arras follows the traditional French technique, méthode traditionnelle, to craft its wines. It’s a highly specialised process, requiring considerable expertise, and gives this winemaker the edge.

House of Arras, Tas
Taste sparkling made with traditional French techniques. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Adam Gibson)

4. Oakridge Wines, Vic

A stunning vineyard and delicious restaurant in the Yarra Valley, Oakridge Wines pairs incredibly tasty wines with stunning views. With the Yarra Valley being globally recognised as one of the world’s top cool-climate wine regions, there are plenty of reasons to get over there.

reatuarant Oakridge Wines, Vic
Come for the wine, stay for lunch. (Image: Visit Vic)

5. Rieslingfreak, SA

A name that does what it says on the tin, Rieslingfreak in South Australia’s Tanunda takes German influence and traditional winemaking styles to create some incredibly tasty rieslings.

6. The Standish Wine Co, SA

A sixth-generation Barossa Valley local, Dan Standish, established his winery in 1999 while still working as a winemaker elsewhere. The Standish Wine Co. isn’t opening for tastings until 2026, but you can still order their incredible wines online.

winery at barossa valley
Check out the Barossa Valley for amazing wine. (Image: Tourism Australia/ SATC)

7. Yangarra Estate Vineyard, SA

At Yangarra , you’ll find varietals produced from only the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone. While South Australia’s Kangarilla may feel far away from the grapes’ origins, the resulting wines do not.

Yangarra Estate Vineyard, South Australia
From the Rhone to South Australia, taste Yangarra’s wines. (Image: Small Batch Wine Tours)

How to vote

Wine lovers can cast their vote for the 2026 People’s Choice Award on winecompanion.com.au . 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 11.59pm on Thursday July 31, 2025. Entrants will go in the running to win a prize pack valued at over $1300. The 2026 People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on Saturday August 16, 2025.

Seven major trophies will be awarded in August, including Wine of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Winery of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year, Best Value Winery, Best New Winery, Dark Horse Winery, together with the third inductee into the James Halliday Hall of Fame: Australian Wine Industry. The winners of 17 varietal categories will also be announced, including Sparkling of the Year, Shiraz of the Year, and Riesling of the Year, alongside White Wine of the Year and Red Wine of the Year.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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7 features of a quintessential Aussie road trip

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

    The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

    But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

    1. Start with the perfect vehicle

    A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6.
    Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

    I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

    They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

    Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

    Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

    2. Pack the tastiest snacks

    A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

    Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

    Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

    Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

    3. Bring your pet for the ride

    A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

    Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

    4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

    Two people having coffee with a view.
    Chase the journey and the destination.

    No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

    Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

    5. A spacious tent and camping gear

    A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background.
    Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

    If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

    Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

    6. Plan your toilet breaks

    Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

    To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

    7. Pick the ultimate destination

    Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views.
    Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

    Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

    There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

    Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

    Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

    Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .