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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.