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These 8 wineries have just been named Australia’s best

Credit: Oakridge Estate

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
The prestigious Halliday Wine Companion has uncorked its shortlist of the best wineries in Australia right now.

Spanning experimental micro-producers to lauded household names, Australia lays claim to an astounding number of excellent wineries – certainly too many to count. Thankfully, the Halliday Wine Companion has unveiled its 2027 shortlist, presenting a definitive list that shines a light on the top Australian wine producers currently leading the pack.

This year’s Halliday Tasting Team swirled, sniffed and sipped their way through a staggering 7520 wines from 1033 wineries before whittling down the field to just eight finalists in the Winery of the Year category. Alongside the other major category awards, the winner will be announced on 19 August 2026, so stay tuned.

South Australia dominated the shortlist, securing the largest number of finalists and reinforcing its status as one of the country’s premier food and wine regions – recently bolstered by the arrival of the SA Michelin Guide.

In no particular order, below are the wineries that made the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards shortlist for Winery of the Year.

The best wineries in Australia right now

Koomilya, McLaren Vale, SA 

best australian wineries
Koomilya operates on an old-school shiraz vineyard.

It’s hard to compete when there are so many incredible wineries in McLaren Vale, yet Koomilya stands out with its forward-thinking approach to traditional shiraz making. Stephen and Fiona Pannell have regenerated an old shiraz vineyard with organic farming and environmental care, producing single site wines that reflect each season.  

Forest Hill Vineyard, Great Southern, WA 

Forest Hill winery
You can visit Forest Hill Vineyard for cellar door experiences.

Tucked deep in the belly of Western Australia’s Great Southern region, 45 minutes west of Albany, Forest Hill Vineyard began its viticulture journey in 1965 – fuelled by an ambitious belief in the potential of the cool-climate landscape. From its vibrant rieslings to its complex cabernet sauvignon, each wine reflects the region’s unique geological character.  

House of Arras, Tas 

house of arras tasmania
House of Arras is renowned for its quality cool-climate sparkling.

Its vineyards protected by mountain wilderness and influenced by the Great Southern Ocean, House of Arras is best known for its sparkling wines borne from Tasmania’s unique crisp climate. Winemaker Ed Carr uses a meticulous fine bottle maturation method known as tirage to create the brand’s signature elegant and creamy effervescence.  

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Sami-Odi, Barossa Valley, SA 

Winemaker Fraser McKinley
Winemaker Fraser McKinley has reframed the identity of Barossa wine.

A small-batch vineyard vying for top honours against household heavyweights, Sami-Odi is a cult indie producer that creates around 1000 cases per year. Despite the winery having no cellar door, public tastings or traditional marketing, it has a dedicated mailing list of oenophiles who patiently wait to get their hands on a bottle of its unblended shiraz. 

Oakridge, Yarra Valley, VIC 

oakridge winery
Oakridge Estate delivers remarkably consistent wines.

It’s not the first time Oakridge has been nominated as a finalist for Winery of the Year, having been recognised for its unwavering consistency of quality across its vintages. The company continues to set high standards for Yarra Valley winemaking, from benchmark chardonnay to delicate pinot noir. Drop in for curated tastings of classic and award-winning Oakridge wines or join a chardonnay masterclass. 

Tolpuddle, Tas 

tolpuddle vineyard tasmania
Tolpuddle is known for its chardonnay and pinot noir. (Credit: Adam Gibson)

Located in the Coal River Valley about 30 minutes from Hobart – one of Australia’s coolest and driest climates – Tolpuddle has been named one of Australia’s best wineries for good reason. The 31-hectare vineyard has light silica over sandstone soil that ensures well-balanced grapes with intensity of flavour, producing its must-try Tasmanian chardonnay and pinot noir.  

Yeringberg, Yarra Valley, VIC 

yeringberg
Walk among prized vineyards at Yeringberg.

Established in 1863, Yeringberg is a fourth-generation family winery and farm carrying forward the de Pury legacy of traditional, unhurried winemaking. The vineyard’s wines boast remarkable longevity, with reds that can age for at least 21 years. Pre-booking is essential for visits.

Bekkers, McLaren Vale, SA

best wineries australia
Bekkers sits among the Halliday finalists for Winery of the Year.

This hyper-boutique, family-owned winery in South Australia’s McLaren Vale produces wines in tiny quantities, paying great attention to finesse and fine texture. Pop into Bekker’s tasting room for sweeping vineyard views and top drops in fine glassware. 

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Best Value Winery shortlist

  • Evans & Tate, Margaret River, WA
  • Medhurst, Yarra Valley, VIC
  • Ministry of Clouds, McLaren Vale, SA
  • MMAD, McLaren Vale, SA
  • Thomas Wines, Hunter Valley, NSW
  • Wirra Wirra Vineyards, McLaren Vale, SA

Best New Winery shortlist

  • Decades, Tas
  • Fervor, Great Southern, WA
  • Foreign Friends, Beechworth, VIC
  • L’Anima, McLaren Vale, SA
  • S. Caica, McLaren Vale, SA
  • Thunderstone, Porongurup, WA

How to vote

Wine lovers can cast their vote for the 2027 People’s Choice Award on the Halliday Wine Companion website. 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 Friday, July 31, 2026. The 2027 People’s Choice Award winner, alongside the major awards, will be announced at the Halliday Wine Companion awards ceremony

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.