This SA winery officially has the best shiraz in the world

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Australia adds another trophy to its growing shelf of wine awards.

Nothing warms the soul quite like a full-bodied shiraz in winter. And if you live in the Barossa Valley, you can now pop by for a bottle of the best in the world. I’m not exaggerating either – an expert panel at this year’s prestigious Sommelier Choice Awards officially named the red varietal from Hare’s Chase the Shiraz of the Year.

Hare's Chase in the Barossa Valley, SA
Hare’s Chase sits in the Barossa Valley. (Image: Dragan Fine Art Photography)

Australia is home to plenty of impressive wine regions, many of them spread generously across South Australia. With its cool climate, diverse terroir and ideal soil conditions, the state has long been a powerhouse of premium wine production – from the Adelaide Hills to McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.

Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa offers a healthy handful of award-winning vineyards, including Hare’s Chase. Sitting atop a hill overlooking its rolling patchwork of vines, the boutique winery is known for producing a curated list of sustainable and flavourful tipples.

Hare's Chase in the Barossa Valley, SA
The 2021 Ironscraper Shiraz claimed Shiraz of the Year.

But it’s the 2021 Ironscraper Shiraz that won the hearts of judges at this year’s Sommelier Choice Awards in Chicago, USA. Characterised by its crimson hue and full-bodied flavour, the vibrant wine carries a wild berry aroma with undertones of cinnamon and chocolate. It delivers an overall punchy plum palate, partnered with soft acidity and velvety tannins.

The wine was evaluated on everything from quality, typicity and value for money to food friendliness and even packaging before being awarded Shiraz of the Year. Not only that, but Hare’s Chase also won Red Wine Producer of the Year, with all four of its entrants also earning gold medals and scores above 90.

Run by Aulian International, the winery has consistently impressed on the global stage, with accolades from the Decanter World Wine Awards, London Wine Show and more. Even its sister Barossa winery, Schubert Estate , is on the rise. Its 2021 ‘The Lone Goose’ shiraz viognier received Best in Show for Australian red wine at the esteemed international wine competition Mundus Vini in Germany.

Hare's Chase in the Barossa Valley, SA
The winery also won Red Wine Producer of the Year. (Image: Dragan Fine Art Photography)

Despite this (and over 20 years’ experience in the industry), it’s still a pinch-me moment for Hare’s Chase chief winemaker, Matt Reynolds. “Being recognised at the Sommeliers Choice Awards by the very professionals who shape the US dining experience is a tremendous honour," he says.

“Having our wine evaluated and awarded by a panel that includes master sommeliers validates our commitment to excellence in every bottle. We pride ourselves in making red wines that deliver on the promise of generous flavour that Barossa is renowned for, and these results uphold the continued appeal and relevance of the classic Barossa style."

Australia is clearly staking its claim in the world of wine. Just take a look at the fierce competition for 2025’s Winery of the Year or the recent Halliday Wine Companion shortlist for 2026 – Shiraz of the Year only adds to an ever-growing tally of achievements.

While there is currently no cellar door, you can catch Hare’s Chase and its award-winning shiraz at the Good Food and Wine Show in Perth (18–20 July) and Brisbane (24–26 October), as well as the Sydney Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Market (2–23 November).

Taylah Darnell
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 visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .