This SA winery officially has the best shiraz in the world

Taylah Darnell 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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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

    But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

    If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

    Where to eat

    Yarra Valley Dairy
    Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe. This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

    Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards, where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford, Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

    By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

    And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

    Things to do outdoors

    two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
    Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

    The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

    While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

    Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

    For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

    The arts and culture scene

    TarraWarra Museum of Art
    Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

    The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

    Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

    On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat. This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

    Stay at a local retreat

    Re’em yarra valley accommodation
    Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

    No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

    Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

    And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

    Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.