This Victorian vineyard just took out Australia’s winery of the year

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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And it’s not the first time…

Calling all wine lovers – Australia’s top winery of 2025 has officially been crowned. An expert tasting panel from leading wine authority, The Real Review , assessed tipples from cellar doors across the country to determine the winner.

Clocking the title of Winery of the Year is a pretty big deal, considering Australia is home to 65 designated wine regions and roughly 2700 producers. But with over 15,000 wines tasted and 414 wineries ranked, the hard work is over and the titleholder has been revealed.

Which is the best winery in Australia?

Taking out the best winery in Australia for 2025 is Wine By Farr in the Moorabool Valley, just outside of Geelong in Victoria. It marks the fifth consecutive year in which a Victorian winery has taken out the top spot, and the second victory for Wine by Farr following a win back in 2022.

Wine by Farr in Geelong, Victoria
Wine by Farr is the 2025 Winery of the Year.

“Wine by Farr is a thoroughly deserving recipient of Winery of the Year. Nick Farr and his team continue to produce wines of exceptional quality and character, year after year," says The Real Review’s principal wine writer, Huon Hooke.

“Our tastings confirmed this, with the RP Pinot Noir earning an impressive 99 points and a finalist position for Red Wine of the Year. It was closely followed by a trio of 98-point wines: the GC Chardonnay, Tout Près Pinot Noir and By Farr Shiraz."

Wine by Farr in Geelong, Victoria
The family-owned business has a unique winemaking style.

The family-owned and -operated business has been in the vinification game since 1994, focusing on minimal-intervention wines that reflect the land and seasons. Boasting 14.5 hectares of vineyards – with the remaining 30 hectares dedicated to grazing and cropping for cattle – the cellar door prides itself on its distinctive style; a style that’s clearly turning heads.

The vintners at Wine By Farr reap the rewards of its geographical location, a unique microclimate created from ancient riverbed deposits that date back thousands of years and result in six distinct soil types across the property. The team use this to grow small yields of intensely flavoured fruit that create an inimitable range, from smooth pinot noirs to aromatic chardonnays. And while there’s no cellar door to visit, its products are available at most major bottle shops.

Wine by Farr in Geelong, Victoria
The vineyard sits atop ancient riverbed deposits in the Moorabool Valley.

Wine By Farr is among friends, too. The state of Victoria secured nine positions in the top 20, demonstrating its strong hold in the world of wine. South Australia also impressed, claiming seven of the top 20 spots.

Hooke added, “Victoria featured prominently in the top rankings this year… this is echoed in our new selection of category winners: the White Wine of the Year and Red Wine of the Year both hail from the Yarra Valley and reflect the region’s strength in cool-climate styles."

Wynns Coonawarra Estate in South Australia
South Australia’s Wynns Coonawarra Estate took out fifth place.

“South Australia again contributed the largest share of the rankings, accounting for just over 35 per cent of the Top Wineries list," Hooke says. “Wynns Coonawarra Estate stood out as the highest-ranked South Australian winery, rising 21 places this year to claim the number five position."

Completing the top five wineries of 2025 are the Yarra Valley’s Yarra Yering , Levantine Hill and Giant Steps respectively, a testament to the region’s remarkable cellar doors. South Australia’s Wynns Coonawarra Estate rounds out the top five. And so it seems that Aussie wine lovers should start packing for a winter weekend down south ASAP.

The top 10 wineries in Australia

  1. Wine By Farr, Vic
  2. Yarra Yering, Vic
  3. Levantine Hill Estate, Vic
  4. Giant Steps Wine, Vic
  5. Wynns Coonawarra Estate, SA
  6. Yalumba Winery, SA
  7. Seppeltsfield Estate, SA
  8. Oakridge Wines, Vic
  9. Cullen Wines, WA
  10. Wendouree Wines, SA

Find the full list of winners here .

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 KaczerepaBy 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.