Western Australia
Rockcliffe – Great Southern, WA
Pictured 1/1
The Rockcliffe winery and vineyard business is owned by citizen of the world Steve Hall. The wine ranges echo local surf place names and marine themes, headed by Rockcliffe itself but extending to Nautica, Single Site, Third Reef, Quarram Rocks, Ocean Garden and Peaceful Bay. Over the years, Rockcliffe has won more than its fair share of trophies and gold and silver medals in wine shows. – James Halliday
Tasmania
Home Hill – Southern Tasmania
Pictured 1/2
Terry and Rosemary Bennett planted their first 0.5ha of vines in 1994 on gentle slopes in the beautiful Huon Valley. The plantings have gradually been increased to 10.2ha, including pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and sylvaner. Home Hill has had great success with its exemplary pinot noirs, consistent multi-trophy and gold medal winners in the ultra-competitive Tasmanian Wine Show. Impressive enough but pales into insignificance in the wake of winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy at the Melbourne Wine Awards 2015. – James Halliday
homehillwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Riversdale Estate – Southern Tasmania
Pictured 2/2
Ian Roberts purchased the Riversdale property in 1980 while a university student. The unique feature of the property is its frontage to the Pittwater waterfront, which acts as a buffer against frost and also moderates the climate during the ripening phase. It is a large property with 37ha of vines and one of the largest olive groves in Tasmania. The estate also includes luxury French Provincial-style cottages overlooking the vines, a French bistro, an orangery (where high tea is served) and a cellar door. Wine quality is consistently good and can be outstanding. – James Halliday
4.5 ★ winery | riversdaleestate.com.au | Halliday profile
New South Wales
Bimbadgen – Hunter Valley, NSW
Pictured 1/4
Sourcing fruit from two historical Hunter Valley sites planted in 1968, Palmers Lane and McDonalds Road, Bimbadgen harnesses the distinct terroir and unique aspects of each vineyard. This commitment to showcasing diverse qualities results in Bimbadgen producing wines of unparalleled quality and unmistakable character. Focusing on semillon, chardonnay and shiraz, Bimbadgen heroes the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated varietals.
4.5 ★ winery | bimbadgen.com.au | Halliday profile
Latitude 32 – Hunter Valley, NSW
Pictured 2/4
Latitude 32 Wines, a name derived from the Hunter’s position on the earth’s equatorial plane, was founded by former corporate executive Emma White. Bringing a fresh perspective to the Hunter Valley wine scene, Latitude 32 blends tradition with innovation, creating exceptional wines. The focus is on classic Hunter varietals: semillon, chardonnay, shiraz and pinot, all created with a modern twist. The beautifully designed cellar door, opened in April 2024, offers sweeping vineyard views and unique food and wine experiences, Breakfast in the Vines and a Dumplings & Wine Pairing. Living by the mantra "Fun with Serious Intent" Latitude 32 is a must-visit destination.
4 ★ winery | latitude32wines.com | Halliday profile
Mount Pleasant – Hunter Valley, NSW
Pictured 3/4
While the vaunted history of craftsmanship here is indisputable, the reds have ebbed from the reductive tension championed by former chief winemaker Jim Chatto, to a more relaxed expression under new maker Adrian Sparks. Sparks seems to have a predilection for mid-weighted, lower-alcohol styles of red, not dissimilar to the great Hunter River Burgundies crafted by Maurice O’Shea. This is a style that is as aspirational today as it was revered then, gleaned from a polyglot of historical vineyards, variable geologies and stylistic patinas, including expressions of the Old Paddock and Rosehill vineyards. The whites, too, feel less austere. However, their fealty to the regional pedigree of steely, long-lived semillon is clear. – Ned Goodwin MW
5 ★ winery | mountpleasantwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Whispering Brook – Hunter Valley, NSW
Pictured 4/4
Susan Frazier and Adam Bell established their vineyard and winery in 2000 in Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley. Red wines are produced from the highly prized red earth soils on the property - whilst the sandy loam soils located near the Wollombi Brook are ideal for producing white wines. A trip to Portugal in 2007 inspired the planting of Portuguese varieties, including touriga nacional and arinto, alongside Hunter staples, shiraz and semillon. The partners have also established an olive grove and accommodation in the large house set in the vineyard, offering vineyard and winery tours.
5 ★ winery | whispering-brook.com | Halliday profile
South Australia
Brothers at War – Barossa Valley, SA
Pictured 1/9
Brothers Angus and Sam Wardlaw are behind this exciting addition to the contemporary Barossa wine scene and, as the name suggests, they could have possibly had the odd rumble as they were growing up under the watch of their father, Barossa winemaker, David Wardlaw. Established in 2013 with a small intake of shiraz, the brothers gathered pace over the ensuing years, adding vigneron Chris Alderton to the mix and today the formidable trio craft a superb range of purely fruited, vibrant wines from across the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Brothers at War is a young winery with a very bright future indeed. – Dave Brookes
5 ★ winery | brothersatwar.com.au | Halliday profile
First Drop Wines – Barossa Valley, SA
Pictured 2/9
First Drop Wines HQ is in the striking 'Home of the Brave' building on the southern edge of Nuriootpa in the Provenance Barossa precinct. John Retsas is the man behind the dynamic brand, with its delicious wines sourced from vineyards across the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. There is a heavy emphasis on the 'alternative' (appropriate) varieties with Italian and Portuguese grapes making their presence felt; of course, shiraz, grenache, cabernet sauvignon and mataro also play a role, with a contemporary slant. – Dave Brookes
5 ★ winery | firstdropwines.com | Halliday profile
John Duval Wines – Barossa Valley, SA
Pictured 3/9
John Duval is an internationally recognised winemaker, having been the custodian of Penfolds Grange during his role as chief red winemaker from 1986–2002. He established his eponymous brand in 2003 after almost 30 years with Penfolds and provides consultancy services to clients all over the world. While his main focus is on old-vine shiraz, he has extended his portfolio with other Rhône varieties. John was joined in the winery by son Tim in 2016. Wines can be tasted at Artisans of the Barossa. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | johnduvalwines.com | Halliday profile
Raidis Estate – Coonawarra, SA
Pictured 4/9
Nestled in Coonawarra's cool climate, Raidis Estate harmonises sustainable grape growing with heartfelt hospitality. Our vineyard thrives in this unique climate, producing grapes that capture the essence of the land. Sustainability is our heartbeat, as goats roam our vineyard, ensuring balance and promoting biodiversity. Led by Steven and Emma Raidis, our dedication to the vines is unwavering. Cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris, merlot, and shiraz flourish here, each embodying Coonawarra's terroir. Beyond the vines, our cellar door radiates hospitality. A haven for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it's a place where warmth, conversation, and tasting unite. Join us at Raidis Estate Coonawarra for a grape-growing journey that embodies sustainability and embraces every visitor with a heartfelt welcome.
raidis.com.au | Halliday profile
Sidewood Estate – Adelaide Hills, SA
Pictured 5/9
Founded in 2004 by married oenophiles Cassandra and Owen Inglis. Sidewood is proudly a grape to glass producer. With four sustainably certified vineyards, one Organic, and 110ha under vine, they are one of the larger growers in the Hills. Their state-of-the-art winery and bottling plant in Nairne allow them to control 100 per cent of winemaking and sharpens their focus on making some of the finest still and sparkling wines in the region. The multi-award-winning restaurant and cellar door, with three independent kitchens, produce meals ranging from fine dining in the art gallery, to pizza and platters in their child-friendly gardens.
5 ★ winery | sidewood.com.au | Halliday profile
Skillogalee – Clare Valley, SA
Pictured 6/9
Established in 1970 by Spencer and Margaret George, Skillogalee's first vintage was in 1976. Now owned by the Clausen family, the 170ha estate sits in the spectacular Skilly Valley in the Sevenhill subregion of the Clare Valley. Iconic vineyards planted on the contour are dry grown with a focus on sustainable farming. A gorgeous 1850s stone cottage is home to Skillogalee’s acclaimed restaurant and cellar door. Celebrated winemaker Kerri (KT) Thompson leads a small and passionate team hand crafting boutique quantities of award-winning wines, with an emphasis on traditional techniques of hand picking, open fermentation and basket pressing.
4.5 ★ winery | skillogalee.com.au | Halliday profile
Smidge Wines – McLaren Vale, SA
Pictured 7/9
Smidge Wines is owned by Matt Wenk and wife Trish Callaghan. It was for many years an out-of-hours occupation for Matt; his day job was as winemaker for Two Hands Wines (and Sandow’s End). In 2013 Matt retired from Two Hands; this meant the Smidge wines could no longer be made at Two Hands and the winemaking operations have been moved to McLaren Vale, where Smidge is currently leasing a small winery. Smidge owns the vineyard in Willunga that provides the grapes for all the cabernet sauvignon releases and some of the McLaren Vale shiraz. The vision is to build a modern customised facility on the Willunga property in the not-too-distant future. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | smidgewines.com | Halliday profile
Willunga 100 Wines – McLaren Vale, SA
Pictured 8/9
Established by David Gleave MW and John Ratcliffe in 2005, Willunga 100 focuses on the diverse districts within McLaren Vale and dry-grown bush-vine grenache. Winemaker Renae Hirsch took over from Skye Salter in 2023. Grapes are sourced from single sites across McLaren Vale, including viticulturist Sue Trott’s Trott vineyard, in addition to Willunga’s own 19h site in Blewitt Springs – majority grenache with a plot of 80yo shiraz vines. – Halliday Team
5 ★ winery | willunga100.com | Halliday profile
Yangarra Estate Vineyard – McLaren Vale, SA
Pictured 9/9
In 2000, Jackson Family Wines, one of the leading premium wine producers in California, acquired the then 172ha Eringa Park Vineyard, where the oldest vines dated back to 1923. The renamed Yangarra Estate Vineyard has since moved to certified biodynamic status for its vineyards and is exclusively devoted to varieties of the southern Rhône. Winemaker Peter Fraser has taken Yangarra Estate to another level altogether with his innovative winemaking and desire to explore all the possibilities of the Rhône’s red and white styles. Yangarra's wines are regularly judged to be among Australia's finest. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | yangarra.com | Halliday profile
Victoria
Hirsch Hill Estate – Yarra Valley, VIC
Pictured 1/8
The Hirsch family planted their vineyard to pinot noir (predominantly), cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot and cabernet franc. (New plantings of 2.5ha of sauvignon blanc, shiraz and viognier were lost in the Black Saturday bushfires.) The vineyard is part of a larger racehorse stud, situated in a mini-valley at the northern end of the Yarra Valley. – James Halliday
hirschhill.com | Halliday profile
Campbells – Rutherglen, VIC
Pictured 2/8
Campbells has a long and rich history, with five generations of family winemaking. There were difficult times: phylloxera’s arrival in the Bobbie Burns Vineyard in 1898; the Depression of the 1930s. But the Scottish blood of founder John Campbell has ensured that the business flourished. Highlight wines include Riesling, Chardonnay, Rhone varietals and icon wines including Bobbie Burns Shiraz and The Barkly Durif. The famous Muscats and Topaques hold a special place in the winery and attract worldwide attention. Colin Campbell’s daughters, fifth generation sisters Jane and Julie Campbell, are joint owners and together as managing director and head winemaker respectively, run the winery at Rutherglen now in its 155th year. A founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | campbellswines.com.au | Halliday profile
Mitchelton – Nagambie Lakes, VIC
Pictured 3/8
Mitchelton was founded by Ross Shelmerdine, named after the explorer Thomas Mitchell, who passed by here. Ross had a splendid vision for the striking winery, restaurant, now-iconic observation tower and surrounding vineyards. Owned by Gerry Ryan OAM (founder of Jayco) since 2012, Mitchelton is a destination in its own right, with music concerts hosting such varied luminaries as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Jimmy Barnes; a hotel and spa also opened in 2018. Mitchelton has estate vineyards in both Nagambie and Heathcote and purchases fruit from growers across Victoria. – James Halliday
4.4.5 ★ winery | mitchelton.com.au | Halliday profile
Taltarni – Pyrenees, VIC
Pictured 4/8
The Goelet family, founders of Clos du Val (Napa Valley), and Clover Hill (see separate entry), purchased Taltarni in 1972 concluding an ambitious search for their first Australian site. Taltarni is the larger of the two Australian ventures, its estate vineyards of great value and underpinning the substantial annual production. Insectariums are established in permanent vegetation corridors, each containing around 2000 native plants that provide a pollen and nectar source for the beneficial insects, reducing the need for chemicals and other controls of the vineyards. Taltarni celebrated 45 years of winemaking in 2022. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | taltarni.com.au | Halliday profile
Thousand Candles – Yarra Valley, VIC
Pictured 5/8
The Thousand Candles brand was established in 2011 with the vineyards planted around 1995 on the sloping land in Gruyere. The stunning 445ha property is a historic piece of land with a mixed farming history dating back to early settler times. Stuart Proud took over the reigns as winemaker in 2015, and along with his team have been making the wines grown from the 24ha of estate vineyard and have been able to craft some superb wines from this unique site.
5 ★ winery | thousandcandles.com.au | Halliday profile
Medhurst – Yarra Valley, VIC
Pictured 6/8
The wheel has come full circle for Ross and Robyn Wilson. In the course of a very distinguished corporate career, Ross was CEO of Southcorp when it brought the Penfolds, Lindemans and Wynns businesses under its banner. Robyn spent her childhood in the Yarra Valley, her parents living less than a km away from Medhurst. The vineyard is planted to low-yielding sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz vines. The winery focuses on small-batch production and also provides contract winemaking services. Rohan Smith joined the team as head winemaker in '23, bringing with him a verve for precision and deep respect for the site, which is proving to translate well in the bottle. – James Halliday
5 ★ winery | medhurstwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Scotchmans Hill – Geelong, VIC
Pictured 7/8
Scotchmans Hill is a shining gem in the region's crown. It is the oldest and largest winery in the Bellarine Peninsula, producing cool-climate maritime wines for over forty years. Scotchmans Hill has been a consistent producer of well-made wines under the stewardship of long-term chief winemaker Robin Brockett and senior winemaker Marcus Holt. The wines are released under the Scotchmans Hill, Cornelius, Mount Bellarine, Jack & Jill and Swan Bay labels.
5 ★ winery | scotchmans.com.au | Halliday profile
Rahona Valley – Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Pictured 8/8
Toby Pieters and Dianne Gardiner made a 'vine change' to Rahona Valley in 2014, moving from an inner-city suburb of Melbourne to Red Hill and purchasing one of the smallest commercial vineyards in the region. They have since expanded into the Mornington Peninsula and now also work with growers in Tasmania. – Halliday Team
4.5 ★ winery | rahonavalley.com.au | Halliday profile
