Introducing the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

It hasn’t been all roses this year – far from it. We’ve faced tidal waves of uncertainty, and found ourselves punching new notches into belts already tightened to their limit. However, it’s in these tough times that the true value of the Halliday Wine Companion comes into play.

We’ve held our breath through each unexpected vineyard sale and winery real estate listing, and persevered through threats of rising tariffs and rapidly increasing costs of necessary materials, from bottles to oak – factors which have no doubt contributed to the shocking yet understandable closures of once-iconic cellar doors.

And yet, despite these challenges, the apex of Australian wine has never looked so good. Tasmania is making remarkable sparkling, and we are finally seeing the beginnings of global recognition for this, in part thanks to Ed Carr’s advocacy.

The Halliday Tasting Team.

McLaren Vale, once a workhorse for commercial fortified production and rustic expressions of table wine, has pared back, honouring its diversity of sites recognising the value of its old vine material, and dialling in magnificently. We are seeing recalibration.

Our wineries are engaged and, while the costs associated with operating a cellar door seven days a week don’t make it feasible for all, winemakers are, for the most part, happy to chat to folk about their wines, be it by appointment, on the phone or even via social media platforms. And it’s this sharing of knowledge, the stories of why and how these producers came to be, how they farmed their land, and how they overcame the obstacles of varying vintages, that will always be the catalyst for a better wine-drinking experience for the consumer.

The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion. Cover art by James Coe.

As you flick through these pages, we implore you to reach out to the wineries and get to know them. Read the tasting notes, each written with conviction by our dedicated Tasting Team.

Find the wines that align with your drinking preferences and buy them. Pay attention to the special value gems littered across the pages, and bookmark them. Sign up for winery mailing lists, and visit them in person.

2026 marks 40 years since the first edition of the James Halliday Wine Companion. This book has seen the highs and lows of the wine industry over four decades, but our commitment to helping you, our readers, to make better, smarter and more informed wine choices remains steadfast.  

Katrina Butler
April 2025

Preorder your copy of the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion today 

The 2026 edition of the seminal guide to Australian wine, the Halliday Wine Companion, will be released on August 21, 2025. Secure your copy today, or sign up to receive one as part of your Vintage Halliday membership.