Brokenwood and Willcock honoured

Hunter Valley standout Brokenwood (above) and Virginia Willcock from Vasse Felix were the big winners this week when Halliday Wine Companion officially announced its award winners for the year.

Celebrating the best in Australian wine, the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards recognise the nation’s top wines, winemakers and viticulturists.  

Halliday also honoured Brian Croser, a new inductee into the James Halliday Hall of Fame: Australian Wine Industry, an award that acknowledges individuals in the Australian wine industry who are deemed to be of the highest regard and significance.

Seventeen of Australia’s best wines were celebrated as award winners for their varietal categories. 

The Halliday Wine Companion Award winners were determined collaboratively by the Halliday Tasting Team, including Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Katrina Butler, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW.

The Awards also mark the release of the wine-enthusiast’s bible, the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion, which is available in stores nationally from Thursday August 21, and online at winecompanion.com.au.

The winners:

Winery of the Year – Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, NSW

Winemaker of the Year – Virginia Willcock, Vasse Felix, Margaret River, WA

Viticulturist of the Year – Dr Dylan Grigg, Vinya Vella and Meristem Viticulture

Best Value Winery – Bondar Wines, McLaren Vale, SA

Best New Winery – Elanto Vineyard, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Dark Horse Winery – bakkheia, Geographe, WA

Wine of the Year – Thistledown Wines This Charming Man Single Vineyard Clarendon Grenache 2024, McLaren Vale

Grenache of the Year | Red Wine of the Year | Wine of the Year – Thistledown Wines This Charming Man Single Vineyard,

Clarendon Grenache 2024, McLaren Vale – 98 points

Chardonnay of the Year | White Wine of the Year – Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2023, Margaret River – 99 points

Shiraz of the Year – Koomilya JC Block Shiraz 2022, McLaren Vale – 99 points

Sparkling Wine of the Year – Stefano Lubiana Prestige 2011, Tasmania – 98 points

Riesling of the Year – Leo Buring DWB17 Leonay Riesling 2024, Eden Valley – 98 points

Semillon of the Year – First Creek Wines Museum Release Oakey Creek Vineyard Semillon 2017, Hunter Valley – 98 points

Sauvignon Blanc of the Year – Weaver Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Adelaide Hills – 97 points

Pinot Gris/Grigio of the Year – Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio 2024, Central Victoria Zone – 96 points

Other Whites & Blends of the Year – tripe.Iscariot Kroos Chenin Blanc 2023, Margaret River – 98 points

Rosé of the Year – Sutton Grange Winery Fairbank Rosé 2024, Central Victoria Zone – 96 points

Pinot Noir of the Year – Mount Mary Pinot Noir 2023, Yarra Valley – 98 points

Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year – Devil's Lair Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Margaret River – 98 points

Cabernet & Blends of the Year – Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 1 2023, Yarra Valley – 99 points

Other Reds & Blends of the Year – Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 Winemaker's Selection Shiraz Cabernet 2023, Hunter Valley – 98 points

Sweet Wine of the Year – Calabria Family Wines 3 Bridges Botrytis Semillon 2024, Riverina – 96 points

Fortified Wine of the Year – All Saints Estate Museum Muscadelle NV, Rutherglen – 100 points

Wildcard of the Year – Lethbridge Wines Yellow NV, Geelong – 96 points

New role for wine industry veteran Riggs

A life in wine has come full circle for wine industry veteran Iain Riggs AM. 

A towering figure in the wine business for half a century, Riggs has just taken a key role at historic winery Bleasdale, where his wine career began. 

Riggs, known for his almost four decades at Hunter Valley standout Brokenwood, began his life in wine at Langhorne Creek producer Bleasdale in 1973 - and began working there full-time in 1975 after graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College.

After a stint in McLaren Vale he moved to the Hunter Valley in 1982. 

"I am very humbled to join the Bleasdale board and take on the role of Chair," Riggs said. "I will be working with a great team led by [general manager]Leigh Warren."

Riggs succeeds Robert Edwards, who completed a decade as the chair of the Bleasdale board.

"I have big shoes to fill; thank you Robert for your stewardship over the last 10 years," Riggs said.

"It is by no accident that Bleasdale is continually recognised as one of the best wineries in Australia. It is because of the people that work here and those that have provided their wisdom and support to us over the years."

Bleasdale issued a statement saying: "Iain has gone on to do some amazing things in the wine industry as many would be aware, and we are so very fortunate to have him at the helm of our board."

James Halliday announces his retirement

James Halliday AM, Australia's most influential and longest-serving wine writer, today announced his retirement.

Just a month after giving up his weekly column in The Australian newspaper, Halliday issued a statement saying that he will be stepping back from his wine writing and tasting commitments.

"As James steps into this new chapter, he will be using this time to compile a lifetime of wine memories – a project that we look forward to sharing," Wine Companion magazine announced.

"His contribution to the Australian wine landscape is unparalleled, and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge his monumental career."

.A co-founder of Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and founder of Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley, Halliday is recognised as having been a major figure in the Australian wine industry for over four decades.

He worked as an author, critic, wine judge and business owner - and his ratings could make or break a wine producer.

“Late last year I made the decision that I was going to seriously cut back on my work commitments,” he said in a statement.

“Having turned 85 I wanted to fully focus on what I want to do, and that is writing about 50 years of great wine dinners I’ve attended or staged.

“This work has no deadline, has no space constraints, and is something that has been simmering in my mind and heart for the past half-decade as my ‘swansong’.

“Recent health issues have made me wish even more for this to have my sole attention.

“So, while my fondness for writing is undiminished, and with my family’s support, I will be quiet on the wine media front until I can share the birth of my last child.”

Halliday wrote his last column for The Weekend Australian on April 6, handing over to Nick Ryan and founded the Halliday Wine Magazine. His annual Halliday Wine Companion is the bible of the Australian wine industry.

Brokenwood adds music to its menu

Brokenwood is one of the "must visit" cellar doors in the Hunter Valley - and now there is even more reason to drop by on a Friday night.

Every Friday in April, Brokenwood's Terrace Wine Bar will offer wine, live music, and dishes from the Raw Bar from 3:30pm to 7pm.

The Brokenwood team is promoting the Friday night events as featuring "a delightful selection of wines carefully curated to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your senses".

The line-up is: Friday 5th: Anna Weatherup; Friday 12th: Jake Folbigg; Friday 19th: Anaiya and
Friday 26th: Bobby C.

Guests are also being encouraged stay on for dinner at The Wood Restaurant to sample the new autumn menu.

New dishes include grilled Wollombi leeks with flaked North Queensland spanner crab, fine herbs and hazelnut vinaigrette; market fish with a ratatouille of autumn vegetables and Basque-style cheesecake.

There is an à la carte menu or a 'Feed Me' option. 

The restaurant is open for lunch Friday to Tuesday and for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.

See https://www.brokenwood.com.au/

Promotion for Hordern at Brokenwood

Stuart Hordern has been promoted from senior winemaker to chief winemaker at Hunter Valley standout Brokenwood, becoming only the second person to hold the post. 

Hordern has been part of the Brokenwood team since 2009, having started as an assistant winemaker. 

Following in the footsteps of the legendary Iain Riggs AM, he is the second chief winemaker in the 54-year history of the company.

Riggs stood down on as chief winemaker and general manager at the end of 2000 after filling the role since the mid 1980s. 

"Stuart's dedication to the craft has been evident from the beginning," says Brokenwood CEO Geoff Krieger. 

"He grew up on a family vineyard and has been working with vines since he was old enough to drive a tractor. 

"He also gained invaluable experience working for Tyrrell's and undertaking several vintages in France.

"During his time at Brokenwood, Stuart and his team have significantly contributed to our wines' quality. 

"Our Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz has maintained its position as the highest level of Langton's Classification of collectible Australian wines - 1st Classified, and remains the only red wine in New South Wales to hold this position. 

"Our winery has also been awarded a Halliday 5-star red winery, with our wines receiving numerous gold medals and trophies at various wine shows."

In addition to his winemaking expertise, Hordern spent two years over Covid as the president of the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association. 

Meet the comedian who became a wine expert. Seriously!

Merrick Watts is the comedian who became a wine expert - and is now able to combine two of the loves of his life.

Once part of comedy team Merrick and Rosso, he has undergone tasting exercises with leading palates including Mike Bennie and Gary Walsh.

Watts will launch the NSW premiere of his show An Idiot’s Guide to Wine at Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley on Friday, August 26.

Tickets will include a three course-dinner, six wine tastings and a DJ until late.

After a sold-out series of shows at the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival, Watts said he’s looking forward to bringing the laughs to Pokolbin.

“This is one of my all-time favourite shows, and Brokenwood is the perfect place for it,” he said.

“It’s a comedy show about wine. People taste wines as I tell jokes about the grapes and their history. As a warning, I should say, some people over the course of the wine tasting have learnt something. That’s accidental.”

Watts proudly holds a WSET 3 wine qualification as evidence of his vinous expertise.

"Brokenwood is one of my favourite wineries in the country and an awesome place to host a show," he said. "I’m excited to share a range of their incredible wines.”

Brokenwood Wines CEO Geoff Krieger says: “Merrick was a huge hit when he hosted our 2021 Graveyard Lunch, we are excited to welcome him back and to push our ‘Enjoy great wine and have fun’ philosophy to its limit!”

For further event information and bookings visit www.grapesofmirth.com.au

Brokenwood stays local to name new head of kitchen brigade

Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley has named a new head chef as it launches a new winter menu.

Executive Chef Sean Townsend (left), formerly of hatted Muse & Muse Kitchen, is the new man in charge.

"Sean’s passion for exceptional food, wine, and his long-standing relationships with local producers is the perfect combination to ensure we deliver a dining experience that matches and elevates our wine offering,” says senior winemaker Stuart Hordern (right).

Townsend's work history includes working under local icons Troy Rhoades-Brown and Frank Fawkner at 

Muse Restaurant before working at Muse Kitchen.

He has also worked at Potters Hotel and spent two years with Daniel Southern at Melbourne French bistro Comme. 

“I’m honoured to join Brokenwood and continue their legacy of excellence," he said. "I have ambitious plans to bring an exciting new culinary experience to the Hunter Valley, championing local and seasonal produce with simplicity, detail, and synergy flowing between plate and glass.

“I plan to extend the on-site vegetable garden and implement a ‘no single-use’ plastic policy to drive sustainability. We’ll give equal respect to all dishes, vegan, and meat, and I look forward to sharing the origin stories behind the local ingredients we select.”

The chef has developed a modern Australian menu for The Wood Restaurant, citing European influence in flavours and technique. 

This theme will extend to the Cru Bar + Pantry, a casual dining space located within Brokenwood’s state-of-the-art venue.

Brokenwood’s new winter menu is available now.

Digging the new Graveyard

Leading Hunter Valley winery Brokenwood had a succession plan in place for when legendary winemaker Iain Riggs retired.

Riggs had for several years worked with Stuart Hordern (above with viticulturist Katrina Barry) and Kate Sturgess, who have now taken the reins. 

So credit for the extraordinarily good Brokenwood 2019 Graveyard Shiraz ($350) is shared by all three.

From the third dry vintage in a row - a recent rarity in the Hunter - the old vines of the Graveyard Vineyard were harvested in the second week of February in pristine condition from what the winemaking team described as "an effortless high quality vintage"

The Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz has long been recognised for its quality and history; it was included in the first Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, and in 2010 elevated to the top Exceptional category, which it still holds today.

Viticulturist Keith Barry helped plant the site in 1968 and managed the vines for more than 30 years until his passing in 2016. Today, his daughter Katrina manages the vineyard.

Brokenwood purchased the Graveyard Vineyard in 1978. It was originally destined to be the Pokolbin cemetery, although was never used as such.

The 44-year-old vines produce intensely flavoured grapes, which are hand tended, hand-picked and fermented in French oak barrels for two years before release.

The 2019 is one of the best Graveyards I have seen over the past three decades - and the second great one in a row: powerful but elegant, super smooth with classic Hunter dark berry and soft leather characters that I gave 98 points. It is supple, beguiling and downright dangerous. A vinous Lolita.

Brokenwood suggest pairing with slow-roasted lamb shoulder. I paired it with steak and kidney pie. It will easily last a decade or more in the cellar if you have enough willpower, or would make a superb Father's Day gift.

See www.brokenwood.com.au/