This shortlist commemorates the best winemakers in Australia and is reserved for those who have continued to produce exceptional wines. It is a great celebration of the people who do their darndest to put stunning wines on our tables, and into our lives.
These finalists are pushing Australian wine to even greater heights – innovating when necessary, and sticking true to timeless tradition when needed.
Read on to find the finalists for this year’s Winemaker of the Year, as chosen by the Tasting Team.
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Adrian Sparks, Mount Pleasant
Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Jeni Port
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Drew Tuckwell, Printhie Wines
Region: Orange, New South Wales
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Dave Brookes
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Kerri Thompson, Skillogalee & Wines by KT
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Shanteh Wale
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Mark Walpole, Fighting Gully Road
Region: Beechworth, Victoria
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Marcus Ellis
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Michael Downer, Murdoch Hill
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Mike Bennie
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Renae Hirsch, Willunga 100 Wines
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx.” – Toni Paterson MW
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Rohan Smith, Medhurst
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Philip Rich
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Steve Flamsteed, Decades & Salo Wines
Region: Tasmania & Yarra Valley, Victoria
Why they have been nominated for the 2027 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: “xxx” – Jane Faulkner
2026 People's Choice Award
Voting is now open for the 2026 Halliday People's Choice Award. While the Awards celebrates the best of the best in Australian wine, the People's Choice Award honours the best winery experience from around the country. Cast your vote and go into the running to win the ultimate prize pack valued at over $1400. Vote now.
2026 Taste the Awards events
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Taste the Awards events. Meet some of the winning winemakers and be the first to taste the top wines of the year. Taste the Awards 2026 is an exclusive showcase of award-winning wines and wineries from the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Secure your tickets below.Taste the Awards: Melbourne
Thursday August 21, 2025
Sophia, Prahran
Book here
Taste the Awards: Sydney
Thursday August 28, 2025
Hyde Park Ballroom, Sydney
Book here
The winner of each category will be announced at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards on Wednesday August 20, 2025.
The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion – Australia's most comprehensive wine guide – will then be available from August 21.
*This is an edited extract from the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Katrina Butler, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW. Cover art by James Coe.
