South Australia
Angove Family Winemakers – McLaren Vale, SA
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Founded in 1886, Angove Family Winemakers is a fifth-generation family company with a tradition of excellence and an eye for the future. Angove's portfolio includes The Medhyk, Warboys Vineyard, Family Crest, Organics, and Wild Olive Organic brands. The McLaren Vale cellar door is nestled in the family’s certified organic and biodynamic Warboys Vineyard on Chalk Hill Road; the Renmark cellar door in Bookmark Avenue. In early 2019, Angove acquired the celebrated 12.7ha Angel Gully Vineyard in Clarendon from Primo Estate and renamed the vineyard Angels Rise. Angove is committed to remaining privately owned, enabling the company to be master of its own destiny. Exports to all major markets. – James Halliday.
5 ★ winery | angove.com.au | Halliday profile
Claymore Wines – Clare Valley, SA
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Claymore Wines, situated in the beautiful Clare Valley of South Australia, has been crafting wine for 25 years. They aim to capture in the bottle their life’s passions – wine, music and football – to create the ultimate experience. Their fruit is drawn from five estate-owned vineyards across Watervale, Leasingham and Auburn, specifically chosen for their suitability for their hero varieties – shiraz, riesling, grenache and cabernet sauvignon. Gentle, intuitive winemaking by winemaker Rebekah Richardson results in wines of elegance and structure, but when it comes to enjoying a glass they don't take themselves too seriously. As they say, “the songs, albums and artists that inspire many of our labels reflect the soundtrack of our lives”.
4.5 ★ winery | claymorewines.com.au | Halliday profile
Cooper Burns – Barossa Valley, SA
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Established in 2004, Cooper Burns was the side project of Mark Cooper and Russell Burns as they worked their winemaking day jobs at Treasury Wine Estates and Torbreck respectively. In 2017, they established their winery at Nuriootpa and left their day jobs to work full-time at Cooper Burns. The old homestead garage was renovated in 2019 and now serves as the cellar door within the grounds of the winery. Wines produced are shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, GSM, rosé, riesling and chardonnay. Exports to Norway and Hong Kong. – James Halliday.
cooperburns.com.au | Halliday profile
Grant Burge – Barossa Valley, SA
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The Burges have always been devoted vignerons. For five generations they spent their days toiling the land, understanding the soil and growing grapes that would become the most luxurious wines. In 1865, Meshach Burge installed fermenting tanks in one of his sheds with the intent to share wine with his friends and family. Out of his generosity came the Grant Burge brand, built on this foundation of devotion and sharing and wanting to consistently overdeliver, with each tier continuously exceeding expectations. They use their intrinsic knowledge of the land and winemaking to produce a progressive and varied portfolio of wines.
5 ★ winery | grantburgewines.com.au | Halliday profile
Tapanappa – Piccadilly Valley, SA
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Tapanappa, a word derived from the Aboriginal language which means ‘stick to the path’, was founded by Brian Croser in 2002. Through Tapanappa, Brian continues a career-long mission of matching the climate, soil and geology of distinguished sites to the right varieties and then developing the vineyards to optimise quality. The brand’s components are the Tiers Vineyard at Piccadilly in the Adelaide Hills (chardonnay), the Foggy Hill Vineyard on the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula (pinot noir), and the Whalebone Vineyard at Wrattonbully (planted to cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot in 1974). Tapanappa’s cellar door is located in the heart of the Tiers Vineyard and is the perfect spot to try their unique range of wines. Open daily from 11am.
5 ★ winery | tapanappa.com.au | Halliday profile
Western Australia
Clairault Streicker Wines – Margaret River, WA
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Clairault Streicker are the owners and caretakers of four diverse vineyards spread throughout the Margaret River region. All four vineyards are certified with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. The Clairault Vineyard, home to their signature Cellar Door & Vineyard Kitchen, is one of the founding vineyards of Margaret River with plantings dating back to 1976. As growers for a number of premium wine producers in the region, Clairault Streicker are granted the distinct advantage of selecting the very best blocks and rows to use for their own wines. The Clairault range heroes Margaret River styles, whilst the Streicker range is crafted from single vineyard blocks. Exports to the US, Canada, Norway, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
5 ★ winery | clairaultstrickerwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Passel Estate – Margaret River, WA
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Wendy and Barry Stimpson were born in England and South Africa respectively. Over numerous visits to Margaret River, they fell in love with the region’s environment and made Margaret River their home. In 2011 they purchased the property and expanded the vineyard. Viticulturist Andy Ferreira manages the vineyard with sustainable practices and a focus on quality-driven low yields. The very talented Bruce Dukes makes the wines. The estate is also a conservation sanctuary for the western ringtail possum and other native species, which inspired the label. Exports small quantities to the UK, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore.
4 ★ winery | passelestate.com | Halliday profile
Victory Point Wines – Margaret River, WA
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Judith and Gary Berson have set their sights high. They established their vineyard without irrigation, emulating those of the Margaret River pioneers (including Moss Wood). The fully mature plantings comprise 4.2ha of chardonnay and 0.4ha of pinot noir; the remainder Bordeaux varieties with cabernet sauvignon (6.2ha), cabernet franc (0.5ha), malbec (1.7ha) and petit verdot (0.7ha). The cellar door overlooks the 20+ year old vineyard. – James Halliday.
5 ★ winery | victorypointwines.com | Halliday profile
Voyager Estate – Margaret River, WA
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Established in 1978, Voyager Estate is a second-generation family-owned estate in Stevens Valley, Margaret River. All their wines are 100 per cent estate grown, with a collection spanning single site cabernets and chardonnays, to alternative varieties that evoke a true sense of place. Their vineyards have been sustainably farmed for decades and from the 2023 vintage, all Voyager wines will be certified organic. Amidst a sanctuary of lush gardens and lawns, the Cellar Door and Restaurant is housed in a white-washed Cape Dutch Manor House. Guests are invited to taste their way through the range of wines, step out into the vineyard, or dig deeper with a sommelier-hosted look at wine craft and appreciation.
5 ★ winery | voyagerestate.com.au | Halliday profile
Wills Domain – Margaret River, WA
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When the Haunold family purchased the original Wills Domain Vineyard in 2000, they were adding another chapter to a family history of winemaking stretching back to 1383 in what is now Austria. Their Yallingup vineyard is planted to shiraz, semillon, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, petit verdot, malbec, cabernet franc and viognier. The onsite restaurant has won numerous accolades. Exports to the US. – James Halliday.
5 ★ winery | willsdomain.com.au | Halliday profile
Victoria
Campbells – Rutherglen, VIC
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Scotsman John Campbell established the original Campbell’s vineyard in 1870. Today, the vineyards and winery are owned and operated by Jane Campbell as Managing Director and Julie Campbell as Chief Winemaker. With five generations and over 150 years of family winemaking, the Campbells have forged a reputation as a benchmark Rutherglen winery and one of the leading wineries of North Eastern Victoria. Home to Bobbie Burns Shiraz, The Barkly Durif and world famous Muscats and Topaques.
5 ★ winery | campbellswines.com.au | Halliday profile
Mitchelton – Nagambie Lakes, VIC
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In 1967, Colin Preece was commissioned to find a location in south-east Australia that was both “exceptionally beautiful” and capable of producing outstanding wines. In 1969, Preece chose an old grazing property prized for its climate, soil and proximity to the waterways, and called his new winery Mitchelton. Today, the Nagambie estate vineyard is owned by Gerry Ryan and boasts 108 hectares of riesling, chardonnay, marsanne, shiraz, grenache and cabernet sauvignon, while the Toolleen vineyard in Heathcote produces shiraz. Mitchelton is now firmly establishing itself as a tourism destination, bolstered by the development of a new 58-room hotel and day spa to accompany The Muse Restaurant, cafe-style Provedore, and Australia’s largest commercial collection of Aboriginal Art.
5 ★ winery | mitchelton.com.au | Halliday profile
Nintingbool – Ballarat, VIC
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Peter and Jill Bothe purchased the Nintingbool property in 1982 and established the vineyard in 1998. The vineyard is tiny – only 2ha of pinot noir grapes which grow on harsh goldfield soil in a very marginal climate. The cool growing conditions are fantastic for producing high quality pinot noir grapes from which they produce a classic pinot noir, rosé, and a sparkling blanc de noir. Some local shiraz, chardonnay and pinot gris is also sourced, which Peter makes on site. In 2018 they built a charming cellar door which is only open to the public occasionally. Set in an extensive Australian garden, the venue is often used for private functions, including weddings and other celebrations.
4 ★ winery | nintingbool.com.au | Halliday profile
Yarra Edge – Yarra Valley, VIC
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Yarra Edge Vineyard is widely regarded as one of the gems of the Valley, inspired by the great wine styles of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Plantings commenced in 1983 by the Bingeman family with premium varieties including cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec, pinot noir and chardonnay based on the advice and guidance of the Middleton family. The wines were originally grown and made on site under the Yarra Edge label. This changed in 1998, when the vineyard was leased to Yering Station, where the cabernet consistently made single vineyard classification. In 2013, the property was purchased by the new owners who, with a 100 per cent quality focus, set about restoring the entire property to its former glory.
4 ★ winery | yarraedge.com.au | Halliday profile
Yarra Yering – Yarra Valley, VIC
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Sarah Crowe was appointed winemaker after the 2013 vintage. She has made red wines of the highest imaginable quality right from her first vintage in 2014 and, to the delight of many, myself (James) included, has offered all the wines with screwcaps. For good measure, she introduced the 2014 Light Dry Red Pinot Shiraz as a foretaste of that vintage and an affirmation of the exceptional talent recognised by her being named Winemaker of the Year in the Wine Companion 2017. The Halliday Wine Companion 2022 named Yarra Yering the Winery of the Year, and the Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2019 the Wine of the Year. Exports to the UK, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and NZ. – James Halliday.
5 ★ winery | yarrayering.com | Halliday profile
New South Wales
Bimbadgen – Hunter Valley, NSW
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For over 50 years, Bimbadgen’s flagship vineyards of McDonald’s Road and Palmers Lane have produced award winning old-vine semillon, shiraz, chardonnay, and more recently, tempranillo. Current custodian of the vines and winemaking is Richard Done. Since assuming ownership in 1997, the Lee family has applied the same level of care and attention to cultivating Bimbadgen as they have to other properties in their portfolio. The small but impressive production is consumed largely by the owner’s luxury hotel assets, with limited quantities available in the Sydney market. Exports to Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. – James Halliday
4.5 ★ winery | bimadgen.com.au | Halliday profile
PepperGreen Estate – Southern Highlands, NSW
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PepperGreen Estate is a brand for the future. Established in the Southern Highlands in 2016, it has quickly become a supreme wine tourism experience. Featuring a vineyard (located in Canyonleigh at 700m elevation), showcase Cellar Door and elegant modern cuisine Tasting Room situated in the historic town of Berrima, PepperGreen Estate has found its place with affordable luxury in both wines and experiences. The team at PepperGreen Estate grow and explore varieties that both embrace the cool-climate region and challenge the traditional growing techniques to produce a fresh take on pinot noir, shiraz, riesling, chardonnay and gamay to name a few. Having already received accolades across the globe for their wines they constantly strive for greatness whilst delivering a memorable experience.
3.5 ★ winery | peppergreenestate.com.au | Halliday profile
Whispering Brook – Hunter Valley, NSW
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It took some time for partners Susan Frazier and Adam Bell to find the property on which they established their vineyard and winery over 20 years ago. The vineyard has a combination of terra rossa loam soils on which the reds are planted, and sandy flats for the white grapes. A trip to Portugal in 2007 inspired the planting of Portuguese varieties, including touriga and arinto, alongside Hunter staples, shiraz and semillon. The partners have also established an olive grove, cellar door and accommodation for up to 18 guests in the large house set in the vineyard, offering vineyard and winery tours. – James Halliday.
4.5 ★ winery | whispering-brook.com | Halliday profile
Tasmania and Other
Bream Creek – Southern Tasmania, TAS
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Bream Creek Vineyard is a pioneer of the modern Tasmanian wine industry, renowned for producing elegant and complex wines. Originally planted in 1974, the vineyard at Bream Creek was purchased in 1990 by Fred Peacock, who increased pinot noir and chardonnay plantings and introduced sauvignon blanc as well as the first commercial block of schönburger in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1990, Bream Creek Vineyard wines have garnered 61 trophies and over 1000 wine show medals and have an enviable reputation for consistency and reliability. Their long awaited cellar door is due to open in June 2023.
4.5 ★ winery | breamcreekvineyard.com.au | Halliday profile
Clover Hill – Northern Tasmania, TAS
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Clover Hill was established by Taltarni in 1986 with the sole purpose of making a premium sparkling wine. It has 23.9ha of vineyards (chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier) and its sparkling wine is excellent, combining finesse with power and length. The American owner and founder of Clos du Val (Napa Valley), Taltarni and Clover Hill has brought these businesses under the one management roof, the group known as Goelet Wine Estates. Exports to the UK, the US and other major markets.
4.5 ★ winery | cloverhillwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Handpicked Wines – Various
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Handpicked Wines® is an Australian wine producer specialising in crafting wines that offer a true sense of place, but fundamentally not from a single place. The Mornington Peninsula is home to the winery and flagship vineyard Capella, but winemaking spreads to five more fully-owned vineyards across the country: Wombat Creek and Highbow Hill in the Yarra Valley, Auburn Road, and Native Point in Tasmania and Watunga Road in Barossa Valley – all of which are organically-farmed and sustainably-managed. With several trophies and hundreds of accolades to its name, Handpicked Wines has earned a reputation as a top site-specific producer vintage after vintage. It has held a James Halliday 5-Red-Star-Winery rating since 2014.
5 ★ winery | handpickedwines.com.au | Halliday profile
Jansz Tasmania – Northern Tasmania, TAS
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Jansz Tasmania has been solely devoted to the art of sparkling winemaking since 1986. Jansz Tasmania’s wines are made under the philosophy that they call “Méthode Tasmanoise”, encapsulating the Tasmanian way of life and respect for the environment, the natural wilderness, clean air, fertile soils and pristine waters. It celebrates the unique crafts and the synergy between Tasmania’s wares and its surrounds. As they say, Méthode Tasmanoise embraces the people that call this island state their home. People who believe in minimal intervention and working with nature rather than trying to subdue it. People with abundant energy, an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to dream. People who create, for the sheer joy of making something as great as it can be”.
5 ★ winery | jansz.com.au | Halliday profile
This article was brought to you in partnership with our Halliday Wine Companion gold winery members.
