The 2025 edition of the Companion welcomed 61 new wineries. These wineries may not be new to the world, but it's the first time they've submitted to Halliday Wine Companion. Below we introduce you to three new wineries – Byrne Farm, Scanlon and Still Moon.
Still Moon is a multi-regional producer run by a husband-and-wife duo, Tom and Charmaine Handyside, in Heathcote and their portfolio includes grenache, sangiovese, syrah, chardonnay and pinot noir. Scanlon, located in the Adelaide Hills, is the brainchild of father-and-son Justin and Harry Scanlon. Scanlon's Piccadilly Valley vineyard is planted to pinot noir and sauvignon blanc with plantings of chardonnay and gamay slated for the future. Orange's Byrne Farm is run by husband-and-wife team, Jeff and Bridgette Byrne. The first vintage for Byrne Farm was 2019, and the vineyard on their property is planted to pinot noir (the duo also have figs, cherries, apples and peaches planted).
2023 Byrne Farm Glenidle Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2023 Byrne Farm Glenidle Vineyard Pinot Noir is the first release of this single vineyard wine, sourced from our vineyard which we purchased in 2019 and planted in 2020 and simply named after the property. The wine is full of vibrant black cherry and plum fruits with great structure and a fresh acid line.Winemaker Jeff Byrne says: We’re very excited about this wine, not only for the flavour and characteristics of it, but to have the chance to see the culmination of what we’ve planted come alive in the glass is extremely rewarding!
H. What can you tell us about Byrne Farm?
JB. Byrne Farm is a small family owned and operated cellar door, winery, vineyard and orchard business, which has been fully operational for two years. We're located in the cool climate region of Orange, situated at 900 meters above sea level, on the north side of Mt. Canobolas, and we specialise in chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling production.
H. Which of your latest releases are you most excited about?
JB. We are probably best known for our chardonnay production, however, we are extremely excited to offer our first release of our 2023 Byrne Farm Glenidle Vineyard Pinot Noir – sourced from the vines we planted on our property.
H. How is this wine best enjoyed?
JB. I think it’s hard to beat enjoying this wine at Byrne Farm and taking in the view, but in lieu of visiting Orange, grab a wide Burgundy glass and enjoy our pinot noir with all things duck or anything off the barbecue. In the summer months a very slight chill is nice.
RRP $70 | Drink to 2034 | byrnefarm.com.au | Shop this wine
2022 Scanlon Estate Pinot Noir
Seductive bright red cherry and raspberry with a touch of spice on the nose. Medium-bodied palate with subtle power and silky texture all nicely interwoven and balanced. Elegant and pure pinot noir.Winemaker Harry Scanlon says: This wine has something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned Burgundy enthusiast or new to pinot noir. Its complexity will satisfy those seeking depth, making it ideal for special occasions. It is equally enjoyable as a casual solo mid-week wine in front of the TV. It’s delicious now but will also reward patient cellaring.
H. What can you tell us about Scanlon Estate?
HS. We are in the Piccadilly Valley subregion at 550m altitude, renowned for pinot noir and chardonnay. My father and I live on the estate and work side by side year-round in the vineyard and winery. Our primary focus is the production of premium pinot noir from our meticulously close-planted, clonally diverse vineyard.
H. Which of your latest releases are you most excited about?
HS. The 2022 release is very exciting, our first dual pinot noir offering from the estate. We’ve crafted two distinct wines using our intimate knowledge of the vineyard: the JMS is concentration and structure-focused, highlighting dark fruit characters, while the Estate is elegant and ethereal, showcasing spice and red fruits.
H. How is this wine best enjoyed?
HS. The beauty of pinot noir lies in its versatility – whether you're sipping it with a friend at a wine bar, sharing it over a sophisticated cheese board, or enjoying it alongside roasted duck at a fine restaurant. However, drinking it from a quality Burgundy glass truly elevates the experience.
RRP $50 | Drink to 2032 | scanlonwines.com | Shop this wine
2023 Still Moon Stewart Syrah
Soft black pepper spice is mingled with blackcurrant and plum, with hints of baked boysenberry. The nose is aromatic and the palate is velvety. This wine has a beautiful concentration of flavours.Co-owners Charmaine and Thomas Handyside say: This wine contains a rare clone in Heathcote which gives power, length, and complexity. The Cambrian soils that make Heathcote wines so unique work beautifully with the softer style of winemaking we have applied. This is a wine that will go the distance.
H. What can you tell us about your winery?
CH & TH. Still Moon is a passion project for us. With over 25 years in the wine industry, breaking out with our own label is a carefully executed craft. We monitor the progress of each vine we have and develop to ensure the vine roots are deep amongst the soil profile. This allows a minimal irrigation program that ensures concentration in the fruit.
H. For those who are new to your winery, what is the perfect introductory wine?
CH & TH. Our wines are incredibly approachable and have great purity. Our chardonnay has beautiful minerality and balance. The stone and slopes in the Yarra Valley have really bought in the character. Our 2022 Heathcote Syrah is also really hitting its stride. It’s velvety, with soft pepper and tannins. We have been very deliberate to create a softer, more approachable Heathcote wine.
H. How is this wine best enjoyed?
CH & TH. This wine is best enjoyed at Still Moon House with our lamb cutlets served with chimichurri! Of course, if you can’t make it in, pair this with bolder flavours; rich meats, blue cheese, and a fireplace make for a really pleasing pairing.
RRP $50 | Drink to 2034 | stillmoon.com.au | Shop this wine
Expand your knowledge with Halliday Wine Academy
Halliday Wine Academy offers an in-depth view of the Australian and international wine landscapes. Select Introduction to Wine to learn about Australian wine and regions or choose Wines of the World (part one) to get to know international wines.Through Introduction to Wine, students will learn about Australian wine and wine regions, how wine is made, how to taste and describe wine, how to approach food and wine matches, along with handy tips that address common wine questions. And in part one of our Wines of the World course, discover and explore the iconic wines, regions and laws of France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Germany and Austria.
Image credit: Still Moon.
