The Hunter Valley’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading wine regions has been further reinforced, with five major category nominations in the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards shortlist.
The Hunter Valley is represented across four of the six major award categories, highlighting the depth of talent and quality that continues to define Australia’s oldest wine region.
The shortlist recognises excellence across Australian wine, with the Hunter Valley represented by leading wineries and wine professionals spanning winemaking, viticulture and value-driven wine production.
The Hunter Valley finalists are:
- Best Value Winery: Thomas Wines
- Dark Horse Winery: Mercer Wines
- Dark Horse Winery: Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard
- Viticulturist of the Year: Louise Eather, Tyrrell’s
- Winemaker of the Year: Adrian Sparks, Mount Pleasant Wines
The recognition follows several years of outstanding national success for the Hunter Valley, including Brokenwood Wines being named Halliday Winery of the Year (2026), Liz Silkman receiving Halliday Winemaker of the Year (2025) and Tyrrell’s being recognised as Australia’s No. 1 Winery (2024).
Reflecting on the announcement, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association CEO, Jennie Curran, commented:
“To have Hunter Valley wineries and wine professionals recognised across four major Halliday award categories is a wonderful achievement and reflects the depth of quality that exists throughout our region.”
“These nominations recognise not only the individual finalists, but also the collaborative and innovative wine community that continues to build on the Hunter Valley’s proud reputation as one of Australia’s leading wine regions. We congratulate all of this year’s finalists on this well-deserved recognition.”
HVWTA President and Tyrrell’s CEO, Chris Tyrrell, said the nominations were another example of the Hunter Valley’s continued leadership within the Australian wine industry, commenting:
“The Hunter Valley has a long history of producing exceptional wines, but what is particularly pleasing is seeing the breadth of talent being recognised across so many different categories. It demonstrates that our region continues to evolve while remaining true to the quality and character that has defined the Hunter Valley for generations.”
“Recognition like this is important not only for the individual wineries and people nominated, but for the Hunter Valley as a whole. It reinforces the strength of our region and the commitment of our growers, viticulturists and winemakers to producing wines of the highest standard.”
The Halliday Wine Companion Awards are among Australia’s most respected wine awards. This year’s shortlist was selected by the Halliday Tasting Team after assessing approximately 7,500 wines from more than 1,000 wineries across 60 Australian wine regions, recognising excellence across Australian wineries, winemakers and viticulturists.
Winners of the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards will be announced on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, with the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion released the following day.
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Media Contact
Jennie Curran
CEO
Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association
NOTES
Hunter Valley finalists – 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards
- Thomas Wines – Best Value Winery
- Mercer Wines – Dark Horse Winery
- Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard – Dark Horse Winery
- Louise Eather (Tyrrell’s) – Viticulturist of the Year
- Adrian Sparks (Mount Pleasant Wines) – Winemaker of the Year
The Halliday Wine Companion Awards shortlist is determined annually by the Halliday Tasting Team following the assessment of approximately 7,500 wines from more than 1,000 wineries across 60 Australian wine regions. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.