Australian wine authority The Real Review has today announced the expansion of its prestigious Top Wineries of Australia awards, introducing eight new category awards to celebrate varietal excellence and industry talent. The new awards include ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Vigneron of the Year’ as well as style-specific categories.
In addition to the new categories, The Real Review has unveiled the shortlisted finalists. The results of the style-specific awards will be announced on the 19th of May, with the winners of industry talent categories following on the 21st of May. The all-important ranking, including the Winery of the Year, will be revealed on May 22nd.
Since its inception in 2016, The Real Review has been a trusted authority on Australian wine, independently reviewing and ranking the nation’s best producers. Led by Principal Wine Writer and renowned critic Huon Hooke, The Real Review’s expert tasting panel has assessed almost 15,000 wines to determine the 2025 ranking. This year over 400 wineries have been recognised with Top Wineries Certification, which accounts for just 19% of Australian wineries.
“It’s hugely exciting to unveil these new categories for the first time, but even more exciting to reveal the names shortlisted. The finalists encompass exceptional talent, innovation, and some of the tasting team’s all-time favourite wines.
“Introducing new categories like ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Vigneron of the Year’ allows us to spotlight the diverse achievements across Australia’s wine landscape. It’s an exciting evolution that reflects the dynamic nature of our industry,’ commented Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
The expanded format includes awards for the Sparkling, White, Rosé, Red, Sweet, and Fortified ‘Wine of the Year’, alongside individual accolades for standout industry figures. Although the 24 finalists hail from five states, Victoria accounts for nearly half of the shortlist, with the Yarra Valley emerging as the most represented region. South Australia follows closely, accounting for just over 20% of the shortlisted wineries.
Previous winners of the coveted Winery of the Year title include celebrated producers such as Yarra Yering, Oakridge Wines, and Wine by Farr. The final rankings are determined through a rigorous, proprietary algorithm that considers wine scores and the recency of reviews over a two-year period. Wineries achieving a place on the annual list receive a Top Wineries Certificate, a mark of excellence in Australian wine.
Wine lovers keen to receive the latest on the upcoming Top Wineries of Australia rankings, including first access to the winner announcement, plus expert tasting scores and insightful stories, should sign up for The Real Review mailing list at www.therealreview.com. The names of the category finalists can be found below.
The Real Review’s ‘Top Wineries of Australia’ 2025 Category Award Shortlists
Vigneron of the Year:
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Michael Dhillon – Bindi Wines (Macedon Ranges, VIC)
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Vanya Cullen – Cullen Wines (Margaret River, WA)
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Sandra de Pury – Yerinberg (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Rising Star of the Year:
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Tom McCarthy – Quealy (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
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Tessa Brown – Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown (Beechworth, VIC)
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Gareth Belton – Gentle Folk (Adelaide Hills, SA)
Sparkling Wine of the Year:
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Printhie Swift Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012 (Orange, NSW)
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Deviation Road Beltana Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2017 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
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House Of Arras Grand Vintage 2016 (Tasmania)
White Wine of the Year:
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Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2021 (Margaret River, WA)
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Tyrrell’s Single Vineyard Stevens Semillon 2018 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Rosé Wine of the Year:
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Dominique Portet Single Vineyard Rosé 2024 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
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L.A.S. Vino Albino PNO 2023 (Margaret River, WA)
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S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé 2024 (McLaren Vale, SA)
Red Wine of the Year:
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Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz 2019 (Barossa Valley, SA)
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By Farr RP Côte Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 (Geelong, VIC)
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Yeringberg 2022 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Sweet Wine of the Year:
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De Bortoli Noble One 2021 (Riverina, NSW)
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Brown Brothers Patricia Noble Riesling 2022 (King Valley, VIC)
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Nugan Estate Cookoothama Limited Release Botrytis Semillon 2022 (Riverina, NSW)
Fortified Wine of the Year:
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Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny 1925 (Barossa Valley, SA)
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Chambers Rutherglen Grand Muscat NV (Rutherglen, VIC)
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Pfeiffer Grand Rutherglen Topaque NV (Rutherglen, VIC
