Victoria’s wine industry has emerged as a standout in the The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2026 category awards, securing 10 of the 24 finalist spots across multiple categories.
The annual awards recognise excellence in both winemaking talent and individual wines, with finalists selected from more than 10,000 entries գնահատed by a panel of leading critics. This year’s results highlight the strength of Victoria’s cool climate regions, particularly in white wine, where producers from the Yarra Valley, Beechworth and Mornington Peninsula claimed all finalist positions.
Wineries such as Oakridge Wines, Fighting Gully Road and Crittenden Wines led the charge in the White Wine of the Year category, reflecting the state’s reputation for refined chardonnay and experimental varietals.
Victoria also featured strongly in the talent categories, with established names and emerging winemakers recognised for their contribution to the industry. Producers from regions including the Macedon Ranges and Yarra Valley were acknowledged for consistency, innovation and a focus on terroir-driven wines.
Beyond white wine, Victorian finalists appeared in rosé, sweet and fortified categories, as well as the top individual honours for winemakers. The spread across categories underscores the diversity of the state’s wine production, from elegant table wines to fortified styles in Rutherglen.
Winners will be announced on 11 May alongside the full Top Wineries of Australia rankings, which are determined using a scoring system that considers both quality and consistency over time.
Victorian finalists and categories:
- Michael Dhillon, Bindi Wines, Vigneron of the Year
- Sarah Crowe and Andrew George, Yarra Yering, Vigneron of the Year
- Joshua Cooper, Joshua Cooper Wines, Rising Star of the Year
- Oakridge Wines, White Wine of the Year
- Fighting Gully Road, White Wine of the Year
- Crittenden Wines, White Wine of the Year
- Pt Leo Estate, Rosé Wine of the Year
- Pizzini Wines, Sweet Wine of the Year
- Campbells Wines, Fortified Wine of the Year
- Stanton & Killeen, Fortified Wine of the Year
