2026 Winery of the Year
Brokenwood – Hunter Valley, New South Wales
"Acknowledging a winery with a vibrant history spanning six decades that was also founded in part by James Halliday is incredibly special. Brokenwood has long deserved to win this award but hasn’t – until now.
We reviewed 18 wines from the Hunter Valley stalwart for the 2026 Companion, and 16 were awarded 95 points or over; no mean feat. Some of these wines have graced the pages of the guide since its inception.
Regional taster Toni Paterson MW says of the 2023 Graveyard Shiraz, ‘Not only is the wine a magnificent expression of this treasured vineyard, and a distinguished signature wine for Brokenwood, but it is also a benchmark of the region, making it a compelling addition to any serious wine collection.’ The ILR Reserve Semillon has won Semillon of the Year twice and was again featured in the final lineup in the annual awards judging this year.
Beyond the flagships, we must also consider that Brokenwood produces wines at many price points and of excellent quality. For a winery with tendrils now traversing multiple states (they source fruit from Beechworth, Orange, Yarra Valley, Margaret River and McLaren Vale), maintaining this level of consistency across a portfolio upwards of 30 wines is admirable.
Winemaking duo Stuart Hordern and Kate Sturgess are a force to be reckoned with and, having been mentored by Iain Riggs (who was at the helm of winemaking for 38 years), they’ve done well to fill his bottomless boots. Stuart and Kate are collectively nominated for Winemaker of the Year for their efforts. The wines under their stewardship are as good as ever, fragrant and elegant, with intensity and graceful precision.
Toni Paterson MW says of the duo, ‘They craft wines that are unmistakably Australian and regionally expressive yet resonate on a global stage.’ We can’t ask for much more than that. Brokenwood is a true icon of Australian vinous history." – Katrina Butler
