Victoria’s wine excellence is back in the spotlight as The Real Review announces the 2025 shortlist for its prestigious Top Wineries of Australia awards.
With nearly half of the finalists hailing from the state, including standout producers from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Macedon Ranges, Victoria’s wine regions are proving once again why they’re at the heart of the country’s most exciting drops.
This year’s awards have expanded to include eight new categories, celebrating everything from rising stars to the best in sparkling, red, and fortified wines.
The Yarra Valley dominates with finalists like Giant Steps’ Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 and Yeringberg’s 2022 red blend, while the Mornington Peninsula’s Quealy Wines and Beechworth’s Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown showcase emerging talent.
Even Victoria’s historic Rutherglen region makes a strong showing in the fortified category with Chambers and Pfeiffer Wines.
With Victoria claiming such a commanding presence, the state is poised to take home multiple trophies when the winners are revealed on 22 May.
From cool-climate Chardonnay to bold Pinot Noir, Victoria’s wineries continue to set the benchmark—proving that when it comes to Australian wine, all roads lead back to the Garden State.
The Top Wineries of Australia 2025 shortlist
- Michael Dhillon – Bindi Wines (Macedon Ranges, VIC)
- Vanya Cullen – Cullen Wines (Margaret River, WA)
- Sandra de Pury – Yerinberg (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Rising Star of the Year:
- Tom McCarthy – Quealy (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
- Tessa Brown – Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown (Beechworth, VIC)
- Gareth Belton – Gentle Folk (Adelaide Hills, SA)
Sparkling Wine of the Year:
- Printhie Swift Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012 (Orange, NSW)
- Deviation Road Beltana Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2017 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
- House Of Arras Grand Vintage 2016 (Tasmania)
White Wine of the Year:
- Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
- Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2021 (Margaret River, WA)
- Tyrrell’s Single Vineyard Stevens Semillon 2018 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Rosé Wine of the Year:
- Dominique Portet Single Vineyard Rosé 2024 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
- L.A.S. Vino Albino PNO 2023 (Margaret River, WA)
- S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé 2024 (McLaren Vale, SA)
Red Wine of the Year:
- Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz 2019 (Barossa Valley, SA)
- By Farr RP Côte Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 (Geelong, VIC)
- Yeringberg 2022 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Sweet Wine of the Year:
- De Bortoli Noble One 2021 (Riverina, NSW)
- Brown Brothers Patricia Noble Riesling 2022 (King Valley, VIC)
- Nugan Estate Cookoothama Limited Release Botrytis Semillon 2022 (Riverina, NSW)
Fortified Wine of the Year:
- Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny 1925 (Barossa Valley, SA)
- Chambers Rutherglen Grand Muscat NV (Rutherglen, VIC)
- Pfeiffer Grand Rutherglen Topaque NV (Rutherglen, VIC)
