When I turned 70 in August 2008, I made two decisions that took effect from the start of that year. First, that I should stop judging at the many capital city and regional wine shows at which I had served over the preceding 30 or so years. Second, that I should begin to future-proof the Wine Companion, and for the first time seek help in completing the tasting process.
The Halliday Wine Companion 2009 released that year contained 5778 full tasting notes, 169 new wineries and 1661 winery profiles in its 768 pages. So, I inveigled Ben Edwards to come on board with his qualifications as a senior wine show judge and, at the time, head of the Australian Sommeliers Association. To say I was pleased is an understatement, and Ben stayed true for five years before moving to Victoria’s Alpine Valleys with his wife to run a luxury retreat. Campbell Mattinson – and Tyson Stelzer for sparkling wines – joined the band after that, with yet more swelling of the ranks over the following years, and there were six of us behind the new 2021 edition.
Tyson developed the brilliant idea of dividing the tastings geographically, with each member of the tasting panel now responsible for the regions where they already have special insight. The tasting team, which was led by Tyson as chief editor from 2020–2022, and then Campbell again from 2022–2024, now consists of nine members, an exciting development which has my unqualified support.
In early 2024, I made the decision to retire from wine writing. I look forward to seeing this next stage in the Companion's evolution unfold as it enters this new era.
The Halliday Wine Companion 2009 released that year contained 5778 full tasting notes, 169 new wineries and 1661 winery profiles in its 768 pages. So, I inveigled Ben Edwards to come on board with his qualifications as a senior wine show judge and, at the time, head of the Australian Sommeliers Association. To say I was pleased is an understatement, and Ben stayed true for five years before moving to Victoria’s Alpine Valleys with his wife to run a luxury retreat. Campbell Mattinson – and Tyson Stelzer for sparkling wines – joined the band after that, with yet more swelling of the ranks over the following years, and there were six of us behind the new 2021 edition.
Tyson developed the brilliant idea of dividing the tastings geographically, with each member of the tasting panel now responsible for the regions where they already have special insight. The tasting team, which was led by Tyson as chief editor from 2020–2022, and then Campbell again from 2022–2024, now consists of nine members, an exciting development which has my unqualified support.
In early 2024, I made the decision to retire from wine writing. I look forward to seeing this next stage in the Companion's evolution unfold as it enters this new era.
Yours sincerely,
James Halliday
Read about the Halliday Tasting Team here.