1. More than 9100 wines were tasted and rated for this year’s Halliday Wine Companion, which releases on Friday, August 13.
2. Over 3200 full tasting notes appear in the coming Companion.
3. Another 5300-plus wines appear with their ratings, drink-to dates and prices.
One winery has won more than one major awards category this year for the first time.
4. More than 1250 wineries are profiled in this year’s annual guide.
5. A record total of 102 new wineries submitted their wines for the first time, with 77 of these featured in the book. Others will appear online.
6. There are now 17 varietal categories, with the new addition of Sparkling Rosé and Cabernet Shiraz, which joins the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet and Family categories.
7. The awards were judged by all seven members of the Halliday tasting team over three days. Each panellist nominated their top wines, which were assessed by the collective team within the wines' relevant brackets.
8. One winery has won more than one major awards category this year for the first time.
9. Three wines have tied for top place in one varietal category, unable to be separated in two rounds of judging.
10. This year’s awards introduce the Sparkling Wine, White Wine and Red Wine of the Year titles. These three winning wines were tasted together to determine the ultimate Wine of the Year.
12. The Viticulturist award debuts this year, becoming the seventh major category, joining Wine, Winery, Winemaker, Dark Horse, Best Value and New Winery of the Year.
13. Not every winning wine is the highest rated in its bracket due to the judging process, where wines of varying scores were submitted. As with wine shows, the best wine on the day won, regardless of rating.
14. This is the first year that shortlists have been announced, as nominated by each member of the tasting team. Catch up on all the finalists here.
15. The People’s Choice Award for Australia’s Best Winery Experience will be announced on August 7. Be sure to cast your vote before July 31.
