As the number one best-selling wine guide in all of Australia, the Halliday Wine Companion is the go-to for those who enjoy the finer wines in life. Western Australia wines achieved great success at the 2023 Halliday awards. Announced in early August, WA awards included the prestigious ‘Winemaker of the Year’ as well as best wines for varieties including Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Claiming the incredibly prestigious title of 'Winemaker of the Year' was Xanadu Wines' head winemaker Glenn Goodall. Xanadu has made a name for itself both in Margaret River and Australia-wide, claiming wine awards from wine royalty such as Ray Jordan. Undertaking his 24th year at Xanadu, Glenn and the team have amassed 339 gold medals and 127 trophies from wine shows in WA and beyond. Xanadu's Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine to watch after being named one of Australia's top 100 reds, and truly makes the most of the Margaret River Region's prime Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Deep Woods Estate was awarded the 'Best Value Winery' prize. Known for being WA's biggest producer of rosé wine, Deep Woods also crafts a variety of different wines that are designed to highlight the versatility of the Margaret River Region.
A relative newcomer on the scene, L.A.S. Vino in Margaret River took home the 'Dark Horse Winery' prize. L.A.S. Vino produce wines with a youthful flair, guided by their mantra of "minimal intervention with maximum flavour". Working with biodynamic, sustainable and organic vineyards, the talents of winemaker Nic Peterkin are showcased in a range of reds, whites, rosés and pét nats.
Stella Bella Wines in Margaret River for their Luminosa Chardonnay (2020 vintage). The Luminosa range of wines are created by winemaekers Luke Jolliffe and Steve Martin in small batches to showcase Margaret River's most exceptional vintages.
The Sauvignon Blanc of the Year award was given to Flowstone Wines in Margaret River for their Queen of the Earth Sauvignon Blanc (2020 vintage). Winemakers Stuart Pym and Phil Giglia are the masterminds behind this small winery with a big heart, and they pride themselves on having hands-on experience to create exceptional quality wines.
Hailing from vineyards in the Perth Hills, Battles Wines were awarded Shiraz of the Year for their Granitis Shiraz (2020 vintage). Creators Lance Parkin & Kris Ambrozkiewicz strive to "walk every row and touch every bunch to ensure the best result" and capture the warmer-climate Perth Hills flavour in every bottle of their Shiraz.
Wine