13 wineries to discover this winter

With over 4000 wineries in Australia, it can be hard to know which ones to explore. To help you out, we've put together a list of 13 wonderful wineries from regions including the Barossa Valley, Rutherglen, Strathbogie Ranges, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley, Southern Tasmania, Nagambie Lakes, McLaren Vale, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Coonawarra and Great Southern.

They all produce great wines that you should put on your list to try this winter and some even have cellar doors you can visit!

Learn more about each producer and find your new favourite from the list below. 

Campbells, Rutherglen

Campbells has a long and rich history with five generations of family winemaking. There were difficult times such as phylloxera’s arrival in the Bobbie Burns vineyard in 1898 or the Depression of the 1930s. However, the Scottish-blood of founder John Campbell ensured that the business flourished. Bobbie Burns Shiraz is their well-known favourite, followed closely by The Barkly Durif and The Brothers Shiraz, finishing with the world-famous Rutherglen Muscat and most notably the Merchant Prince Rare Rutherglen Muscat.

Fifth generation daughters of Colin Campbell, Jane and Julie Campbell, are now at the helm as managing director and head winemaker respectively.

5 ★ winery | campbellswines.com.au | Halliday profile 

Fowles Wine, Strathbogie Ranges

Fowles Wine is an award-winning, family-owned winery led by Matt Fowles. While recent bushfires have impacted their vineyards in the Strathbogie Ranges, the philosophy that has shaped every wine remains unchanged. At the heart of Fowles is a portfolio of distinctive brands including Ladies who Shoot their Lunch, Are you Game? and Farm to Table, each made with a focus on balance, texture and food pairing. Over the past decade, Fowles has evolved into a complete wine and food experience, with the cellar door and restaurant in Avenel offering a farm-to-table dining experience, where every dish on the menu has been created to perfectly match a Fowles Wine.

5 ★ winery | fowles.com | Halliday profile

Hirsch Hill, Yarra Valley

Founded in 1998, Hirsch Hill is a family-owned, Yarra Valley producer established on land originally intended for thoroughbred breeding, before shifting to viticulture with its first commercial vintage in 2001. Their two vineyards, while distinctly cool climate, have performed strongly across a broad range of varieties, producing wines that reflect both regional character and consistency.

The business entered a new phase from 2018 under the direction of Ben Hirsch, with a renewed direction across both viticulture and winemaking. The appointment of Chief Winemaker Peter Mackey in 2022 further strengthened quality and precision. Hirsch Hill focuses on classic Yarra Valley varieties, with an emphasis on balance, approachability and value, continuing to build as a consistent and progressive regional producer.

4.5 ★ winery | hirschwinegroup.com.au | Halliday profile

Mewstone Wines, Southern Tasmania

Brothers Matthew and Jonathan (Jonny) Hughes established Mewstone Vineyard on the banks of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in the tiny hamlet of Flowerpot in '11. The vineyard is planted on a former cherry orchard, the original 2ha since expanded to 5.2ha consisting mainly of pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay. Jonny is the winemaker in this family venture; he studied winemaking in NZ before working in Langhorne Creek, Central Otago, Mornington Peninsula, Barolo, Hunter Valley and Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Heading home to Tasmania, Jonny worked in various roles within the local wine industry before settling in as the assistant winemaker at Moorilla Estate for 7 years. With the vineyard established to produce the single-site Mewstone wines, the brothers have embarked on a 2nd label, Hughes & Hughes, which focuses on Tasmania as a whole. – James Halliday

5 ★ winery | mewstonewines.com.au | Halliday profile

Mistletoe Wines, Hunter Valley

Mistletoe Wines can trace its history back to 1909 when a vineyard was planted on what was then called Mistletoe Farm. Ken and Gwen Sloan purchased the Pokolbin property in ’89 and created a family business spanning 3 generations. In '22, the Sloan family sold their vineyard, and in '23, the Mistletoe Wines brand was sold to David and Amy McWilliam. David is a fifth-generation vigneron from one of Australia's most well-known winemaking families and also owns and operates David McWilliam Wines. Both labels source fruit from estate vines at the Mistletoe Lane property. – Katrina Butler

5 ★ winery | mistletoewines.com.au | Halliday profile

Mitchelton, Nagambie Lakes

Set on the banks of the Goulburn River, Mitchelton Wines stands as one of Victoria’s most iconic wine estates. Founded in 1969, the estate is renowned for its striking architecture and premium wine portfolio. Located in the Nagambie Lakes region, it benefits from warm days, cool nights and ancient Cambrian soils, producing elegant, balanced wines. Acquired by the Ryan family in 2011, Mitchelton built a reputation for well-crafted, Australian wines across a range of styles. The estate also offers a complete destination experience, combining wine with hospitality, and continues its legacy of producing approachable wines suited to dining and enjoyment.

4.5 ★ winery | mitchelton.com.au | Halliday profile

Oliver's Taranga Vineyards, McLaren Vale 

Six generations of stubborn, competitive growers and one equally spirited winemaker – that’s the Oliver family. For more than 185 years, they’ve been growing grapes on their 100-hectare Taranga property in McLaren Vale, maintaining a deep and enduring connection to the land.

Discover the stunning cellar door, including the superbly refurbished heritage workers’ cottage, or relax on the glorious all-weather deck overlooking the vineyard. Taste small-batch, handcrafted wines that reflect both variety and vintage. Leading the winemaking is Corrina Wright, known as the ‘Queen of Fiano’ for her passion and expertise with the Italian grape variety. She is helping establish the region as one of the country’s most notable destinations for these distinctive wines.

5 ★ winery | oliverstaranga.com | Halliday profile

Paramoor, Macedon Ranges

Paramoor is set on 17ha of beautiful country not far from Hanging Rock; it was initially a Clydesdale horse farm, with a magnificent heritage-style barn now used for cellar door sales and functions. The site is planted to 0.5ha each of pinot noir, pinot gris and riesling. As of 2025, Paramoor now has a number of additional sites, including in the Macedon Ranges (pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet franc and malbec) and in Colbinabbin (shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and grenache for rosé). – James Halliday 

5 ★ winery | paramoor.com.au | Halliday profile 

Pt. Leo Estate, Mornington Peninsula

Upon arrival you are welcomed by the sight of spectacular art and architecture. A glimpse through the doorway reveals an incomparable vista of the ocean, the 50-acre vineyard and outdoor Sculpture Park; housing over 70 large-scale sculptures set in perfectly manicured natural surrounds.

Inside, the building offers a celebration of world-class food, wine and service. Award-winning restaurants Pt. Leo Restaurant and fine dining space Laura offer seasonal menus featuring local produce. The cellar door and wine terrace offer wine tastings and casual dining in a relaxed environment. Pt. Leo Estate is truly an art, food and wine destination.

4 ★ winery | ptleoestate.com.au | Halliday profile

Raidis Estate, Coonawarra

The Raidis family has lived and worked in Coonawarra for over 40 years. Chris Raidis was only 3 years old when he arrived in Australia with his parents, who were market gardeners in Greece before coming here. In '94 he planted just under 5ha of cabernet sauvignon; son Steven significantly expanded the vineyard in '03 with sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris, merlot and shiraz. The cellar door was opened by then Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard in '09, an impressive example of pulling power. – James Halliday 

raidis.com.au | Halliday profile

Rockcliffe, Great Southern 

Rockcliffe Winery, formerly known as Matilda’s Estate, is located in Denmark in Western Australia’s renowned Great Southern region. Set on a picturesque 36-hectare property, just 4km from town, the winery has been producing exceptional wines since 2007. Owned by Dr Steve Hall, its ranges draw inspiration from local surf breaks, including Rockcliffe, Third Reef and Quarram Rocks. Over the years, Rockcliffe has won more than its fair share of trophies and gold and silver medals in wine shows. Alongside its award-winning wines, visitors can enjoy relaxed tastings, regular live music events, and onsite camping via Hipcamp, plus solar-powered pizzas, fresh platters, and house-made gelato and fudge.

rockcliffe.com.au | Halliday profile

Saltfleet, McLaren Vale

Saltfleet is a micro-operation created by a couple of young surfers with their gaze on a future built on the right grapes, rather than the wrong ones. Saltfleet is focused on fruit from lauded sites, non-invasive handling and pulpy, effusively energetic wines with a winning immediacy and mouth-watering deliciousness. The winsome approach is built on hand harvesting, semi-carbonic fermentations smattered with a seasoning of whole bunches, gentle extractions, a short élevage in used wood and minimal adds (other than psychologically reassuring dollops of sulphur dioxide). The results are impressive. – Ned Goodwin MW

5 ★ winery | saltfleet.com | Halliday profile

Willunga 100 Wines, McLaren Vale 

Willunga 100 was founded on the belief that grenache deserved to be taken seriously. In 2004, while others focused on shiraz and cabernet, the founders sought out McLaren Vale’s old grenache vines and proved their potential with an award-winning first vintage in 2005. Since then, the winery has remained dedicated to crafting expressive, site-driven wines from exceptional vineyards in Blewitt Springs and Clarendon. Today, winemaker Renae Hirsch continues that vision, producing vibrant, aromatic grenache that speaks of place. From the deep sandy soils of Blind Spot Vineyard to treasured grower sites, each wine reflects the landscape, the vines and the people behind Willunga 100.

Visitors can taste through the Willunga 100 award-winning range at their newly opened Grenache Room in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale.

5 ★ winery | willunga100.com | Halliday profile