A friend once said to me, after overhearing someone admit that they only drank Australian, that “wine is a journey,” implying that anyone who limits themselves to the vinous outputs of just one country is missing the point. And while I vehemently agree with this – as anyone who enjoys wine will attest, one of life’s great joys is to drink as far and wide as humanly possible – too often we put international wines on a pedestal at the expense of our own.
The reality is that Australian wines are world class. Unbound by the traditions that shackle many of our European counterparts, our winemakers are free to experiment with different varieties, styles and techniques, which they do to wondrous effect. And while it’s true that our industry (although not our land or vines) is comparatively young, it is not so young that we have not had time to learn a thing or two.
Another, more sobering, reality is that it’s tough out there for our industry right now. Consumption is down, exports are off, the kids won’t drink shiraz. It rains either not enough or too much, and frost and bushfires are somehow a simultaneous risk. More cellar doors are closing than are opening, and although there are too many vineyards, it's the most historic ones that are being bulldozed to make way for housing estates. If we want the Aussie wine industry to survive, it's crucial we support it.
So, this festive season, I and the rest of the Halliday team are going to practice what we preach and drink Australian wines.
Below, you’ll find our ultimate Aussie wine list. Because Christmas (or Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or any holiday, denominational or otherwise) is a time for celebration, and because our dreams aren't concerned with budget, the 80 bottles on this list are largely on the premium side and represent the best of what Australia can do.
We also stuck to the major categories to keep it manageable, but there are plenty of stellar expressions of chenin blanc, aligoté, sangiovese and other ‘alternative’ varieties that would make worthy additions to your table this festive season (as would the many wonderful wines from newer producers that we didn’t have space to include).
Whether you drink something off this list or not is up to you – just make sure it's Australian.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Join Halliday Wine Club to drink the very best of Australian and New Zealand wine
Are you an explorer, enthusiast or collector? No matter the Halliday Wine Club plan you choose, each month we'll deliver two bottles of 95+ point wines direct to your door. From $89 per month. You can skip, pause or cancel anytime. Join now.
