2026 Dark Horse Winery
bakkheia – Geographe, Western Australia
bakkheia has been named the 2026 Companion's Dark Horse Winery.
Previously, the Dark Horse Winery award recognised Australian wineries that had achieved a 5-star rating for the first time. But now, the category exists to champion the hidden gems and underdogs – those who fly under the radar but deserve the spotlight. And we can think of no winery more deserving of this accolade than bakkheia.
Behind this unique project in Western Australia’s Geographe is Michael Edwards, a former navy clearance diver who learned how to grow vines and make wine through trial and error. He was never tied to the traditional ways of running a winery but drawn to this work because he enjoyed making and drinking good wine.
“We're never going to be millionaires from it. It was never designed to make us millionaires. I know that's a bit bizarre,” Michael says. “As long as we were in the black, money wasn't the focus. The importance was always the great enjoyment we had, the great pleasure we found in living on the land and making something we’re proud of.”
"The project is underpinned by the Mediterranean grape varieties of grenache, mourvèdre, tempranillo, graciano, some shiraz and also a splash of chardonnay from ‘across the road’.
The wines deliver great varietal character (and intrigue in blends) with a finesse and poise that gives pause. Savouriness is embedded in the wines, so too restraint. Of course, the bingo card reads organic, minimal intervention, lighter shades of red, elegance, fine tannin, minerality; that should tick a lot of boxes.
This has to be one of the most exciting boutique projects in the country right now – each wine an adventure and generally just damn outstanding." – Mike Bennie
