The 2026 People's Choice Award Winner: Brown Brothers

The Tasting Team may determine the major and varietal Halliday Award winners, but it’s the public who decides which winery offers the best overall experience.

This year, almost 10,000 votes were cast for wineries across the country. In the end, the King Valley’s Brown Brothers came out on top, snatching the 2026 People’s Choice Award. 

This Victorian winery really knows how to entertain wine lovers, offering a hatted restaurant, luxe cellar door, and a huge assortment of tours and experiences. 

"We’re incredibly proud of the range of experiences we offer as it means no two visits to Brown Brothers ever have to be the same – unless, of course, you want them to be,” says Georgia Beavis, Brown Brothers’ multi venue operations manager.

"Our cellar door is the beating heart of it all, where we share our wines in a way that’s relaxed, personal, and a little bit cheeky. We love a good laugh with our guests."

But the experiences go far beyond the cellar door. Sip bubbles at the Prosecco Lounge, or indulge in a Slow Lunch at the restaurant – a five-course degustation with the option of paired wines. For something more relaxed, try a luxury picnic (with a selection of cold antipasto and cheese platters, salads, hot items, and seasonal specials) in the glamping tent, which is kitted out with rugs, cushions and low tables for casual grazing.

If you’re there to learn more about the winery, you can either join the Tour and Taste experience for a behind-the-scenes tour followed by a premium seated tasting at the cellar door. Or book into the Secret Life of a Winemaker experience for a winemaker-led tour of the winery and family cellar. Those preferring to get a bit more hands on can sign up for a Wine Blending Experience.

For the ultimate experience, the Wine and Food Adventure sees you forage for seasonal produce in the Kitchen Garden with their chefs, go on a special winery tour to spaces not normally accessible, enjoy a premium wine tasting at the cellar door, and finish with lunch featuring the produce you helped harvest. Each dish is paired with Brown Brothers wines for an unforgettable culinary adventure, and the experience takes five hours in total.

"It’s been a journey of decades, really. Each year we’ve built on what came before, layering in new ideas, refining what works, and listening to our guests. It’s not just about adding more – it’s about making sure every experience feels seamless, authentic and special,” says Georgia.

"The People’s Choice win just gives us even more energy to keep creating and surprising our guests with more reasons to return to our beautiful part of the world." 

For more information head to brownbrothers.com.au or visit the cellar door at 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa, Victoria.

Preorder your copy of the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion today 

The 2026 edition of the seminal guide to Australian wine, the Halliday Wine Companion, will be released on August 21, 2025. Secure your copy today, or sign up to receive one as part of your Vintage Halliday membership.