This Halliday award acknowledges the tremendous skill of the viticulturist. As vine and soil custodians, their job is to produce optimal fruit regardless of season or vintage – something becoming significantly more difficult as climate change increasingly disturbs regular vintage patterns.
The viticulturists chosen to be finalists this year, have been able to keep up with the changing environment, innovate on the fly, and – most importantly – share their learnings with the wider community of winemakers and viticulturists. The future of Australian wine rests heavily on their shoulders – as they prepare the industry for longterm prosperity.
Learn a little more about the top viticulturists in Australia right now.
Chris Davies, Windows Estate
Where: Margaret River, Western Australia
Year the Australian winery was established: 1999
Winemakers: Chris Davies
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “The [Windows Estate] property covers 48 hectares and most is retained as a conservation zone, yet Chris has never cleared any land to grow grapes – he only planted vines where the landscape allowed. It’s been a journey, one where he latterly learnt about Poussard pruning and sap flow pruning, which build better resilience in the vines, and are both labour-intensive and rewarding. Chris’ approach is all about growing better fruit – the best fruit.” – Jane Faulkner
Colin McBryde, Adelina Wines
Where: Clare Valley, South Australia
Year the Australian winery was established: 2002
Winemaker: Colin McBride
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “Colin McBryde presides over a mere 6.5ha, but that land is worked with extreme diligence. Old clones, old vines, a mix of varieties, rugged soils and a dry landscape mean that Colin McBride’s quarry is meshed deeply in hard and constant work, more or less alone, while maintaining organic certification. Alongside this, Colin aims for lower yields to produce the highest-quality fruit. The transformation of the site from well-loved family vineyard to one that produces formidable wines, with a near-impossible year-on-year incremental improvement, is something else.” – Mike Bennie
Dr Dylan Grigg, Vinya Vella and Meristem Viticulture
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “Besides making some of Australia’s most exciting grenache under his Vinya Vella label, Dylan operates Meristem Viticulture consultancy, working with clients in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills and overseas in Spain and Italy. With a PhD in viticultural science, Dylan’s doctoral thesis investigated how grapevine age influences various aspects of wine production, from grapevine growth to wine quality. There is no viticulturist more qualified to work with Australia’s precious old-vine resources than Dr Grigg.” – Dave Brookes
Dr Irina Santiago-Brown and Dudley Brown, Inkwell
Where: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Year the Australian winery was established: 2003
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “Dr Irina Santiago-Brown and Dudley Brown’s approach to not just their vineyard but the world around them is at the point of the spear for regenerative, sustainable and ethical farming. Irina has a master of viticulture and a PhD in sustainability in viticulture. She wrote the book on sustainability in vineyards in this country, crafting the Sustainable Australia Winegrowing program in McLaren Vale, which has since been morphed into the national program, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.” – Marcus Ellis
Stephen Sadlier, Nenagh Park Vineyard
Where: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Provides fruit to: Serrat, Rob Hall Wines and Bobar
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “Like a lot of viticulturists, Stephen Sadlier is one of those ‘local legends’ who is happiest when he’s in his vineyard – or others – rather than being in the limelight. Sadlier began planting his own vineyard, Nenagh Park, which is in the foothills of the Christmas Hills near Yarra Glen, in ’91. Nenagh Park provides organically grown chardonnay and pinot noir fruit to Serrat, Rob Hall Wines and Bobar, whose wines from this carefully managed site consistently show well.” – Philip Rich
Tom Ward, Swinging Bridge
Where: Orange, New South Wales
Year the Australian winery was established: 1995
Winemaker: Tom Ward
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “With a background in agriculture, finance, tourism and government relations, Tom Ward has been a tireless advocate for the NSW wine industry, shaping its future through leadership, innovation and sustainability. Committed to research-driven viticulture, Tom integrates cutting-edge technology into vineyard management. He uses moisture probes and weather stations to optimise water efficiency, satellite imagery to assess vine vigour and soil health, and minimises heavy machinery use to reduce soil compaction.” – Shanteh Wale
Troy McInnes, Chalmers
Where: Murray Darling, Victoria
Year the Australian winery was established: 1989
Winemaker: Bruce Chalmers, Troy McInnes, Matt Stonehouse
Why they have been nominated for the 2026 Halliday Viticulturist of the Year award: “Troy McInnes is the quiet but methodical hand behind one of the country’s leading vineyards. One look at his glorious vineyard and you can see why. It is a treasure trove of some 26 different grape varieties that he has tended for the last 15 years... His grapes are not only the basis for the compelling Chalmers wines, but are also sold to like-minded winemakers around the state. He is among the leading authorities in Australia on the production of grape varieties which will help counter the effects of an increasingly warmer environment.” – Jeni Port
2026 People's Choice Award
Voting is now open for the 2026 Halliday People's Choice Award. While the Awards celebrates the best of the best in Australian wine, the People's Choice Award honours the best winery experience from around the country. Cast your vote and go into the running to win the ultimate prize pack valued at over $1900. Vote now.
2026 Taste the Awards events
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Taste the Awards events. Meet some of the winning winemakers and be the first to taste the top wines of the year. Taste the Awards 2026 is an exclusive showcase of award-winning wines and wineries from the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Secure your tickets below.Taste the Awards: Melbourne
Thursday August 8, 2024
Sophia, Prahran
Book here
Taste the Awards: Brisbane
Thursday August 15, 2024
Blackbird, Brisbane City
Book here
The winner of each category will be announced at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards on Wednesday August 20, 2025.
The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion is available from August 21. You can pre-order your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide here.
*This is an edited extract from the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Katrina Butler, Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW. Cover art by James Coe.
