Picured: Yalumba
South Australia’s wine industry has shone nationally, with a handful of talented local producers taking out some of the country’s biggest honours in The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2026 rankings.
While Victoria’s Yarra Yering claimed the coveted Winery of the Year title for a record third time, South Australian wineries shone throughout the rankings. South Australia accounted for the largest share of ranked wineries nationwide, making up an impressive 34.3 per cent of the country’s top producers. South Aussie wineries also walked away with six of the nine major category awards.
Leading the state’s charge was legendary Wendouree, which landed at number three overall in Australia’s top winery rankings, alongside Penfolds at number four.
Wendouree, Tony Brady
One of the standout wins came from Steve Pannell of S.C. Pannell, who was named Vigneron of the Year for his innovative and site-driven approach to winemaking in McLaren Vale.
Chaffey Bros scored a major victory in the Rosé Wine of the Year category with its Not Your Grandma’s Rosé 2025, a $25 bottle that outperformed significantly more expensive competitors.
And one of South Australia’s most respected wine figures, Louisa Rose of Yalumba, was awarded the prestigious Len Evans Prize for her decades-long contribution to the Australian wine industry.
The award recognises leadership, innovation and long-term impact within Australian wine, and Louisa Rose’s influence stretches well beyond the vineyard. Across more than 30 vintages with Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, she has become one of the country’s most respected voices in winemaking and wine education.
The results also highlight just how broad and dynamic South Australia’s wine scene has become.
Alongside powerhouse legacy brands, the state’s producers are increasingly gaining recognition for experimentation, climate-conscious viticulture and alternative varietals, something helping South Australia maintain its position at the forefront of Australian wine innovation.
The Real Review Principal Wine Writer Huon Hooke shared, “Victoria and South Australia were strongly represented in this year’s Top 10 wineries, each with four placements, reflecting their strength in Australia’s fine wine landscape. New South Wales also secured a notable entry, with the much-admired Tyrrell’s placing at number five, a reminder of the Hunter Valley’s continued relevance among the country’s leading producers.”
Thistledown Wines, Giles Cooke
The Real Review tasting panel assessed more than 10,000 wines to determine the 2026 rankings, with only 429 wineries nationwide ultimately receiving Top Wineries certification.
These awards highlight how iconic our state’s history of winemaking is, and that its future is looking just as strong.
South Australia’s Top 5
- Wendouree #3
- Penfolds #4
- Henschke #6
- Thistledown #10
- Yalumba #11
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