General News
5 July, 2026
Grampians wineries up for top awards
THE Great Western region has again been recognised for its outstanding wines, with two local names shortlisted in this year's Halliday Wine Companion Awards. After tasting around 7,500 wines from more than 1,000 wineries across 60 Australian wine regions, the Halliday judging panel has named local wineries Black & Ginger and Best's Wines among this year's finalists.
Black & Ginger has been shortlisted in the Dark Horse Winery category, which celebrates producers that are making exceptional wines but remain under-recognised within the industry.
The Great Western micro-winery is competing alongside producers from renowned wine regions including the Macedon Ranges, Hunter Valley and Adelaide Hills.
Owners Hadyn and Lucy Black and Darcy Naunton submitted a range of wines, with three receiving scores of 95 points, Lucy's Rosé, Rapunzel Riesling and Miss Piggy, a Muscat and Riesling blend.
Lucy Black said the nomination was a significant achievement for the small winery.
"We are very excited. Words can't describe it actually, it's a pretty incredible honour and a testament to years and years of hard work. We are pretty proud."
Lucy said the Halliday awards are highly regarded throughout Australia by both wine makers and drinkers.
"It's hard to explain, but Halliday is the pinnacle of Australian reviews. As a region we are punching above our weight, which is good. In this case we are one of nine nominees out of the country."
Hadyn Black said receiving strong scores across several wines was particularly rewarding.
"The Piggy we make every year, so to get that recognition for that, especially the muscat, it's a bit of a lesser-known variety, lesser-known wine. It's pretty incredible. We've got some good scores in the past but to get those three great scores is awesome."
Haydn and Lucy were particularly pleasing to see more than one Grampians producer recognised in this years awards.
"Best's, Ben Thomson with the viticulture, there are two shortlisted wineries in the Grampians this year, which is definitely big," said Lucy.
Hadyn said that the region has been able to produce quality wines for a long time and it was time to celebrate their achievement.
"It's great for the Grampians to see the guys that have been around for 160 years as well as us that have only been around for 10 years getting a bit of recognition."
Best's Wines viticulturist Ben Thomson has been shortlisted for Viticulturist of the Year.
The nomination for a Halliday award is the first time for Ben, who said it was humbling to have his work recognised.
"It's pretty exciting actually. It's nice to be put up with some pretty elite people for an award. Quite often you don't get too many thanks for behind-the-scenes work to produce the product that people like. It's nice for someone to give you a pat on the back every now and then."
Best’s Wines and Black and Ginger said they are grateful for the nominations however it’s the wine lovers that matter the most.
"The best reward for me is if you like the product we make,” said Ben.
"These things just help recognise and help promote the region."
The winners of the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards will be announced on Wednesday, August 19.
Visit www.winecompanion.com.au to cast your vote.
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