Awards panellist and Eat.Drink writer Max Allen, who has judged these awards since their inception, said: “I can’t believe we’re into the fourth year of these awards. And I can’t believe we’re still talking about Australia’s winegrowing community facing unprecedented challenges. The pandemic might be over, the bushfires and floods may have receded, but there’s still plenty to worry about: uncertain weather patterns, global oversupply, rising costs and dwindling returns, structural imbalance and poor industry governance – the list goes on.

“That’s why the Vineyard of the Year Awards – in my humble opinion – are so important. They provide shining examples of innovative ideas, leading-edge practice, and sustainable business. Collectively, they offer a ray of hope. By highlighting regenerative viticulture, by championing our best growers and viticulturists and vignerons, we can remind ourselves that growing grapes and making wine is a long-term game that requires resilience and optimism and ingenuity, all of which are on display in the list of this year’s top growers.”