Yarra Valley stalwart Yarra Yering has once again cemented its place at the top of Australian wine, taking out the coveted number one spot in The Real Review’s Top Wineries of Australia—marking the third time the Gruyere producer has claimed the title.
A third national title
Beating out hundreds of wineries nationwide, the result underscores a sustained run of form rather than a single standout vintage. The judging panel, led by prominent wine writer Huon Hooke, assessed more than 10,000 wines to compile this year’s rankings—making the top position a significant industry benchmark.
At the helm is winemaker Sarah Crowe, working in close partnership with vineyard manager Andrew George. Crowe described the recognition as “incredibly meaningful,” pointing to the long-term effort behind the accolade.
“Accolades like this don’t happen through one great vintage alone—they come from consistency, care and attention over a long period of time,” she said.
Such consistency is exactly what set 56-year-old Yarra Yering apart. The review highlighted the winery’s ability to deliver at the highest-level year after year, noting the strength of its collaborative approach. “To have a suite of wines consistently reaching that top tier confirms that Yarra Yering remains at the absolute top of its game,” she said.
Superstar wines leading the charge
Founded in 1969 by Dr Bailey Carrodus, Yarra Yering remains one of the Yarra Valley’s most iconic estates. Set on dry-grown vineyards in the Warramate foothills, the winery has built its reputation on small-batch production, meticulous fruit selection and a commitment to wines that favour precision and longevity over immediacy—an approach that continues to pay benefit on the national stage.
Among this year’s standout bottles were the winery’s flagship Dry Red Wine No. 1 and No. 2, alongside the Underhill Shiraz and Carrodus Chardonnay—labels that have long helped define Yarra Yering’s reputation for structured, age-worthy wines.
Victoria was strongly represented across the rankings, with three other local producers landing in the top 10: Levantine Hill (2), Wine by Farr (7) and Chambers Rosewood (9). The broader list also highlighted the depth of talent across the state, with 10 Victorian finalists recognised across various categories.
Elsewhere, Beechworth’s Fighting Gully Road took out White Wine of the Year for its Smiths’ Vineyard Chardonnay, while Rutherglen institution Campbells claimed Fortified Wine of the Year for its rare muscat—further reinforcing Victoria’s dominance across styles.
Other top Victorian wineries for 2026
Several regional names also made notable gains. Giant Steps, another Yarra Valley favourite led by winemaker Melanie Chester, placed 13th, just shy of the top 10. Stanton & Killeen surged up the rankings to 39th, while Ballarat’s Eastern Peake climbed into the top 30.
Hooke said the results come at a pivotal moment for the industry. “At a time when the wine industry faces growing challenges, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the individuals behind the craft, and the distinctive styles they bring to life,” he said.