This year’s Top Wineries had some significant movers and some well-deserved newcomers. Here’s a selection of wineries to watch, that have either rocketed up the charts from the previous year, or are new entrants that have not previously been listed in the rankings.

Nic Peterkin’s Margaret River based winery L.A.S. Vino jumped 170 spots from 206 in 2024 to 36. Wines like his Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 and his Wildberry Springs Chardonnay 2023 are the reason for the significant move, fabulously pure and expressive examples of their genre.

Rutherglen stalwart Buller also leapt up the rankings, going to 54 from 238, a jump of 184 places. Not only did their exquisite fortifieds such as the Calliope Rare Topaque boost their ranking, it’s also wines like the plush and juicy Calliope Shiraz 2019 that contributed to the rise.

Whilst on the Rutherglen angle, it was also fabulous to see Morris and Chamber’s Rosewood enter the rankings for the first time, coming in at 21 and 22 respectively. These two ‘elder statesmen’ of Rutherglen produce fortifieds of incredible age, complexity and deliciousness. I most recently reviewed the Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Topaque and awarded it 97 points. It truly is a wine of wonder and awesomeness. Likewise, Huon recently reviewed the Chambers Grand Muscadelle and awarded it a very deserving 98 points. These are wines unique to Australia and deserve their position among the great wine styles of the world.

Relatively new Barossa label Utopos, made by the highly regarded Kym Teusner jumped a whopping 153 places, from 213 to 60. The Mataro Grenache Shiraz 2022, Shiraz 2022 and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 all garnering 95 points, so the rapid rise is understandable.

Established just over a decade ago, Silkman Wines is the passion and micro project of Liz and Shaun Silkman. Silkman moved a staggering 182 places this year, from 290 to 98. Their semillon, chardonnay and shiraz across the ‘regular’ and reserve labels are all outstanding examples of what the Hunter Valley can produce and display their sense of place superbly.

Lowestoft is the key Tasmanian brand of the premium Fogarty Wine Group and it jumped from 350 to 102. Its array of sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir wines sourced from the Coal River, Derwent, Tamar and Huon Valleys, have established Lowestoft as a fine regional brand in a relatively short space of time.

I’ve been impressed with the wines of Mulline out of Geelong over the last couple of years: its range of chardonnays and pinot noirs is very pure and precise and shows fabulous regionality. Mulline jumps into the rankings at 52 and cements its place as a top producer, going places fast.

Likewise, Crittenden Wines has come up to land at position 61. Crittenden is a name that’s been around for many years and is synonymous with high quality Mornington Peninsula wines. Their chardonnay and pinot noir are benchmark styles; throw in the quirky and delicious Jura-style Cri de Coeur Sous Voile Savagnin and Macvin savagnin, and it’s no wonder that it’s made an appearance for the first time—and so high on the list.

This year’s Top Wineries list displays a number of ‘sure things’ but it’s also incredibly satisfying to see those that soared upwards in their ranking, as well as those who made the list for the first time.