Oakridge Wines has been named 2023 Winery of the Year in The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia following a year-long tasting of more than 10,000 wines.

Oakridge shot to the number one position after appearing at no.18 in the Real Review’s rankings in 2022.

Part of Endeavour Group’s fine wine portfolio Paragon Wine Estates, Oakridge Wines is located in Victoria’s oldest wine region, the Yarra Valley.

Endeavour Group CEO and Managing Director Steve Donohue said: “This is a special moment for the whole team at Oakridge, who have set the bar so high for winemaking and hospitality in such an iconic Australian wine region.

“Oakridge is the jewel in the Yarra Valley’s crown and we feel so incredibly lucky to be custodians of this incredible winery.

“Congratulations to David Bicknell and everyone at Oakridge on this well-deserved recognition.”

The Real Review tasting team, led by principals Bob Campbell ONZM MW and Huon Hooke, were especially impressed with Oakridge’s 2021 vintage single vineyard pinot noirs and cabernets. Both the 2021 864 Henk Aqueduct Pinot Noir and 2021 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon achieved an outstanding 98pts.

“Oakridge is now owned by Endeavour Drinks, the Woolworths spin-off which seems set to be a major player in wine production as well as sales,” the tasting team said.

“While some observers were cynical about this move, there has been no detectable change in wine quality or style.”

“The Top Wineries of Australia 2023 is the best of the best in Australian wine. Wineries of all scale feature at the top, emphasising that the quality of the wine alone defines a winery’s placement on this ranking,” Hooke (above) said. 

“Oakridge, and its talented winemaker David Bicknell, consistently deliver a range of benchmark quality wines, but it’s Bicknell’s wizardry with chardonnay that sets Oakridge at the top. He is one of the greats of the Yarra Valley, and his refined releases this past year deserve the Winery of the Year title.” 

Chief Winemaker David Bicknell said: “This is particularly gratifying, as we’ve been fully focused on the inheritance and rebuilding of great vineyards, winery operations, consistency and reputation over many years. We’re ready now for the next step in realising our potential. None of this would have happened without the care and dedication of the various teams here, winery, vineyard and hospitality. There’s a genuine affection and desire to make this place the best it can be.”

Australia’s top 5 wineries for 2023

1.Oakridge (Yarra Valley, VIC)

2. Morris (Rutherglen, VIC)

3. Penfolds (Barossa Valley, SA)

4. Eisenstone (Barossa Valley, SA)

5. Wendouree (Clare Valley, SA)

Eisenstone Wines was the big mover on the list, it ranked No.238 in 2022 and now sits just behind Penfolds at No.4.

“Eisenstone is one of the most exciting new wineries to emerge in the last few years,” Hooke said. “Stephen Cook [above] has a laser-sharp focus on producing mind-blowing shiraz, and what a line-up he’s released with the 2020 collection.”

The top 10 wines from the top 10 wineries

• Oakridge 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – 98 points – $96 RRP
• Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Topaque – 98 points – $90 RRP
• Penfolds Grange 2018 – 99 points – $1000 RRP
• Eisenstone Hoffmann Vineyard Ebenezer SV902 Shiraz – 99 points – $115 RRP
• Wendouree Shiraz 2020 – 98 points – $75 RRP
• Wine By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir 2020 – 97 points – $115 RRP
• Hardys Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – 98 points – $165 RRP
• Stella Bella Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – 99 points – $90 RRP
• Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2021 – 98 points – $96 RRP
• Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2017 – 98 points – $900 RRP

The complete list of this year’s Top Wineries of Australia is now available online at TheRealReview.com.