Australia has continued its impressive run at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), collecting five Best in Show medals for 2026.

Australian wines securing 85 top-tier medals across the competition – its highest ever Platinum medal count and its second-highest haul of top tier medals to date.

In addition to its five Best in Show medals, it won 19 Platinum medals and 61 Gold medals, including one Top Value Gold recognising exceptional wines priced under £15.

The following Australian wines won Best in Show medals:

• Brokenwood, ILR Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley, NSW 2019
• Dalrymple Vineyards, Single Site Pinot Noir, Pipers River, Tasmania 2024
• Deep Woods, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia 2023
• Ferngrove, The Orchid Collection Dragon Shiraz, Frankland River, Western Australia 2023
• Pewsey Vale, Estate Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia 2025

Two of the Best in Show wines were produced by Hill-Smith Family Estates, Pewsey Vale Vineyard Estate Riesling 2025 and Dalrymple Vineyards Single Site Estate Pipers River Pinot Noir 2024.

Head Winemaker for Pewsey Vale Vineyards Louisa Rose said: “The consistency of Pewsey Vale Vineyard is special and rare in the world of wine. Since its re-establishment in 1961, after Riesling was first planted in 1847, this vineyard has delivered wines of remarkable quality and character every year, enjoyed by generations of wine lovers.

“As we approach 180 years since the first vineyard was planted, it’s a legacy we are incredibly proud to continue, and one that will continue to deliver for generations of wine lovers to come.”

Dalrymple Vineyards Vigneron Peter Caldwell said: “Dalrymple Vineyards has been building and making its wine, drawing inspiration from Burgundy, to culminate in a style that respects Pinot Noir for what it is and for the attributes that make it one of the world’s greatest grape varieties. What makes Dalrymple Vineyards unique is that it is a true expression of Tasmanian terroir.

“To receive this level of recognition from a European-based show like Decanter is a wonderful honour. Being recognised on that global stage, by an institution so highly regarded, makes it even more meaningful. To be able to share this moment with my team in the vineyard is incredibly special too. We’re all very excited by the news, because they are such a big part of it. Everyone is standing a little taller at Dalrymple Vineyards today.”

Now in its 23rd year, DWWA is recognised as the world’s largest wine competition and is widely regarded as the global benchmark for wine quality.

DWWA Co-Chair Ronan Sayburn MS said: “The results of Decanter World Wine Awards are valuable because they provide both consumers and producers with a trusted and easily recognisable guide to quality in a crowded global wine market. With so many choices available, consumers often look for reassurance when selecting a bottle, and the DWWA medals help simplify the decision.”

South Australia led the medal haul, with a Best in Show award for Pewsey Vale, Estate Riesling, Eden Valley 2025. The state also secured nine Platinum medals for five Shiraz wines, one Cabernet Sauvignon, one Riesling, and two Chardonnays. The latter were both from Sidewood in the Adelaide Hills and awarded to Owen’s Chardonnay 2024 and Mappinga Chardonnay 2024.

DWWA Regional Chair for Australia Huon Hooke said: “Australia is often thought of as a hot country but the quality of ‘cool climate’ varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine continues to defy the clichés.”

South Australia added 21 Gold medals, including the country’s only Top Value Gold for Wirra Wirra Church Block Grenache-Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2024. In total, the state collected 311 medals.

Western Australia achieved 19 top-tier medals, including two Best in Show for Deep Woods Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River 2023 and a first Best in Showever for a wine from Frankland River awarded to Ferngrove, The Orchid Collection Dragon Shiraz 2023.

The state also received two Platinum and 15 Gold medals, with Margaret River accounting for both Platinum awards and 14 Golds.

NSW secured 35 medals overall, including a Best in Show for Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley 2019. Orange celebrated its first-ever Platinum medal with Printhie, Swift Blanc de Blancs Brut 2011, a sparkling 100% Chardonnay. Printhie also received a Gold medal for its Swift Rosé Brut 2017.

Tasmania earned 12 top-tier medals, including a Best in Show for Dalrymple Vineyards, Single Site Pinot Noir, Pipers River 2024. The state also received three Platinum medals, two of them for sparkling wines, including another top-tier award for House of Arras, which has consistently performed strongly in the category since 2021. Tasmania also collected eight Gold medals.

Victoria recorded 15 top-tier medals, including four Platinum. Producer Morris extended its run of Platinum medal wins to six consecutive years. Mornington Peninsula also celebrated its first-ever Platinum medal with Southern Light Vineyards, Ghostgum Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024. The state also celebrated 11 Gold medals.

Visit awards.decanter.com for a full list of winners.