The 2026 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards has awarded Best Wine of Show to a Tumbarumba Chardonnay.

The Hunter Valley’s Mercer Wines took home top honours at the awards ceremony for its 2025 Limited Release Chardonnay. The winemaker also won Best Shiraz and Best Chardonnay.

Chair of Show Adam Walls said: “It was a privilege to deep dive into NSW wine at the iconic ICC Sydney. The states wines and winemakers have continued to be recognised this year, and the wines tasted clearly showed that this recognition is deserving.

“The Tumbarumba Chardonnay created real excitement amongst the judging team from the moment it was tasted on the bench. A high-quality Chardonnay that stands comfortably amongst the best in the country.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said: “There’s something pretty special about seeing local people achieve extraordinary things.

“Alison and Aaron Mercer grew up in Cessnock, went to local schools, travelled the world and brought their experience and talent home to build something remarkable in the Hunter Valley.

They’ve broken barriers, challenged traditions and are helping shape the future of our wine industry. And I couldn’t be prouder!

“But beyond their success, they’re simply magnificent humans.”

It’s been a trophy-filled year for Mercer Wines founder Aaron Mercer, with his Limited Release Chardonnay also taking out Best White Wine of Show at the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show, alongside six other trophies for the winemaker. Mercer was also recently awarded the Maurice O’Shea Memorial Trophy for Best Other Red Varietal for its 2025 Limited Release Shiraz, Pinot Noir at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.

2026 trophy winners

 NSW Governor’s Trophy for 2026 NSW Wine of the Year: Mercer Wines 2025 Limited Release Chardonnay Tumbarumba

ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine – Colmar Estate 2017 Blanc de Blancs

Riedel Trophy for Best White Wine in Show – Mercer Wines 2025 Limited Release Chardonnay Tumbarumba

Impresstik Trophy for Best Sweet Wine – De Bortoli 2023 Noble One

ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Fortified – Calabria Family Wines McWilliams 20 Year Old Topaque NV

Prosperity Trophy for Best Red Wine in Show – Mercer Wines 2024 Limited Release Shiraz

Prosperity Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc – Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2026 Sauvignon Blanc

Riedel Trophy for Best Riesling – Nashdale Lane Wines 2026 Colour Series Riesling

Finlaysons Trophy for Best Semillon – First Creek Wines 2017 Winemakers Reserve Semillon

Energy Genie Trophy for Best Pinot Grigio/Gris – De Bortoli Wines DBWS 2026 Pinot Grigio

MCC Trophy for Best Chardonnay – Mercer Wines 2025 Limited Release Chardonnay Tumbarumba

Willis Trophy for Best White Wine Blend – Mada Wines 2026 Blanc

ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Other White Single Varietal – Iron Gate Estate 2026 Primera Albarino

Energy Genie Trophy for best Light Red/Rose – Boydell’s 2026 Rosé Sangiovese

Paramount Liquor Trophy for Best Pinot Noir – Canobolas Wines 2025 Pinot Noir

AHA NSW Trophy for Best Shiraz – Mercer Wines 2024 Limited Release Shiraz

Impresstik Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon – Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2025 Cabernet Sauvignon

Bunnings Trade Trophy for Best Other Red Wine Varietal – Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2025 Point 65 Malbec

MCC Trophy for Best Red Wine Blend – Logan Wines 2025 Farmer Brown

Woolstore 1888 Best Organic Wine Award – Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2025 Point 65 Malbec

Chair of Judges Trophy for Best Exhibitor – First Creek Wines