Four South Australian wineries have been named amongst Australia’s 10 Top Wineries for 2024 according to The Real Review. The new rankings follow a rigorous tasting process of over 10,000 wines throughout the year, assessed by a panel of Australian critics.
Henschke (#2), Penfolds (#4), Seppeltsfield (#6), and Hentley Farm (#9) all made the cut for the top ten. The state also witnessed significant advancements from wineries such as Yalumba, Dandelion Vineyards, and Hickinbotham. South Australian wineries showcased exceptional performance, constituting over 38.1% of the 394-wineries list. Barossa Valley emerged as a standout within the state, boasting ten producers within the top 52, along with seven from neighbouring McLaren Vale.
“Barossa remains the powerhouse of Australian wine, with ten producers securing spots in the top 50 alone. Despite its comparatively smaller vineyard area, Barossa stands out for its plethora of wineries, recognition, and tourist appeal, particularly renowned for its bold reds. This year’s list not only celebrates established names like Seppeltsfield, Rockford, and Torbreck but also shines a light on emerging talents like Eisenstone, Hentley Farm, and John Duval Wines,” remarked Huon Hooke, Principal Wine Writer and prominent Australian wine critic at The Real Review.
The annual release of The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia aims to commend excellence in Australian winemaking. Rankings are determined through a proprietary algorithm, considering the ratings and recent reviews by The Real Review’s panel of leading critics over a two-year period. Each year, the producers receive a prestigious Top Wineries Certificate, acknowledging their position among the nation’s finest.
In 2024, a total of 394 producers were awarded the Top Wineries Certificate, representing approximately 16% of Australia’s wineries. The complete list of The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2024 is available on their website.
HENSCHKE (#2)
In the serene Eden Valley lies the Henschke family’s estate, renowned for producing outstanding Shiraz and Riesling wines. The vineyard boasts some of Australia’s oldest and most cherished vineyards, including the legendary Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.
The Henschke heritage spans five generations, with the sixth generation now contributing to its storied history. Stephen Henschke, the current winemaker, carries forward the family’s tradition, combining respect for traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology.
The Hill of Grace Experience offers exclusive access to the iconic vineyard, followed by tastings of their illustrious wines, including the esteemed ‘Hill of Grace.’ Visitors are immersed in an intimate setting surrounded by portraits of the family’s forebears, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The Henschke family is also a member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, a prestigious circle that unites the country’s most distinguished estates.
PENFOLDS MAGILL ESTATE (#4)
Steeped in history, Penfolds Magill Estate is one of Australia’s oldest wineries, founded in 1844 by a British couple who emigrated from Brighton to Adelaide.
The vineyard has played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian wine industry, especially with its acclaimed ‘Grange’ line. The ‘Grange’ wines, created in the 1950s, have become synonymous with fine New World reds and gained South Australian Heritage Icon status.
Visitors to the Magill Estate can explore the original vineyards, dine at the Magill Restaurant, and taste a selection of wines, including the revered ‘Grange’ blend. The estate also offers the ‘Ultimate Penfolds Experience,’ a comprehensive journey through the history and philosophy behind their winemaking.
Penfolds continues to innovate, with recent collaborations reaching international markets and a series of ‘Superblends’ ready to take the wine world by storm.
SEPPELTSFIELD (#6)
Established in the Barossa Valley just 15 years after the European settlement of South Australia, Seppeltsfield holds a significant place in the history of Australian winemaking.
The vineyard’s legacy dates back to the mid-19th century when Joseph Seppelt, an emigrant from Silesia, purchased the land and focused on grape growing and winemaking. Today, under the custodianship of proprietor Warren Randall, Seppeltsfield remains a true national treasure.
The estate’s Centennial Collection, featuring an unbroken lineage of Tawny wines from every vintage since 1878, is a remarkable achievement. Moreover, the recommissioning of the 1888 Gravity Cellar has reinvigorated the vineyard’s prowess in crafting still wines.
Alongside its winemaking endeavors, Seppeltsfield has fostered a sense of community, welcoming a diverse range of offerings like restaurants, galleries, and craft studios, making it a vibrant cultural destination.
HENTLEY FARM (#9)
Hentley Farm is recognised as one of the most successful wineries, and a recipient of numerous medals, trophies and accolades.
Located in the the Hills of the Barossa Valley, the single-estate boutique winery has been a go-to for those for a finer drop. Established in 1997 by Keith and Alison Hentschke, they had a vision to craft exceptional single estate wines from the Barossa Valley.
In 2004, Hentley Farm expanded its estate by acquiring a neighboring vineyard that boasted the same cherished natural amphitheater of rolling hills enveloping Hentley Farm. This acquisition enriched the diversity of the site, consolidating the entirety of the estate to 150 acres under the name Hentley Farm.
For more information, click here.
More News
