Image Credit: Young Gun of Wine
South Australia continues to cement its reputation as winegrowing leader on a national stage, with five local vineyards named finalists in the prestigious 2025 Vineyard of the Year Awards by Young Gun of Wine.
Now in its fifth year, the awards celebrate the best of Australian viticulture, bringing forth regional identity and shining light on the growers championing sustainability and innovation.
The 2025 shortlist features 41 vineyards from across the country, with South Australia proudly represented by five sites, this year all based in McLaren Vale. And with over 6,000 growers across the country, making the shortlist is no small feat.
The Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts including renowned wine writer Max Allen, Dianne Davidson AM, Richard Leask, and Dr Colin McBryde and each vineyard undergoes rigorous assessment, including site inspections by viticultural professionals to ensure quality, transparency, and sustainability benchmarks are met.
Here are the vineyards and their respectivite winemakers who are this year’s finalists!
HICKINBOTHAM CLARENDON VINEYARD – MICHAEL LANE
2024 & 2022 Finalist
A vineyard with serious pedigree that sits in McLaren Vale’s Clarendon subzone, Hickinbotham was first planted over 50 years ago and is now stewarded by renowned viticulturist Michael Lane. Certified organic, biodynamic and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia-accredited, this site produces ultra-premium fruit behind iconic estate wines like The Peake, a classic cabernet-shiraz blend. Since its purchase by Jackson Family Wines, the vineyard has become a benchmark for premium, sustainable winemaking in Clarendon.
YANGARRA ESTATE VINEYARD – MICHAEL LANE
2024, 2021 & 2020 Finalist
Michael Lane makes a double appearance this year, also recognised for his work at Yangarra Estate alongside winemaker Peter Fraser. The pair have spent two decades turning Yangarra into a biodynamic powerhouse, managing 82 hectares of Southern Rhône varieties, led by grenache. Their vineyard-first philosophy continues to position Yangarra as one of Australia’s most acclaimed producers.
OLIVER’S TARANGA VINEYARD – DON OLIVER
2024 & 2021 Finalist
Steered by sixth-generation grower Don Oliver and celebrated winemaker Corrina Wright, this family-run vineyard is a key supplier of high-quality grapes to some of South Australia’s most respected producers.
Though the Olivers had a reputation for producing ultra-premium fruit, they didn’t originally make wine. That changed in the 1990s when Corrina, while studying winemaking, persuaded her family to let her experiment with a small batch of Shiraz, and Oliver’s Taranga Wines was born.
On hearing news of their finalist status, Corrina commented, “It’s always a thrill to be recognised.”
“Especially because we come from a vineyard background rather than a winemaking one, six generations of growing grapes versus one of making wine.”
The vineyard is recognised not just for its heritage, but for its forward-thinking approach to climate resilience and sustainable viticulture through diversification.
“We’ve really embraced diversification,” she added.
“Planting alternative varieties like Fiano and Tempranillo has been huge for us. These grapes are better suited to the environment and our lifestyle, and they make absolutely delicious wines.”
ORBIS WINES – VERITY COWLEY & BRAD MOYES
2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021 Finalist
Four years running as a finalist, Orbis Wines is synonymous with innovation. Established in 2018, the vineyard takes a circular, low-impact approach to viticulture – think Babydoll sheep as lawnmowers and organic farming methods. Led by Verity Cowley and Brad Moyes, Orbis produces vibrant wines onsite and supplies fruit to top-tier producers like Penfolds and Ministry of Clouds.
SMART VINEYARD – WAYNE SMART
2024 & 2020 Finalist
Wayne Smart carries on a family legacy dating back to 1922 with his old bush vine grenache site, planted by his grandfather. Sitting at one of McLaren Vale’s highest and coolest elevations, the vineyard yields uniquely fragrant fruit used by the likes of S.C. Pannell and Thistledown. Wayne continues the low-impact methods his father, Bernard, refined over 75 years of custodianship.
From old vine grenache and biodynamic practices to Mediterranean varietals and sheep-powered mowing systems, these finalists embody the resilience and resourcefulness that define South Australia’s wine landscape.
The winners of the 2025 Vineyard of the Year Awards will be announced later this year. Until then, raise a glass to excellence and enjoy of vino from these leading SA vineyards.
WHAT: 2025 Vineyard of the Year Awards Finalists
For more info, click here.
More News
