The highly anticipated 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards were hosted at the prominent Stokehouse restaurant in St Kilda, Melbourne. The ceremony celebrated the best of the best, recognising Australia’s top wines, winemakers, viticulturists, and wineries, setting the industry benchmark.
Glenn Goodall from Xanadu Wines in the Margaret River was named Winemaker of the Year, and Tom Carson from Serrat, Yarra Valley was named Viticulturist of the Year.
When it comes to wineries, Living Roots in Adelaide Hills won Best New Winery, and L.A.S Vino in Margaret River was awarded the Dark Horse Winery honour. The last major award was for Best Value Winery, which was awarded to Deeps Woods Estate in Margaret River.
As you can see, Western Australia still remains a top wine region, although Tasmania is making a name for itself. The state makes up just 5% of submitted wineries yet achieved one major Award win, three further major Award nominations and two varietal Awards.
Pinot Noir of the Year was awarded to Lowestoft in Tasmania for the La Maison Pinot Noir 2020.
A $50 shiraz from one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Perth Hills, has won Shiraz of the Year—the first time this region has won a Companion Award. The wine mentioned is Battles Wine Granitis Shiraz 2020.
As for the Grenache (and Blends) of the Year category, Chalk Hill Wines in McLaren Vale was awarded the recognition for its Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache 2020.
A few weeks ago, ALDI opened the cheapest wine bar in Sydney, and today, they’re bringing us more frugal feeds with a pop-up dumpling truck.
The truck will be open from 5-7 pm (or while stocks last) today in the ALDI Bankstown Central car park, with hungry Sydneysiders able to swing by to pick up a box of six Urban Eats dumplings, including fan-favourites Prawn Gyoza and a delicious new seasonal addition to the range, Chicken Dumplings—all for less than a $2 coin.
ALDI’s quality range means Aussies can treat themselves to a Friday restaurant-quality meal that won’t break the bank.
Can’t make it to the Dumpling Truck? ALDI has everyone else covered with the full range of dumplings available in the freezer section across the country.
