Little Reddie winemaker Pat Underwood's favourite primary school teacher lost everything when fire tore through the Victorian town of Harcourt back in January. As did Maison Lapalus' Gilles Lapalus. To raise funds for their recoveries, Pat, alongside a cohort of other producers, has bottled a handful of wines. Learn more about the Compassionate Red and the Le vin de mes amis range here.

In an effort to get more people drinking cabernet sauvignon, winemakers Julian Langworthy and Rob Mann established the Cabernet Cartel. Halliday taster Marcus Ellis reports from the Melbourne chapter’s inaugural meeting.

 We also round up eight highly rated wines from the Adelaide Hills to try, and 10 shiraz and blends for $40 or under.

And finally, a brand-new episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, featuring Alex Beckett from Marnong Estate was released this week. Listen here.

Happy reading,

Halliday Wine Companion

Wines for bushfire relief

These wines are raising funds for victims of January's bushfires.

The Cabernet Cartel

Marcus Ellis reports from the Melbourne chapter's inaugural meeting.

Shiraz and blends $40 or under

Ten wines to try, all rated 90 points or above, that won't break the bank.

Adelaide Hills wines to try

Eight wines to try from the Hills, including chardonnay, pinot noir and more.

Don't miss out on your chance to win – enter now!

To celebrate the release of James Halliday's 50 Years of Great Wine Dinners, we're giving away a copy of the book (RRP $120), a bottle of 97-point Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021 (RRP $135), and a Vintage Halliday Membership (RRP $139) which includes a copy of the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion (RRP $45).

“This book is a must for any wine lover.” – Philip Rich

Prize includes:

• James Halliday: 50 Years of Great Wine Dinners ($120 RRP)
• Halliday Wine Companion Vintage Membership ($139 RRP)
• Penfolds St Henri shiraz 2021($135 RRP)

To enter, simply fill out the form below and you're in with a chance to win!

 T&Cs: Competition closes 11:59pm (AEDT) on 10 June 2026. Competition open to Australian residents only. You must be 18+ to enter. The prize winner will be contacted on 15 June 2026. 

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