It was unusual in 1997 for Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson to buy land for a prospective vineyard on Roy’s Hill, when even New Zealand’s most prized sites were largely found on flat valley floors and plains. But today, their la collina vineyard produces what many consider to be not just the country's best syrah, but its best red wine. Learn more about Bilancia (which has just marked its 30th vintage) and see how Dave Brookes scored the latest release here.

This Wednesday, the Halliday Top 100 Wines for 2026 will be revealed. Mark the date in your diaries, and in the meantime, revisit last year's list – including the Taster's Pick category.

We also highlight some trophy-winning wines from the Barossa and Orange wine shows, and share what to expect when Macedon's favourite wine festival, Budburst, returns for its 35th iteration this November. 

Happy reading,

Halliday Wine Companion

30 vintages of Bilancia

Explore the latest release – including the cult la collina Syrah – from this Hawke's Bay winery.

2025 Top 100 Taster's Pick

Revisit last year's Taster's Pick category ahead of the 2026 Top 100 Wines announcement this Wednesday.

Trophy-winning wines to try

These bottles were among the standouts at the Barossa and Orange wine shows. 

Budburst is back

Here's what to expect from this festival favourite when it returns in November. 

Join now to find out the Top 100 wines and wineries for 2026 and get a free 95-point shiraz!

The Halliday Top 100 Wines is a celebration of the best wines of right now, categorised by style and price point. To access the list when it's announced on  Wednesday 7 October, become a Halliday member now.

Plus, sign up and we'll send you a bonus bottle of Thistledown Wines Bachelor's Block Ebenezer 2022, rated 95-point shiraz and valued at $95 RRP. 

Use code THISTLEDOWN26 to claim.

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