This week’s big news in the wine industry is the announcement of the Top Wineries in Australia for 2020.  The list, compiled by esteemed wine publication, The Real Review was released over the weekend and named three Hunter Valley Wineries in the Top 10 in the country.

Taking out the number one spot on the list was Cullen Wines from Western Australia, followed by the Hunter’s own Tyrrell’s Wines and Mount Pleasant Wines ranking number two and three respectively.  Other well-known Hunter Valley winery, Lakes Folly, came in at the ninth spot.

All in all, a fantastic result for the Hunter Valley which overall ranked third amongst its regional peers based on the number of wineries ranking in the Top 52 positions.

“It’s so great to see all of the Hunter Valley wineries and family-owned wine companies at the top of the list.”

“We are really humbled and proud to have been ranked number 2 in Australia and thankful to all our wonderful team here at Tyrrell’s and the hard work they put into achieving things like this.” 
Chris Tyrrell, Chief Operating Officer, Tyrrell's Wines

So why is ‘the list’ so important?  Simply put, it highlights the ‘best of the best’ in Australian wine.  It’s independent, unbiased and definitive. 

Each year the team at The Real Review, led by Huon Hooke and Bob Campbell ONZM MW, judges over 10,000 wines to come up with the rankings.  The list itself acts as a national benchmark which allows wine lovers like you and me to see how our favourite wineries rate against their peers. 

As you can imagine, earning the coveted Real Review Top Wineries Certificate is a pretty big deal for recipients of the prestigious award.

“We are absolutely pumped to be named by The Real Review as one of the Top 3 Wineries in Australia and representing the Hunter Valley on the list.”

“We produce great wines here in the Hunter and the Mount Pleasant team has worked really hard over the past few years to be just that – a 100% Hunter Valley producer.  All our wines are made with fruit grown on the Mount Pleasant Estate and from our single vineyard sites across the Valley.  To be recognised as one of best on this list is amazing.”  Adrian Sparks, Chief Winemaker, Mount Pleasant Wines

This year, more than 400 wineries competed to make the grade.  Too see the full list from The Real Review, click here.