We are beyond thrilled to announce that Oakridge has been named the number one winery in Australia and Winery of the Year in The Real Review’s Top Wineries of Australia 2023, released today.

“None of this would have happened without the care and dedication of the various teams here, winery, vineyard and hospitality. There’s a genuine affection and desire to make this place the best it can be.” David Bicknell, Chief Winemaker

Now in its sixth year, the list is considered a national benchmark, rewarding a select group of wineries that consistently produce excellent wine. Approximately 10,000 wines are tasted by The Real Review each year. Winery rankings are determined by all reviews within the past two years, rewarding consistency across multiple vintages.

The Real Review tasting team, led by principals Bob Campbell ONZM MW and Huon Hooke, were especially impressed with Oakridge’s 2021 vintage single vineyard pinot noirs and cabernets.

Both the 2021 864 Henk Aqueduct Pinot Noir and 2021 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon achieved an outstanding 98pts.

“It’s always nice to get a glowing review for any wine we make. It’s nice to be liked! The same amount of attention to detail goes into everything we do, and sometimes a particularly good vintage like 2021 helps catalyse that realisation and put some of our other work front and centre. In the end, if the punters like it, that’s the best review.” – David Bicknell

Oakridge Senior Viticulturist, Steve Faulkner echoes this sentiment of extreme attention to detail. The Aqueduct block on the Henk vineyard is a tale of two parts “the soil changes significantly as the hill rises. We pick this block in two parts to accommodate the distinct differences in growing characteristics.” said Steve

“To ensure its longevity, the Winery Block has been the subject of an intense rejuvenation project over the past four years. The way this block has responded gives me great confidence in our viticultural and biological farming methods. The results can clearly be seen in the wines.”

The award rounds out a fantastic 12 months for the Oakridge winemaking team and further cements Oakridge’s reputation as one of the country’s best wineries. Oakridge also took home the Champion Victorian Winery trophy at the 2022 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

This is the second time in three years that a Yarra Valley winery has taken top spot in the Real Review Australian rankings. Yarra Yerring was awarded Winery of the Year in 2021, other winners include Wine By Farr (Geelong) and Cullen (Margaret River).

Congratulations to Chief Winemaker David Bicknell, Senior Viticulturist Steve Faulkner, the winery and vineyard teams for yet another outstanding achievement.

TOP RATED OAKRIDGE WINES

• 2021 864 Henk Aqueduct Pinot Noir – 98pts
• 2021 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon – 98pt (not yet released)
• 2021 Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – 97pts (not yet released)
• 2021 Vineyard Series Henk Pinot Noir – 96pts
• 2021 Vineyard Series Willowlake Pinot Noir – 96pts
• 2021 864 Close-Planted Syrah – 95pts
• 2021 Vineyard Series Henk Chardonnay – 95pts
• 2020 864 Funder & Diamond Chardonnay – 95pts
• 2019 Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – 95pts