Australia’s wine industry is firing on all cylinders, and our Top 50 wine producers of the year prove just how dynamic the scene has become. From Barossa Valley Shiraz to Tasmanian Pinot Noir, these producers are redefining excellence across the country.

This list was compiled as the Top Fifty most popular producers by dollar amount at Different Drop in 2024.

Key Highlights:

• South Australia and Victoria dominate the list, accounting for 74% of producers. This reflects the strength and diversity of these two states, home to some of Australia’s most established wine regions, with a healthy and diverse mix of established and innovative producers making up the tapestry of each state.

• While Barossa, and Margaret River, are represented to a limited extent, the notable exclusions of Coonawarra, Heathcote and Langhorne Creek highlight that there is greater emphasis on emerging cool climates (Canberra, Tasmania, Macedon Ranges). The growing influence of these marginal regions highlights Australian tastes shifting towards elegance and refinement in their wine choices over the out and out power that dominated the Australian wine scene decades ago.

• This list celebrates the people and philosophies behind the wines. Eponymous labels like Patrick Sullivan, Mac Forbes, William Downie, Grosset or Stephen Pannell (S.C. Pannell) are front and center in this list, rather than faceless corporate winemaking teams. These producers have built reputations not just for the quality of their wines but for their uncompromising philosophies and distinctive personalities. This suggests that perhaps in 2024, consumers were looking to faces they trust when making their wine purchases.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just getting started in you exploration of Australian wine, this list showcases the best winemakers making waves right now.

South Australia – Tradition Meets Innovation

South Australia stands tall as the backbone of Australian wine. Here you’ll find legends like Grosset and Shaw + Smith rubbing shoulders with edgier producers like Ochota Barrels, Brash Higgins and Unico Zelo. Barossa, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley feature prominently, with producers balancing heritage and modern techniques to craft exceptional wines. Riesling, Grenache, and Shiraz take centre stage.

Producers in the 2024 Top 50:

• Adelina
• Agricola
• Bondar
• Brash Higgins
• Cirillo
• Dune
• Gentle Folk
• Grosset
• Koerner
• MMAD
• Mordrelle
• Murdoch Hill
• Ochota Barrels
• Rieslingfreak
• S.C. Pannell
• Shaw + Smith
• Spinifex
• Standish Wine Company
• Torzi Matthews
• Unico Zelo
• Vanguardist
• Yangarra

Victoria – Pinot Noir and Pioneering Spirits

Victoria’s wine scene is buzzing with creativity. By Farr, William Downie, and Giant Steps are leading the Pinot charge, while producers like Patrick Sullivan and Mulline, Luke Lambert and VS&B continue to push the boundaries of Australian new wave Chardonnay. There is a striking mix of old school and new school in this list, but the common thread is that no matter the generation, these producers are  deeply tied to terroir and the expression of it. Yarra Valley and Beechworth are the hotspots, dishing up cool-climate finesse that’s hard to beat.

Producers in the 2024 Top 50:

• By Farr
• Domenica
• Garagiste
• Giant Steps
• Hoddles Creek
• Luke Lambert
• Mac Forbes
• Mount Mary
• Mulline
• Patrick Sullivan
• Place of Changing Winds
• Sorrenberg
• Timo Mayer
• Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown
• William Downie
• Yarra Yering

NSW/ACT – Cool-Climate Crusaders

Canberra’s rise as a cool-climate powerhouse is undeniable. Clonakilla spearheads the charge with its iconic Shiraz Viognier, with Ravensworth closely behind. Gilbert and Nick Spencer are exploring regional NSW, putting Orange, Tumbarumba and Gundagai up in lights. Over in the Hunter, Tyrrell’s continues to set the standard for age-worthy Semillon. Wines from this region are thoughtful, refined, and begging for a place in your cellar.

Producers in the 2024 Top 50:

• Clonakilla
• Gilbert by Simon Gilbert
• Nick Spencer Wines
• Ravensworth
• Tyrrell’s

Tasmania – The Pinot Island

Tasmania’s cool climate is arguably Australia's most exciting wine-producing state. These names are delivering some of the country's finest and most sought-after Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. There’s a quiet confidence in Tasmanian wines – elegant, precise, and driven by purity. If you love subtle, site-driven wines, Tasmania is calling.

• Dr. Edge
• Stargazer
• Stoney Rise
• Tolpuddle
• Two Tonne Tasmania

Western Australia – Refined Excellence

Margaret River continues to cement its reputation as Australia’s home of world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Domaine Naturaliste and L.A.S. Vino craft wines with finesse and polish, capturing the region’s maritime influence. Margaret River wines are the definition of understated luxury. It's a short list with many producers not far behind the Top Fifty, but these are two strong representatives who have made the cut.

• Domaine Naturaliste
• L.A.S. Vino