The Royal National Capital Agricultural Society has announced winners of the 2026 National Wine Show of Australia, with Western Australian wines taking out the top trophies. Xanadu Wines received the Prime Minister’s Trophy for its 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The National Wine Show has been celebrating the Australian wine industry since 1975, with only the highest-awarded wines at qualifying Australian wine shows making it to the judging table. In 2021, an even more rigorous pre-qualification program was introduced – only wines that have won gold or silver at one of 32 qualifying shows will be accepted for judging.
This year was the 51st edition of the Show, with 12 judges tasting almost 1100 quality wines from across the country, and awarding 126 gold, 262 silver, and 388 bronze medals. An extended festival was held last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event.
The 2026 edition welcomed 83 new exhibitors, a record number of first-time entrants that National Wine Show chair, Andy Gregory, said was an indication of the esteem in which the Show was held.
“We are the only truly federated adjudication of the very best in Australian wine. To enter you must have already won a gold or silver medal in a capital city or qualifying regional show,” said Gregory.
“Over the past three years, we’ve introduced more than 200 new exhibitors to Australia’s most important wine awards, which contributes to the breadth and depth of the show. We’re shining a spotlight on exactly what’s happening in Australian winemaking at a particular point in time.”
South Australia was the most successful state for wins, taking home nine of the show’s 23 trophies. It was also well ahead of other Australian states for gold, silver or bronze medals – notching up 292 medals, compared with next-placed New South Wales with 155.
The full list of trophy winners includes:
- Prime Minister’s Trophy – Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (WA)
- Len Evans Memorial White Wine of Show – Evans & Tate 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay (WA)
- James Halliday Red Wine of Show – Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (WA)
- Sparkling – Coldstream Hills 2018 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Chardonnay (VIC)
- Sweet White – De Bortoli Wines 2022 Noble One (NSW)
- Rose – Jacob's Creek 2025 Le Petit Rosé (SA)
- Fortified – Morris Wines Cellar Reserve Grand Muscat (VIC)
- Pinot Gris/Grigio Trophy – Lobethal Road 2025 Pinot Gris (SA)
- Riesling Trophy – Leo Buring 2022 Leonay Mature Release Riesling (SA)
- Semillon Trophy – Tyrrell's Vineyards 2017 Vat 1 Semillon (NSW)
- Sauvignon Blanc Trophy – Sidewood Estate 2025 Sauvignon Blanc (SA)
- Chardonnay Trophy – Evans & Tate 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay (WA)
- White Varietal Trophy – La Kooki 2025 Chenin Rocks Chenin Blanc (WA)
- Blended White Trophy – Sapling Yard 2025 Fiori Riesling Pinot Gris Gewürztraminer Pinot Blanc (NSW)
- Pinot Trophy – Giant Steps 2024 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir (VIC)
- Grenache Trophy – Willunga 100 2024 Trott Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache (SA)
- Shiraz Trophy – Jim Barry 2023 Lodge Hill Shiraz (SA)
- Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy – Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (WA)
- Red Varietal Trophy – De Bortoli Wines 2025 Yarra Valley Estate Vineyard Gamay (VIC)
- Grenache Blends Trophy – St Hugo 2024 Grenache Shiraz Mataro (SA)
- Shiraz Blends Trophy – Hamelin Bay Wines 2023 Rampant Red (WA)
- Cabernet Blends Trophy – Lake Breeze 2023 Arthurs Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec (SA)
- Alternate Red Blends Trophy – Oliver's Taranga Vineyards 2025 Brioni's Blend (SA)
The 2027 edition of the National Wine Show of Australia will take place from 11-12 June, with entry details to be made available online at nationalwineshow.com.au.
