It's a truth universally acknowledged that NSW is home to some bloody good wine, and after the 2025 NSW Wine Awards that just went down, it's more clear than ever.
For everyone who likes a good drop, you'll be pleased to know that NSW's extensive wine community recently gathered together at the ICC Sydney for a big, splashy night of wine awards that were all about turning the spotlight onto the very best of NSW's winemakers.
A whopping 21 trophies were handed out to 13 different wineries, with wines from five different regions taking home prizes. Orange and the Canberra district were awarded five each, Riverina got two and Mudgee went home with one, but the top dogs in 2025 were unequivocally the Hunter Valley, taking home a wild eight trophies on the night.
The Hunter Valley has long been lauded as one of Australia's greatest wine regions, and on brand, it was the Hunter's own First Creek Wines who was awarded the top prize in 2025.
So, what's NSW's best wine, you may ask? None other than the 2023 Single Vineyard Wills Hill Road Chardonnay, created by First Creek Wines – a family-owned and operated winery in Pokolbin – led by the current 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year, Liz Silkman. This drop was received enormously well, with wine chair judge Adam Walls describing this chardy as “standing alongside the best Chardonnays in Australia and one that captures all that is great about modern-day NSW Chardonnay". High praise indeed.
First Creek Wines took home a total of six trophies at the coveted NSW Wine Awards, including the First Creek Limited Release Vermentino 2025, awarded the trophy for Best Other Single Variety White, and the First Creek Classic Hunter Valley Rosé 2025, which won Best Light Red or Rosé.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team and the recognition our wines continue to receive,” said chief winemaker Liz Silkman. “These awards reflect years of dedication in the vineyard and winery, and it’s an amazing feeling to see our wines being recognised as some of the best in the country.
These awards give recognition to my amazing team, and I love that they were able to receive these trophies for their efforts,” she added.
You can check out the full range of medallists right here.
Find out more about First Creek Wines here.
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