James Halliday Chardonnay and Cabernet Challenge.

The Yarra Valley is set to host one of the country’s most anticipated wine events this spring, with the 2026 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge to be judged right here in our backyard.

Celebrating two of Australia’s most loved varieties, the Challenge brings together standout Chardonnay and Cabernet expressions from wine regions across the country. Each is judged for the chance to be named the best of its region, before one exceptional wine of each variety is crowned the top drop nationally.

Judging takes place across two days on 29 and 30 September at the RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort, where a respected panel will work through the field to find the very best in the land.

Results will be announced on Tuesday 13 October — so keep an eye out to see which wines, and which regions, take home the honours.

Yarra Valley Wineries

Over eighty wineries span the Yarra Valley, each of which express the diversity of its terroir, the passion of its producers, a mastery of traditional practices and a rebellious instinct to push the boundaries No other region in the world can boast the same consistent quality found in this internationally awarded range of wine varieties, which includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and – Australia’s best-kept secret – the Yarra Valley Shiraz.

And with plenty of emerging varietal wines gaining popularity and prestige, there’s something for everyone in the Yarra Valley.