South Australia continues to lead the charge, with a boutique label claiming Australia’s most prestigious accolade for Riesling. Leo Buring’s 2024 Leonay Riesling scored 98 points at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, taking out Riesling of the Year in an impressive feat.

Senior winemaker Marie Clay, who has overseen Leo Buring’s Rieslings for the past six years, says the recognition is a career highlight.

“It was a real thrill to win that award,” she says. “I’ve always followed who wins Riesling of the Year. I buy the wine, taste it at work, get the lab to analyse it,” she says.

“To now see Leo Buring there is just incredible. It makes a huge difference for a small brand without a big marketing budget, and in being able to spread the message about how quality the wines are.”

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