The Hunter Valley’s Mercer Wines took home top honours at today’s 2026 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards with its 2025 Limited Release Chardonnay from Tumbarumba. In what was a great showing for the team at Mercer Wines, it picked up awards for Best Shiraz and Best Chardonnay with both wines going on to compete for 2026 Best Wine of Show.
As is tradition, Aaron Mercer was presented with 2026 Best Wine of Show by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW at ICC Sydney.
NSW is proudly home to 16 distinct wine regions and the awards again recognised this incredible diversity with wines being produced in all corners of the state taking home varietal and major trophies including from Tumbarumba (3), Hilltops (2), Mudgee (1), Riverina (3), Hunter Valley (5) and Orange (6).
Chair of Show Adam Walls reflected on the show saying ‘it was a privilege to deep dive into NSW wine at the iconic ICC Sydney. The states wines and winemakers have continued to be recognised this year, and the wines tasted clearly showed that this recognition is deserving.
The Tumbarumba Chardonnay created real excitement amongst the judging team from the moment it was tasted on the bench. A high-quality Chardonnay that stands comfortably amongst the best in the country”.
With 5 Gold Medals and 9 Silver Medals, and for the second year in a row, First Creek Wines won Best Exhibitor of Show.
The Complete Results are available on the NSW Wine website.
