- Published:
- Friday 7 November 2025 at 5:11 pm
The Allan Labor Government is backing Victoria’s wine industry and the thousands of jobs it supports by celebrating its winners at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards this year.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today presented the Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines with the Champion Victorian Winery award at the event.
Oakridge has now claimed the top honour in three of the past four years – 2022, 2024, and 2025 – cementing its reputation as a leader in Victorian winemaking since its founding in 1978.
Oakridge’s success highlights the strength and history of Victorian wine, joined in the major Victorian categories by Best Victorian Chardonnay winner Sexton Vineyard for its 2024 Giant Steps Chardonnay and Best Victorian Shiraz winner Glenlofty Estate for its 2024 Ridge Block Shiraz.
In addition, other Victorian winners included Tahbilk Winery near Nagambie, which took out the award for Best Single Varietal White.
The accolades demonstrate the diversity and resilience of the Victorian wine industry. Victoria boasts the most diverse wine industry in the nation, with 21 unique wine regions and around 400 cellar doors – more than any other state – drawing visitors from across the country and the world.
Together, the industry powers more than 23,000 jobs across grape growing, winemaking, logistics, exports, hospitality and retail.
The government and industry unveiled the new Victorian Wine Strategy this year, which will guide sustainable growth for the industry ahead, including workforce development, improving the visitor experience, innovation and sustainability of the industry, and expanding domestic and international trade.
The government recently funded extension services through Wine Victoria in collaboration with Wine Australia.
To explore the new Victorian Wine Strategy, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/wine-and-grapes/victorian-wine-strategy
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“These are all exceptional wineries, as are all which took part in this year’s awards, and a stunning representation of what Victoria’s winemakers bring to the table.”
“I am proud of our state’s wine industry and encourage all Victorians to support our local producers.”