Boat O’Craigo is proud to be the host venue for one of Australia’s most prestigious wine competitions, theJames Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge, taking place in the Yarra Valley on23 and 24 September 2025.
This annual celebration brings together two of the world’s most renowned grape varieties—ChardonnayandCabernet Sauvignon—to showcase the very best expressions from across Australia’s iconic wine regions. Known for highlighting the country’s outstanding regional diversity, the Challenge alternates between two powerhouse wine regions each year: the Yarra Valley and Margaret River.
Born in the Yarra Valley in 2012, the Chardonnay Challenge has long been a benchmark for excellence, while the Cabernet Challenge, launched in 2016, has become one of Australia’s great success stories. In 2021, the two competitions were brought together, judged side by side, creating a unique platform to recognise innovation, regional expression and winemaking excellence.
Celebrating Australia’s best Chardonnay and Cabernet
Australia’s most planted white variety,Chardonnay, continues to evolve in style and sophistication, gaining global recognition for its elegance and versatility. Meanwhile,Cabernet Sauvignon—the world’s most widely planted vine and Australia’s third most planted variety—remains a cornerstone of our winemaking heritage, producing wines of structure, power and finesse.
The Challenge is judged by an esteemed panel of leading wine professionals from across the country, ensuring a depth of knowledge and perspective from Australia’s most respected wine regions.
2025 judging panel
- Chair of Judges:Glenn Barry (Adelaide Hills, SA)
- Panel Chairs:Julian Grounds (Mornington, VIC); Lisa Jenkins (Gippsland, VIC); Sarah Pidgeon (Coonawarra, SA)
- Judges:Alex Beckett (Sunbury, VIC); Matt Buchan (Margaret River, WA); Matt Turnbull (Adelaide Hills, SA); Xanthe Hatcher (Hunter Valley, NSW); Penny Jones (Tasmania); Greg Clack (Adelaide Hills, SA)
Together, this team will assess entries from across the nation, awardingJames Halliday Challenge Trophiesto the highest pointed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Regional winners scoring 95 points or more will also be recognised withBest of Region Trophies, celebrating the diversity and quality of Australian winemaking.
A collaboration across regions
The Challenge is a collaborative initiative between theMargaret River Wine AssociationandWine Yarra Valley, a partnership that unites two regions synonymous with premium wine. Hosting the Challenge not only provides valuable recognition to producers but also creates a unique snapshot of the state of play of Chardonnay and Cabernet in Australia each year.
As James Halliday himself noted when the Challenges were first combined in 2021:
“The decision to bring the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon Challenges together in August provides a win-win scenario for all stakeholders. The results will provide a unique snapshot of the state of play of these two great varieties.”
Proudly hosted at Boat O’Craigo
For Boat O’Craigo, hosting this event is both an honour and a celebration of our role within the Yarra Valley community. Bringing together judges, winemakers, and the broader wine industry, the Challenge is a moment to shine a spotlight on the diversity, quality and innovation that defines Australian wine today.
We look forward to welcoming the judges, participants and guests to our winery in September for what promises to be an exciting and memorable event in the Australian wine calendar.
