People's Choice Award: Cofield Wines

While the annual Halliday Wine Companion Awards recognise the best of the best from across Australia's wine industry, our People's Choice Award honours the best winery experience from around the country – as voted by thousands of wine lovers.

Our 2024 winner is Cofield Wines from Rutherglen in Victoria. After more than 8000 votes across 802 wineries, Cofield Wines was nominated for its outstanding cellar door service, quality of wines, value for money and "amazing events".

Winemaker and owner Damien Cofield says the entire Cofield team has contributed to winning the 2024 People's Choice Award, and it's well-deserved recognition for the boutique winery.

"This award demonstrates that the hard work our team continually put in to produce excellent wine, exceptional customer service and unique winery experiences is appreciated and noticed."

Rutherglen's Cofield Wines has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Halliday People's Choice Award.

Cofield offers an extensive range of sparkling, still and fortified wines – currently on the roster is prosecco, sparkling shiraz, sparkling shiraz durif, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio (also blended with vermentino), chardonnay, sangiovese, tempranillo, malbec, shiraz, blends of shiraz and pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, the regional hero durif, and of course, muscat, topaque, and muscadelle.

The Cofield Wines cellar door is located in the heart of Rutherglen, just a five-minute drive from the town's centre. The destination cellar door provides a range of tasting experiences: personalised tasting flights, wine and chocolate pairings, the Cofield 'blend your own wine' experience, and the Provincial Black Sensation Tasting Experience – a self-guided video tasting.

Footsteps at Cofield Restaurant and Cafe, the onsite restaurant, offers guests the chance to dine on regional produce, with a seasonal menu matched to Cofield wines. Guests can also enjoy wines and grazing plates on the lawn while overlooking the vineyards and picturesque region.

The self-guided Provincial Black Sensation Tasting Experienceat Cofield Wines.

Cofield Wines is a family owned and operated winery that was established by Max and Karen Cofield in 1990. Second generation and current owners Damien and Melanie Cofield took over the reins in 2007, and the next generation of Cofield Wines is Damien and Melanie's daughter Ava – who is studying Oenology and Viticulture at Adelaide University.

"We are extremely passionate about what we do and we feel this is reflected in our wines. Our aim is to make the best wine possible in a sustainable way. We believe in investing in our local community and in our people for the betterment of all. We give to our community and strive for excellence in customer service," says Damien.

When it comes to producing wine in Rutherglen, Damien says the region is a small community. "As winemakers in Rutherglen we get to make some of Australia's and the world's best muscats and topaque wines. We also get to source some of the best produce in Australia to pair with our wines. We have the full package here in our relatively undiscovered region."

Flagship wine

2021 Provincial Black Netherby Shiraz

H. Tell us about the Provincial Black Netherby Shiraz.
DC. Choosing a flagship wine is like choosing your favourite child, but we love everything about our Provincial Black Netherby Shiraz. Our Netherby Vineyard here in Rutherglen sits on an estate that was first planted in 1859. We handcraft this wine in small parcels using traditional methods. The resulting wine has lots of personality and depth. We love that it showcases the complexities of our local vineyard while winning the hearts of everyone who tries it.

H. How is this shiraz best enjoyed?
DC. It's perfect with a charcuterie board or sous vide butterflied lamb. Try a hearty beetroot salad for a vegetarian option.

RRP $48 | Drink to 2034

For more information visit cofieldwines.com.au | 341 Distillery Road, Wahgunyah VIC