Halliday Viticulturist of the Year: Dr Dylan Grigg

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Viticulturist of the Year: Dr Dylan Grigg

2026 Viticulturist of the Year

Dr Dylan Grigg, Vinya Vella and Meristem Viticulture

"This award acknowledges the tremendous skill of the viticulturist. As vine and soil custodians, their job is to produce optimal fruit regardless of season or vintage. Dr Dylan Grigg could not be more deserving of this award. His knowledge and his generosity in sharing it make Australian viticulture stronger as a whole and the wines better for it." – Katrina Butler

"Besides making some of Australia’s most exciting grenache under his Vinya Vella label, Dylan operates Meristem Viticulture consultancy, working with clients in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills and overseas in Spain and Italy.

With a PhD in viticultural science, Dylan’s doctoral thesis investigated how grapevine age influences various aspects of wine production, from grapevine growth to wine quality. There is no viticulturist more qualified to work with Australia’s precious old-vine resources than Dr Grigg." – Dave Brookes

2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards winners

There is no viticulturist more qualified to work with Australia’s precious old-vine resources than Dr Grigg.

Moreover, he’s known for fusing rigorous research with practical farming, always looking for ways to adapt and improve. “Every day is a school day,” he says. “There are lessons everywhere if you open your eyes and look and approach everything with curiosity.”

2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards winners

For Dylan, this award is more than personal recognition – it’s an opportunity to advocate for thoughtful, sustainable viticulture and the preservation of Australia’s precious old-vine resources.

“I stand for something – looking after vines on a great site with a story to tell, and where the wine can demonstrate what I do as a viticulturist at the table. It’s about creating something tangible to share and collect and hold and enjoy.”

Top-rated wines from Vinya Vella
Vinya Vella
Old Bush Vine Grenache 2023
Barossa Valley
Vinya Vella
Bush Vine Grenache Rosé 2024
Barossa Valley

The previous Viticulturist of the Year recipients include Vanya Cullen (2022), Tom Carson (2023), Mark Walpole (2024) and Bart Molony (2025).

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The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide at all good bookstores.

This is an edited extract from the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Katrina Butler, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW. Cover art by James Coe.