A triple win for Vasse Felix – and Margaret River wine

At the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, Vasse Felix – one of the region’s founding wineries – walked away with not one, not two, but three of the night’s top honours.

Leading the charge?

Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock, who was crowned Winemaker of the Year. To top it off, Vasse Felix’s 2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay didn’t just win Chardonnay of the Year – it also took out White Wine of the Year, scoring an exceptional 99 points.

That’s Halliday royalty right there.

Virginia, who’s been at the helm of Vasse Felix for nearly 20 years, gave a speech that was as heartfelt as her wines.

“There’s no such thing as not working hard in this industry – you give your life to it because you believe in it,” she said.

“From the microbes and fungi that sustain the vineyard to the joy on someone’s face when they drink a glass of wine, it’s all connected. That’s why we do this.”

This kind of recognition not only highlights Virginia’s remarkable vision and passion, but also shines a light on Margaret River’s reputation as an international powerhouse for both Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jane Faulkner of Halliday Wine Companion summed it up perfectly:

“Virginia has never lost sight of why she became a winemaker. Her parents owned a small vineyard and, as a teenager, Virginia witnessed the joy of growing grapes and turning them into something more beautiful. It became her calling.”

“Passionate is a word too often brandished glibly about those in wine, but with Virginia, it’s palpable. She cares deeply about every aspect of winemaking, from the people she works with to those special sites producing excellent fruit for her to turn into the best wines possible.”

“In 2026, she marks 20 years leading Vasse Felix, and she’s at the top of her game. She has done so much to promote Margaret River nationally and internationally due to the quality of her Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and few have matched her complete dedication to the two varieties, the pinnacles of which are the Tom Cullity and Heytesbury.”

All up, it was a standout night for the Margaret River Region, with plenty of local wineries shining on the stage.

For example, Devil’s Lair claimed Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year for their 2023 release, while tripe.Iscariot’s 2023 Kroos Chenin Blanc took out Other Whites & Blends of the Year.

With wins like these, the region’s reputation as one of the world’s great wine regions continues to grow – and the future is looking bright (and delicious).

For all results, visit the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion.