When the results of the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards were announced, Australia's sparkling wine producers once again proved they can stand alongside the world's finest.

 

Of the more than 17,000 wines entered from 58 countries, just three Australian sparkling wines received the coveted Platinum medal—an extraordinary achievement recognising only the very best wines in the competition.

 

What makes this result even more remarkable? All three Platinum-winning wineries are members of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

 

 

The Decanter World Wine Awards is widely regarded as one of the world's most respected wine competitions. Judged by 245 international experts, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, only 196 wines - just 1.18 per cent of entries - received Platinum status in 2026.

 

Australia's three Platinum-winning sparkling wines were:

 

 

These results showcase the exceptional quality of Australian sparkling wine, from Tasmania's cool-climate vineyards to the elevated wine region of Orange in New South Wales.

 

 

While these sparkling wines have earned international acclaim, the real magic lies in experiencing them at their source.

 

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia brings together the country's most iconic wineries, giving visitors exclusive access to the people, places and stories behind Australia's most celebrated wines.

 

Whether you're a dedicated sparkling wine enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable wine travel experience, these wineries invite you to discover what makes their wines so special.

 

 

High in the cool-climate hills of Orange, Printhie Wines has built a reputation for producing elegant traditional method sparkling wines that continue to impress on the world stage.

 

Guests can deepen their appreciation through the Sparkling Masterclass, exploring the craftsmanship behind every bottle, or indulge in the Sparkling & Oyster Tasting, where award-winning Swift sparkling wines are perfectly paired with freshly shucked oysters from Printhie's innovative on-site oyster tank.

 

Set among one of Tasmania's most picturesque vineyard landscapes, Josef Chromy Wines offers experiences that celebrate both creativity and craftsmanship.

 

The Art & Sparkling experience combines premium sparkling wines with a guided creative workshop, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the vineyard while discovering the stories behind one of Australia's most acclaimed sparkling producers.

 

Widely recognised as Australia's most awarded sparkling wine house, House of Arras offers exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences for those wanting to explore the artistry of premium sparkling production.

 

The Sparkling Scholar experience provides an in-depth exploration of traditional method sparkling winemaking, while the 40 Years of Tirage experience showcases rare museum and tirage releases that tell the story of four decades of innovation and excellence.

 

 

As Sarah Myers, Executive Officer of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, explains:

 

 

These award-winning experiences demonstrate that Australia's finest wines are about far more than what's in the glass. They're about meeting passionate winemakers, discovering remarkable landscapes, and enjoying exclusive access that simply isn't available elsewhere.

 

If you're planning your next wine escape, there's never been a better time to discover Australia's Platinum-winning sparkling wines - and the unforgettable experiences waiting behind every bottle.