Bec Hardy Wines Named in The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2026

Bec Hardy Wines Named in The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2026

We’re proud to share that Bec Hardy Wines has been named in The Real Review Top Wineries of Australia 2026 - placing us among the top 10% of wineries nationally.

Each year, more than 10,000 wines are assessed, with just 429 wineries recognised across Australia - making this a meaningful benchmark of consistent quality over time, led by one of the country’s most respected critics, Huon Hooke, whose career in wine spans more than 30 years.


Recognised in a Competitive Region

This result carries particular weight in McLaren Vale.

In 2026, 37 McLaren Vale wineries were included in the Top Wineries list - a strong representation for one of Australia’s most competitive and diverse wine regions.

Being part of that group reinforces a simple point:
quality in McLaren Vale runs deep, and consistency matters.


A Moment That Reflects the Last Six Years

While it’s tempting to see recognition like this as a single moment, the reality is it reflects decisions made over time.

Over the past six years, we’ve taken a deliberate approach to refining what we do:

  • Focusing our vineyard sources on sites that genuinely excite us
  • Increasing our use of fruit from our own vineyards in Blewitt Springs, one of the most sought-after subregions in McLaren Vale
  • Working more closely with a smaller group of growers aligned with our direction
  • Evolving our winemaking with Bec Swincer towards a lighter touch - less intervention, lower alcohols, and a greater emphasis on letting the vineyard speak

At the same time, we’ve broadened our expression of McLaren Vale - complementing its traditional richness with fresher, more vibrant styles.

Change in wine takes time and results show over vintages, not months.


Recognition That Travels

What matters most is where the wines end up.

Today, our wines are poured on some of the world’s leading airlines, including:

  • Cathay Pacific Business Class – Pertaringa Lakeside Chardonnay
  • Singapore Airlines – Pertaringa ‘Undercover’ Shiraz
  • Qantas – Lot 94 BSR range and Pertaringa ‘Two Gentlemen’s GSM’

It’s a real-world reflection of the same thing The Real Review measures:
consistency, drinkability and quality at scale.


Approaching 50 Years of Pertaringa

As Pertaringa moves towards its 50-year milestone, this recognition feels particularly meaningful.

The brand has always been grounded in McLaren Vale, but it has never stood still. What began in 1980 continues to evolve - shaped by new vineyard sources, new ideas, and the next generation of the Hardy family.

This moment is not about looking back, it’s about validating the direction we’ve taken, and building on it.


Looking Ahead

Recognition like this matters because it confirms progress but it also sets the standard.

The focus remains the same:

  • keep refining
  • keep challenging
  • and keep making wines that are worth opening

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