A wonderful milestone for Dawning Day, with wine writer Nick Ryan recognising our wines and the exciting potential of the Southern Highlands in a feature published in The Australian.
The Southern Highlands is a region with plenty of promise, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the quality of wines being produced here receiving wider recognition.
In his recent feature for The Australian, respected Australian wine writer Nick Ryan explores how Dawning Day is helping to shape the region's evolving reputation, describing our wines featured as “unquestionably the best I've seen from the Southern Highlands”.
We're delighted that our 2024 Estate L4/L5 Pinot Noir Gamay was among them, receiving an impressive 95 points. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay, the wine was praised by Ryan for its elegance and character. He describes it as “super svelte and sleek”, highlighting its fragrance, wild berry and alpine herb characters, alongside a fine, gently sappy tannin finish. We are so excited to be launching the L4/L5 in December with our Wine Club.
The recognition extends beyond a single bottle, with our 2025 Estate Gamay Rosé receiving 92 points and our 2023 Estate Sparkling Rosé awarded 93 points. For us, these results are particularly special. Dawning Day has been built around a genuine passion for wine, cool-climate viticulture and creating something distinctive here in Exeter. Establishing a vineyard and winery in a developing wine region takes plenty of determination, and it's wonderful to see that journey recognised. As Ryan reflects on the qualities required to build something in the region, he captures the spirit of the journey with the words “bravery and clear thinking, determination and madness” - and we totally agree.
We couldn't be prouder to be part of the Southern Highlands wine community and to see our wines contributing to the region's growing reputation.
Explore our wines and experience Dawning Day for yourself at our Exeter cellar door or online here.
Read Nick’s article here