Braemore Vineyard: Finalist for Australia's Top Vineyards
Young Gun of Wine have announced their list of Australia's top 50 vineyards and we are thrilled to announce for the first time that Braemore Vineyard has been included.
The Vineyard of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on Australia’s most forward-thinking and resilient winegrowers — the people shaping not just great wine, but the future of the industry. As wine writer and judge Max Allen highlights, the Awards aren’t just about naming winners, but about sharing the stories, practices, and innovations of growers who are deeply committed to their craft, even in the face of climate challenges, shifting global markets, and economic pressures.
We’re incredibly proud to share that our beloved Braemore Vineyard has been named among the top vineyards in Australia for the Vineyard of the Year Awards.
Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Braemore has been a cornerstone of Hunter Valley semillon since its first planting in 1969. This remarkable site — defined by its deep, sandy alluvial soils and cooler microclimate shaped by coastal fogs and Brokenback Mountain breezes — produces semillon with balance, intensity, and exceptional aging potential. The vineyard’s old vines, planted on their own roots, have spent decades digging deep, building resilience and character that shine through in every bottle.
Our relationship with Braemore began long before ownership, with Thomas Wines sourcing fruit from the vineyard every vintage since 2000. In 2017, a handshake promise with the Bray family led to us taking custodianship of this extraordinary site — an opportunity we’re honoured to embrace. Since then, we've continued to nurture its legacy, introducing thoughtful practices like hand cane pruning to enhance fruit quality while respecting its natural strengths.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Braemore’s philosophy. From composting grape marc with organic material, to using cover crops for soil health and biodiversity, to propagating old-vine cuttings in an on-site nursery, the Thomas team has shaped a viticultural approach that looks as much to the future as the past. Their careful water management, driven by data and a light touch, ensures vine health without sacrificing flavour concentration, even in challenging seasons.
The result is semillon that is vibrant and citrus-driven in its youth, evolving with age into complex, toasty wines that capture the essence of both place and variety. Braemore’s soils and microclimate give it a distinctive tension and clarity — characteristics the Thomas Wines team work tirelessly to protect and refine, year after year. For them, every decision in the vineyard is about honouring the fruit, the soil, and the vines that have stood the test of time.
Being recognised among Australia’s top vineyards is a credit to this special patch of earth and the people who have shaped it over the years — and we’re thrilled to continue the journey, vintage after vintage.
Read the full profile from Young Gun of Wine on Braemore Vineyard here.