Head of Tasting at Halliday Wine Companion, Katrina Butler, explains how the Companion works from submissions to scoring and awards. We cover the 100 point scale, why most wines sit in silver, and why true top scores are rare.

Katrina outlines year-round submissions, how tasters are assigned by region, and why Halliday reviews for consumers, not trade.

We unpack what wineries can use freely, what requires a trade membership, and how editorial and sponsored content are kept distinct.

Katrina also lifts the lid on awards judging, including varietal categories, Wine of the Year, and the criteria behind major awards.

We finish with how Halliday is adapting to a changing media landscape and why the new spirits program and Wildcard category matter.

Key takeaways

• Submissions are open year round. Send wines about six weeks before release, once settled in bottle.

• Tasters are assigned by region. Reviews are mostly blind on a 100 point scale.

• Medal bands: 95+ gold, 90–94 silver, 86–89 bronze.

• Top scores are rare. Out of more than 7,000 wines, only a small number sit at 98+.

• Notes and roundels are Halliday IP. Usage requires a trade membership.

• The Companion book is editorial. Sponsored pieces are always disclosed online or in the magazine.

• Awards: varietal winners are chosen by blind panel ranking. Wine of the Year is selected from varietal winners. Major awards consider quality, provenance, impact, and peer discussion.

• Halliday is expanding with a spirits program led by specialist tasters, plus a Wildcard category to recognise non-traditional styles.