Meet Liz Silkman: Australia’s Most Awarded Winemaker
Few names in Australian wine carry the quiet weight of consistency and brilliance quite like Liz Silkman. The co-founder and winemaker behind Silkman Wines in the Hunter Valley, Liz has become a defining force in modern Australian winemaking—culminating in her being named James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2024.
From Rising Star to Established Legend
Liz Silkman began her wine career over two decades ago, but it was the founding of Silkman Wines in 2013 with her husband Shaun that cemented her status as a master of restraint and regional expression. Specialising in Hunter Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, Liz’s wines have collected more awards than most wineries earn in a lifetime—regularly topping Australian wine shows and critics’ lists.
Halliday Winemaker of the Year 2024
In August 2023, Liz Silkman was announced as the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Winemaker of the Year, an award that recognises not just individual wines, but an entire body of work. Her approach is technical without being showy, always letting the vineyard and vintage lead the way. It’s this clarity of vision that consistently sees her wines score 95+ points across Semillon, Chardonnay, and red blends.
Wines That Speak of Place
Each Silkman wine is a masterclass in balance and poise:
- Silkman Semillon 2023: Classic Hunter style—crisp, dry, lemony with beautiful ageing potential.
- Silkman Estate Chardonnay 2023: Flinty and elegant with white peach, lemon curd, and precise French oak.
- Shiraz Pinot Noir Blend: Savoury spice and red fruit in a beautifully layered Hunter red.
- Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023: A perfect snapshot of the vintage—bright, medium-bodied, and complex.
The Silkman Signature
Liz’s style has always been about purity—there’s no over-extraction, no excessive oak, and no over-the-top manipulation. Her wines are nuanced, age-worthy, and elegant—proving that the Hunter Valley isn’t just about tradition, but innovation too.
Explore Silkman Wines at Wine Simple
Wine Simple is proud to stock the latest range of Silkman Wines—delivered across Australia, direct from the Hunter to your home. Whether you're a collector or a casual drinker, Liz Silkman's wines will impress you from first sip to final swirl.
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