The James Halliday Wine Companion 2010 has been released.

See this article about some of the new wineries listed in the 2010 edition

Yes, I know you still think it's 2009, but the publishers like to get this book out well before Fathers' Day. It does make a great gift!

The James Halliday Australian Wine Companion is the most comprehensive wine guide in Australia. If you only have one wine guide you need this one.

It contains essential data on the leading wines and wineries in Australia, a sort of telephone book, statistical compendium, vintage chart, travel guide and Who's who all rolled into one.

And then there are the tasting notes. Past editions have had notes on 5000-6000 wines, and that's after low scoring wines have been dropped.

For many of us wine buffs the publication of the Wine Companion is a red letter day. We are agog with anticipation. There is always a surprise.

• Which wines and wineries are getting the highest ranking?
• How has the continuing drought in Southern Australia affected your favourite wines and regions?
• Who are the best new wineries and dark horses for 2010?

Every year the Wine Companion is different. Last year 169 wineries were added. How many new wineries will be listed? A sneak preview of the cover is all I have to reveal at the moment, but we can expect to see the Companion out in the next few weeks.

---