Book excerpt: James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion is the No. 1 bestselling guide on wineries and wine in Australia. Keenly anticipated by winemakers, faithful collectors and wine lovers alike, the 2013 edition has been completely revised and updated to bring you up-to-the-minute information. Halliday shares his extensive knowledge of wine via detailed tasting notes, each of which includes vintagespecific ratings and advice on optimal drinking, as well as alcohol content, price and a value rating. He provides important details on wineries – including opening times, contact details, vineyard sizes and web addresses – in addition to biographies on each, and information about the winemakers. An indispensable reference for all enthusiasts of Australian wine, the Australian Wine Companion is a must-have for anyone planning to visit a wine-growing region or to replenish their cellar or wine rack. It is the most authoritative and entertaining guide to Australian wine.