Liz Silkman, Chief Winemaker at First Creek Wines, has been honoured as the 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year, marking a first for the Hunter region. The accolade was announced at the Australian Wine Industry Awards in Melbourne recently.

The Silkman family’s journey began in 1998 when Greg and Jenny Silkman founded First Creek with a clear vision: to craft premium wines that would place the Hunter Valley on the map. Over the years, the family business flourished, with their son Shaun taking on operations after earning degrees in Business and Winemaking. His wife, Liz, brought her winemaking expertise into the fold as Chief Winemaker, driving First Creek to new heights of excellence.

Under Liz’s leadership, First Creek has become one of New South Wales’ most decorated wine brands, earning the prestigious 5 Star Winery rating from Halliday every year since 2010. The success story doesn’t end there. In 2013, Liz and Shaun launched their own label, Silkman, a creative venture allowing them to experiment with new styles and techniques. This “side hustle” has garnered its own acclaim, with Silkman being shortlisted for Best Winery by Halliday in 2025.

Liz’s biggest achievement came with the Halliday Winemaker of the Year title, an honour complemented by her Silkman Blackberry Semillon 2023 being named Semillon of the Year with a score of 98 points. This recognition not only cements her place among Australia’s winemaking elite but also highlights the quality of wines produced under her stewardship.

For Liz, the accolades are a team victory. “While I’m humbled by the recognition, it really is a team effort at First Creek,” she said. To be noted, 27 of their wines received scores of 95 points or higher in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, including three that achieved the 98-point mark.

First Creek’s success is reflected in their growing list of accolades, including standout performances from their Single Vineyard Semillons and Chardonnays. The winery’s Cellar Door in the Hunter Valley has become a must-visit destination, offering visitors the chance to taste their award-winning wines firsthand. With Liz at the helm, both First Creek and Silkman deliver exceptional wines that showcase the best of the Hunter Valley. As the first Hunter winemaker to receive the Halliday Winemaker of the Year title, Liz Silkman’s achievement is a testament to her skill, dedication, and the collaborative spirit of the First Creek team.

IMAGE | Liz Silkman