The awards were announced on 17 September at the South Australian Wine Industry Dinner, held at Adelaide’s National Wine Centre, highlighting innovation and excellence across seven categories and showcasing the diversity and quality of experiences on offer in South Australia’s 18 world-renowned wine regions.
- Accommodation – Beresford Estate – McLaren Vale
- Architecture and Landscape – Jacob’s Creek – Barossa
- Art and Culture– d’Arenberg – McLaren Vale
- Culinary Experiences– Paulett Wines & Bush deVine Restaurant – Clare Valley
- Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences– National Wine Centre – Adelaide
- Wine Tourism Services– Château Tanunda – Barossa
- Sustainable Wine Tourism Experiences– Paulett Wines & Bush deVine Restaurant – Clare Valley
The winners were selected from 11 outstanding wineries and wine tourism operators shortlisted earlier in September.
They will now represent South Australia at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, in October, where they will compete against other leading wine regions from around the world for the top title.
The Adelaide, South Australia Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are presented as part of South Australia’s membership in the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, and are this year presented in partnership with independent, not-for-profit organisation DrinkWise, which promotes responsible alcohol consumption.
The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regions, Minister for Forest Industries, said, “South Australia produces more than 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine, including wine from some of the oldest vines in the world. Our wine tourism businesses and producers play an important role in sharing that story, driving up visitation to our regions and showcasing our state’s world-class food and wine offerings. The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are about recognising the people, businesses, and unique regional experiences that put our state on the map and strengthen our regions.”
The celebration of South Australian wine continues across the state, with a series of events over the next month that will showcase the world-class wines and experiences on offer in our regions, beginning with the McLaren Vale Wine Region’s annual Grenache & Gourmet Festival.
Home to some of the world’s oldest Grenache vines, McLaren Vale will spend the next 18 days showcasing their varieties through long lunches, tastings, masterclasses and experiences that highlight the region’s unique connection between wine and produce, set against a stunning backdrop.
There will be even more reasons to explore South Australia’s premium wine regions, with a series of events happening in the Barossa, Clare Valley and Coonawarra through to the 18th of October.
The coming weeks will see South Australia’s wine regions come alive with:
- Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb | 23-27 Sep – a celebration of the region’s premium produce, local wines and country hospitality.
- Barossa Sessions | 25 Sept to 5 Oct – a new festival blending wine, food, music and culture in the heart of the Barossa, featuring artists such as Philippa Lynas, Emily Davis and Rob Edwards.
- The Skilly Valley Way | 3 Oct – a hop-on, hop-off Clare Valley food, wine and gin experience.
- Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations | 1-18 Oct – a showcase of the region’s internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and intimate cellar door experiences.
The Hon Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Tourism said, “Wine tourism is a major drawcard for visitors to our state, supporting regional jobs, local businesses and communities right across South Australia. The Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners represent the very best of South Australian wine tourism, delivering experiences that showcase the unique quality, creativity and generous hospitality of our wine regions. I congratulate each of them as they now head to New Zealand to represent South Australia on the international stage. Our packed events calendar is the perfect invitation to explore South Australia’s wine regions and stay a little longer to fully experience our world-class hospitality.”
The events are supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund, which give visitors even more reasons to explore the state’s renowned wine regions and boost business to local communities.
Photo: Supplied by Paulett Wines