We sure know how to combine Wine and Tourism in South Australia, with seven Wineries emerging victorious at the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. Solidifying their positions as some of the State’s top wine tourism operators, these prestigious awards recognise excellence, innovation, and sustainability across the World’s 12 Great Wine Capitals.
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills was just one of the winners, spanning various categories, showcasing the diverse and vibrant landscape of South Australia’s Wine Tourism scene. Taking out the Wine Tourism Restaurant award, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard was praised for its outstanding setting, monthly curated menus, and seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.
Other winery winners from around the state include Alkina Wine Estate, Barossa, recognised for creating extraordinary accommodation that feels like home, with a remarkable connection to its surroundings.
For Architecture and Landscape, Yangarra Estate Vineyard, McLaren Vale was victorious and noted for its striking architectural statement and a cellar door that reflects the environment, providing visitors with a visual treat.
Grapes of Mirth, which crosses multiple regions, was celebrated for bringing a new demographic to wineries, through comedy events, podcasts, and wine masterclasses with the award for Arts and Culture.
Sidewood Estate, Adelaide Hills was acknowledged for offering a unique blend of leisure activities and educational experiences, winning the Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences, and Pindarie Wines, Barossa Valley took out Wine Tourism Services, recognised for providing a complete wine, food, and tourism experience in historic 1850’s stables and an 1890’s grain store.
Rounding out the seven was the Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices winner, Gemtree Wines, McLaren Vale. Applauded as the benchmark in South Australia for sustainable wine practices, with organic and biodynamic certification, visitors can experience the ultimate blend of nature, culinary excellence, and exceptional wines during a “Wine and Wander” adventure, uncovering the rich tapestry of flora, fauna, and wildlife. Added to this is the opportunity to deepen your understanding of biodynamic grape cultivation at the Biodynamic Hut. Followed by a private dining experience amidst the natural surroundings, carefully curated by the renowned chefs at the nearby Salopian Inn, it’s an extraordinary and enlightening experience.
These outstanding South Australian winners will now compete for the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award, to be presented later this month in Lausanne, Switzerland. Last year’s success story, Grapes for Good from Langhorne Creek, set the bar high for international recognition, showcasing the global appeal of South Australia’s Wine Tourism.
Tourism Minister, Zoe Bettison, said, “this is another terrific demonstration of the strength of South Australia’s Wine Tourism industry, emphasizing the vital role of Wine Tourism in drawing visitors to the region”.
With South Australia boasting 18 unique wine regions and 340 cellar doors, Wine Tourism remains a key driver for the State’s economy, as Australia’s leading premier Wine State.
As these outstanding wineries gear up to represent SA on the global stage, we wish them all the best as they continue to put regional South Australia on the World map.
