Celebrating South Australian wine tourism with industry accolades and regional events

The 2027 SA Best Of Wine Tourism Awards have been announced ahead of a series of regional festivals celebrating some of the best of South Australian wine over the next month.

The awards were announced at last night’s SA Wine Industry Dinner, held at the National Wine Centre, highlighting innovation and excellence across seven categories and showcasing the diversity and quality of experiences on offer in South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions.
 
2027 SA Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners:

• 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 Practices: Paulett Wines & Bush deVine Restaurant, Clare Valley

The winners were selected from 11 outstanding wineries and wine tourism operators shortlisted earlier this month.

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 SA 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 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 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.
 
To find out more about the SA Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, visit adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/awards.
 
Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke said wine tourism is a major drawcard for visitors to the 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," Minister Bourke said. 
 
"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."

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven 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," Minister Scriven said. 
 
"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."