Seven wineries have been rewarded for unique and outstanding experiences as winners of the 2021 South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards.
Wineries from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley have been crowned winners across a number of categories from 19 finalists.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the Best of Wine Tourism Award winners have been innovative during recent challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, bushfires and drought.
"When it comes to wine tourism, South Australia offers some of the best experiences for visitors in the country," said Minister Basham.
"I'd like to congratulate the 19 finalists and ultimately the seven winners of the awards for their contribution to South Australia's wine and tourism industries.
"It is fantastic to see a cross-section of wineries from across regional South Australia, including new returning award winners such as d'Arenberg and Yalumba Family Winemakers.
"These exceptional businesses have shown great resilience and are helping the economic and social recovery of the regions in which they are based.
"Our state produces 80 per cent of Australia's premium wine and 50 per cent of all its bottled wine.
"South Australia's wine industry is critically important to our state economy and supporting regional jobs and I'm continually impressed by the innovation on display.
"Our wine is consumed throughout Australia and more than 60 per cent of wine production is exported to 97 countries around the world."
The annual Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards – now in its fifth year - celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism and provide an opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their commitment to providing leading wine tourism experiences.
Adelaide is one of 11 members of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, a group of international cities whose wine regions are recognised as significant economic and cultural assets.
The winners across seven categories are:
Accommodation - Longview Vineyard – Adelaide Hills
Architecture and Landscape - Yalumba Family Winemakers - Barossa
Art and Culture - d'Arenberg – McLaren Vale
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences - Unico Zelo – Adelaide Hills
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices - Tscharke Wines – Barossa
Wine Tourism Restaurants - Paulett Wines – Clare Valley
Wine Tourism Services - Wirra Wirra Vineyards – McLaren Vale
Winners of the local awards program go into the running to win an International Best of Wine Tourism Award which is adjudged by an international jury made of representatives from all of the Great Wine Capitals.
The South Australian International Best of Wine Tourism Award winner will be announced at Gather and Graze presented by Cheesefest Australia in Adelaide on 7 November 2020.
For more information about the award winners visit www.adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/awards
South Australia's membership to the Great Wine Capitals Global network is a partnership between the State Government, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
