Images: Crafers Hotel
Sitting at the gateway to the Piccadilly Valley wine region, The Crafers Hotel is hiding an award-winning wine list in plain sight, and it has something for everyone.
The historic Adelaide Hills venue won the standalone Best Wine List award and, separately, ranked 11th overall among Australia’s Top 50 Gastropubs.
The Crafers Hotel’s head sommelier, Seth Piszczuk, attributes the recognition to its seasonal, diverse and accessible wine offering.
“It’s about adapting to what people are actually enjoying, but it definitely has a strong seasonal focus, which I think is powerful,” Seth said.
“With some other wine list awards, you can prepare and write a list for the purpose of winning an award.
“This one is all about what we’re genuinely offering in the venue, which makes it more exciting for me.”
Having grown up in the Barossa Valley with a strong connection to the wine industry, Seth naturally gravitated towards roles in wineries and cellar doors before bringing that experience to The Crafers Hotel.
He has previously won awards for Australia’s Best Pub Wine List through several different programs, but said the focus at Crafers was not on telling customers what they should drink.
“It’s about showcasing a broad spectrum so that anyone who comes through, regardless of their experience with wine, can find something they’re going to enjoy.”
The list includes approachable wines for those stopping in for a casual drink, alongside limited releases, back vintages and bottles sourced through Seth’s relationships with suppliers.
“At the same time, we have one of the largest wine cellars in the state, so we also make sure we’re pouring things that are exciting and relevant to current trends, while showcasing not only the best of our region, but the best from around the world.”
The team also spend a large time on wine education, so if or when a staff member is questioned, customers get a correct guidance which helps with navigating the size of their wine list.
The offering changes throughout the year, with a different theme curated each season. For winter 2026, the hotel is highlighting classic Australian wine styles through its “Comforting Classics” feature.
“For those features, we offer wine flights, so people can come in and enjoy a self-guided wine tasting experience,” Seth said.
“We have printed information to accompany the flights, so whether you’re coming for a casual drink in the bar or dining in the restaurant, you can still have that wine-tasting experience in the venue.”
Put simply, the pub almost doubles as a cellar door experience and it’s not a common pub feature.
“For a customer to come in and drink a 15-year-old wine by the glass at an affordable price isn’t something every venue offers, or perhaps attempts to offer.”
Finishing just outside the national top 10 is also recognition of The Crafers Hotel’s broader approach to hospitality.
“We are 100 percent a food and beverage venue… we don’t have gaming or a sports bar, which some people might consider part of the usual pub offering,” Seth said.
Not to mention, each staff members’ service, with no meal or drink handed over without a smile or chat to warm the atmosphere.
The two storey, stone building with arched windows and a rich history dating back to the 1800’s, may just be our next wine stop that certainly differs from the usual winery.
To see the full list and know more about the awards, click here.
The Crafers Hotel
Where: 8 Main Street, Crafers
For more info, click here.
