Applications are now open for the 2023 South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards, giving South Australia’s best wineries, cellar doors and wine tourism-related businesses a time to shine.
Part of Adelaide’s membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, the awards celebrate innovation, sustainability and excellence in wine tourism in each of the 11 great wine capitals.
There are seven award categories – Accommodation; Architecture; Art and Culture; Innovative Wine Tourism Services; Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices; Wine Tourism Restaurant; and Wine Tourism Services.
Last year, Penfolds Magill Estate took out the local award as South Australia’s Best Wine Tourism Restaurant, and then went on to the international jury who awarded them with the 2022 Global Best of Wine Tourism award in the Wine Tourism Restaurant category.
Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago says “Penfolds has a long and proud heritage in South Australia, and it was so pleasing for our spiritual home of Magill Estate to be recognised as last year’s Global Winner in the Great Wine Capitals Wine Tourism Restaurant category.
“There’s something special about spending quality time at the birthplace of our flagship Grange, in the midst of vineyards from the original vine cuttings planted by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfolds back in 1844.
“As the Ambassador for the Great Wine Capitals network here in South Australia, it’s wonderful to witness regional tourism growing in popularity, and to engage with local and international wine lovers experiencing the best of South Australian wine and hospitality.”
This year, the awards will have a stronger focus on sustainability across all categories, with new application criteria highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in wine production and tourism.
Applications open Friday 15 July to wine tourism businesses from across South Australia’s 18 wine regions as well as businesses that support wine tourism from Adelaide and its suburbs. Applications close on Monday 22 August at 12pm.
The South Australian winners will be announced at CheeseFest Gather and Graze on Friday 14 October 2022. The international award winners will be announced at the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting and Conference in Mendoza, Argentina on Thursday 3 November 2022.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says “South Australia is without a doubt Australia’s wine state, producing more than 80% of Australia’s premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world. In 2020-21, our wine industry generated $2.8 billion in revenue for the state.
“South Australia has more than 3,250 vineyard owners, 700 wineries, and more than 340 cellar doors. Among them are innovative, exciting tourism experiences with the best food and wine direct from the source.
“We have much to be proud of, and these awards celebrate the best of the best in our own back yard. The awards will shine a light locally and internationally on our best wine tourism experiences, with the South Australian winners going on to compete in the Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards.”
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says “Consumer research shows our state has long held the lead as the nation’s best for incredible wineries and wine regions, and we are recognised globally as a Great Wine Capital of the World alongside the likes of Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
“Prior to the pandemic, 36 per cent of all international visitors to South Australia undertook an activity that involved visiting a winery, making South Australia’s wine industry a major tourism drawcard.
“With borders open to the world, and more than 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of Adelaide, now is the time to capitalise on the strength of wine tourism in our state.
“The 2023 South Australia Best of Wine Tourism Awards give visitors more reasons to explore and experience SA’s wine regions.”
For more information and to apply visit adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/awards
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