The Watervale Hotel has done it again! For the second year in a row, LuxLife, the UK’s premier tourism and travel publication, has crowned this Clare Valley gem the ‘Best Culinary Experience in the World’ at its 2024 Travel and Tourism Awards.
Not stopping there, the Watervale Hotel also scooped up the title of ‘Best Farm to Table Restaurant’, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the culinary world.
This remarkable achievement stems from the hotel’s unique offering: an immersive Penobscot Farm Tour paired with a six-course degustation dining experience. Guests have the luxury of tasting exquisite dishes matched with the finest Clare Valley wines or Penobscot mocktails, all while seated at the prestigious Chef’s Table.
“We are in a wonderful state of shock,” The hotel shared on their social media.
“The judges applaud our low waste philosophies and commitment to delivering nutrition and flavour to the plate direct from our, and other farms.
“Since last year’s success we have been receiving bookings from all over the world. We are giving tourists reasons to come to the Clare Valley and South Australia. Many of these guests are integrating a Clare Valley epicurean experience into a tour of the Flinders Ranges and Outback.”
It’s an education in regenerative farming, a cooking masterclass, and a wine tasting session, all wrapped up in one extraordinary package. The judges couldn’t help but commend the hotel’s efforts in providing an unparalleled blend of education and entertainment.
The 2024 accolade not only recognises the hotel’s innovative low-waste philosophies but also its dedication to serving dishes bursting with nutrition and flavour, sourced directly from their farm and other local producers.
Such commendation has earned the Watervale Hotel a full-page feature in LuxLife’s Travel and Tourism Awards edition, which reaches approximately 1 million subscribers worldwide.
Following their 2023 win, the Watervale Hotel has seen a surge in international bookings, turning the Clare Valley into a global epicurean destination. This award has significantly contributed to tourism in South Australia, with many visitors integrating their stay with tours of the Flinders Ranges and the Outback.
Speaking to Glam Adelaide about their win last year, owner Warrick Duthy said the attention had been surreal but we proud of helping to highlight their region.
“We have an ego-less kitchen. The style of food is authentic and genuine and it is driven by passion. Obviously there’s many technique, and a lot of skill that is used, but at the end of the day the job is to enrich and enhance what’s already there,” he said.
Here, guests can embark on their farm tours right from their doorstep and enjoy convenient transportation to and from the hotel, ensuring a seamless and luxurious stay in the heart of South Australia.
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