Photo: Mount Lofty House and Estate
South Australia’s world-class wine tourism industry is once again in the spotlight, with the shortlist revealed for the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. The announcement highlights the state’s most innovative and exceptional wineries and wine tourism businesses, just days before winners are crowned at the SA Wine Industry Dinner on Thursday, 11 September at the National Wine Centre.
Now in its 20th year, the awards celebrate excellence across seven categories including accommodation, culinary experiences, sustainability, architecture, art and culture, wine tourism services, and innovative experiences. This year’s list of 19 finalists shines a light on the diversity of South Australia’s wine regions, spanning iconic estates, boutique newcomers, and bold collaborations.
Among those recognised are Adelaide Hills Wine Region’s Winter Reds Festival, Alkina Wine Estate’s “Lost in the F.o.G – Festival of Grenache,” and the unique Ascend Experience, which combines Oliver’s Taranga, Golding, Kimbolton and South Australian Helicopters for a sky-high wine adventure. Names like Penfolds Magill Estate, Seppeltsfield Wines, The Lane Vineyard, Torbreck, Vinteloper and Wonderground Barossa join smaller innovators including Bottle Shock, Rieslingfreak and SA ebikes, all proving that South Australia continues to lead the way in wine tourism.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said wine remains one of the state’s most powerful drawcards. “The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on the diversity and quality of experiences on offer – from unique accommodation and dining to sustainability and culture. Being part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network ensures South Australia is benchmarked against the best wine regions internationally, reinforcing our place as a must-visit destination.”
Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven praised the impact of wine tourism on communities across the state. “South Australia is home to some of the world’s best wine regions, and wine tourism plays a vital role in supporting our regional communities, creating jobs and attracting visitors. These awards highlight the innovation and excellence of our wine tourism operators, who continue to deliver memorable experiences that showcase the very best of our state.”
Winners from South Australia will go on to represent Adelaide as part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux, France this November, where they’ll be benchmarked against celebrated regions such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
The 2026 shortlisted businesses are:
- Adelaide Hills Wine Region (Winter Reds Festival)
- Alkina Wine Estate (Lost in the F.o.G – Festival of Grenache)
- Ascend Experience (Oliver’s Taranga + Golding + Kimbolton + South
Australian Helicopters) - Bottle Shock
- Le Mas Barossa
- Maxwell Wines
- Mount Lofty House and Estate
- Penfolds Magill Estate
- Petaluma
- Pindarie
- Rieslingfreak
- SA ebikes
- Seppeltsfield Wines
- Sidewood Estate
- Teakle Wines
- The Lane Vineyard
- Torbreck
- Vinteloper
- Wonderground Barossa
Award categories:
- Accommodation
- Architecture and Landscape
- Art and Culture
- Culinary Experiences
- Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
- Wine Tourism ServicesSustainable Wine Tourism Practices
For more information and the full shortlist, visit adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/awards.
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