The likes of Grapes of Mirth, Sidewood Estate and Gemtree Wines were toasted last night at the National Wine Centre for their contribution to South Australia’s vibrant wine tourism sector at the 2024 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards.

They’ll go on to compete on the global stage in Switzerland later this month as part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network against wine businesses from Spain, France, South Africa and more.

Last year, Langhorne Creek entry Grapes for Good – started by Kimbolton Wines – won a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award. The Grapes for Good partnership between six Langhorne Creek wine producers and Zoos SA aimed to drive visitation across the region and support the conservation efforts underway at Monarto Safari Park.

Last night, seven winners took home awards at the SA leg of the initiative including:

• Alkina Wine Estate, Barossa – Accommodation award: for creating extraordinary accommodation that feels like a home, has an outstanding connection to place and treads lightly on the landscape.
• Yangarra Estate Vineyard, McLaren Vale – Architecture and Landscape award: the cellar door’s strong architectural statement features a striking sweeping roof – a visual treat with an interior that reflects the soil and environment.
• Grapes of Mirth, multi-regional – Art and Culture award: comedy events including DJs and dance parties, podcasts, wine masterclasses and cooking demonstrations that bring a new demographic to wineries and their respective regions.
• Sidewood Estate, Adelaide Hills – Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award: On the outskirts of Hahndorf providing a unique offering, from no and lo alcohol wines to an array of leisure activities plus educational experiences such as its Introduction to Wine Tasting that helps people interpret wine terminology to enhance the overall experience.
• Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Adelaide Hills – Wine Tourism Restaurant award: with new menus, carefully curated each month in an outstanding, second-to-none setting that connects to the landscape and surrounding vineyards.
• Pindarie Wines, Barossa Valley – Wine Tourism Services award: Previously 1850s stables and 1890s grain store, the cellar door and restaurant provide the complete wine, food and tourism experience on the western gateway to the Barossa Valley.
• Gemtree Wines, McLaren Vale – Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: organic and biodynamic certified and the benchmark in South Australia for sustainable wine practices. Sustainability best practice is absolutely fundamental to Gemtree’s overall story and purpose.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said wine tourism played an important role in driving visitors to regional SA.

“This is another terrific demonstration of the strength of South Australia’s wine tourism industry, as we celebrate an array of world-class operators across the regions,” Bettison said.

“We know our wine is a key tourism drawcard for South Australia, with one fifth of all interstate tourists visiting a winery during their trip in 2022 and more than one third of all international tourists prior to the pandemic.

“With innovative festivals in world-renowned wine regions, leading sustainability practices at well-established wineries, luxury accommodation in the vines, and top-notch restaurants serving local produce, it’s no wonder our wine tourism operators help put our state on the map.”

The wine tourism awards precede the Royal Adelaide Wine Show tomorrow, where the nation’s best wines will be judged. The winners will be announced in InDaily.