Vine and dandy: 6 local wine experiences you’ll love
The state’s best wine tourism experiences have been revealed. Pour yourself a glass and start planning your next weekend excursion.
All photos supplied by the wineries
Keen for a memorable wine experience that will impress?
Then, start with the recently announced winners of South Australia’s 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards.
These six local experiences will next compete for a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award in Verona in October, with the high-profile awards celebrating excellence, innovation and sustainability in wine tourism.
We will be up against the eleven other members of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, whose ranks include Bordeaux, San Francisco/Napa Valley, Cape Town and Bilbao/Rioja.
Try these six now before our winners are the names on everyone’s lips.
Accommodation award – Beresford Estate
The judges called it a ‘luxe offering in a beautiful setting’ and noted that it provided an ‘exceptional stay and complete experience for guests’.
This family-owned winery in McLaren Vale spans 70 acres, with its accommodation offering designed to blend with the picturesque vineyards.
Guests staying in one of the private villas or luxurious, newly-built suites can enjoy a complete immersion into the Australian wine country experience.
Wine tastings and events, like pairing dinners and vineyard picnics, help to deliver an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts, while Beresford Estate’s award-winning wines, including grenache, shiraz and chardonnay, are always on show.
Architecture and Landscape award – Dandelion Vineyards
The judges said Dandelion Wines’ Wonder Room delivered the ‘wow factor’ with its thoughtful design capturing the ‘stunning’ views of McLaren Vale.
Dandelion Vineyards, established by Elena and Zar Brooks in 2017, beautifully blends architecture, landscape and viticulture to create a unique experience for visitors.
The interior of the Wonder Room mimics the vineyard’s beauty, creating an inviting space that connects guests to the surrounding landscape. Its thoughtful design combines rustic charm and modern comfort, offering a relaxing retreat from which to soak in the picturesque views.
The winery represents decades of winemaking expertise, with a focus on quality and a deep respect for the unique terroir. Each bottle is a reflection of passion and commitment, inviting wine lovers to experience the essence of the vineyard in every sip.
Culinary Experiences award + Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices award – Sidewood Estate
The dual award winner impressed the judges, who said it ‘sets the culinary standard’ with its gastronomy experiences, while its commitment to sustainable practices, inclusive experiences and community collaboration ‘reflects a love of the craft and the region’.
Sidewood Estate, founded in 2004 by Owen and Cassandra Inglis, is dedicated to creating beautifully balanced, cool climate wines that reflect the essence of the Adelaide Hills.
Guests can immerse themselves in the Sidewood experience, where exceptional wines are paired with an evolving menu crafted from local ingredients. With three distinct kitchens overseen by executive chef Jamie Carter, each dining experience celebrates the region’s rich culinary and viticultural heritage.
Sustainability is also a core value at Sidewood and it is the largest fully Entwine Accredited sustainable winery in the Adelaide Hills, with practices focused on preserving the environment and enhancing soil quality.
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences award – McLaren Vale Distillery
The judges said McLaren Vale Distillery’s ‘genuine point of difference’ honoured Australia’s rich history of fortified wines and added ‘a rich layer’ to attract new fans in the category.
McLaren Vale Distillery has crafted a unique identity, standing at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Nestled within a 184-acre vineyard, the distillery blends the art of whisky production with the rich heritage of fortified wines such as muscat, fortified shiraz and port.
Guests are invited to witness the meticulous processes of fermentation, distillation and aging, all set against the picturesque vineyard backdrop.
By leveraging fortified wines as cultural artifacts, McLaren Vale Distillery embraces both tradition and modern mixology, creating memorable moments that celebrate the past while looking to the future.
Wine Tourism Services (joint winner) – Kimbolton Wines
Kimbolton Wines impressed the judges by going ‘above and beyond to deliver diverse, inclusive and accessible experiences’. They noted it has become a ‘much-loved destination in its own right’ in Langhorne Creek.
When Kimbolton Wines’ cellar door opened in 2018, operators Nicole and Brad focused on innovative ways to attract visitors to the lesser-known Langhorne Creek region.
Recognising gaps in the market, they worked to create family-friendly experiences and enhance regional vibrancy while raising awareness of Langhorne Creek as a high-quality wine destination.
Their fun wine tourism experiences include outdoor games, Wine and Cheese Flights and family picnic tastings. The winery also hosts vibrant events such as Beats and Eats, featuring food, wine and music, and partners for local events and initiatives like the Grapes for Good regional wine trail.
Wine Tourism Services (joint winner) – Watervale Hotel
The judges said Watervale Hotel’s ‘commitment to Clare Valley shines through’ in their engaging visitor displays and championing of local producers.
Committed to making Clare Valley a premier wine tourism destination, the Watervale Hotel prioritises organic and biodynamic wines and offers unique wine pairings for its six-course degustation menu, including wines from local producers without cellar doors.
Guests can enjoy daily wine masterclasses and various events throughout the year, and there are also tailored experiences for public, trade and journalist events to increase exposure for wineries lacking restaurant facilities.
Watervale Hotel aims to be a hub for the local community and a destination for visitors, creating a delightful atmosphere where guests can fully immerse themselves in the sensory experience of food, wine and hospitality.
The awards are an initiative of Great Wine Capitals. The Adelaide, South Australia chapter is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australian Tourism Commission, South Australian Wine Industry Association and The University of Adelaide.
