South Australia is officially home to one of the world's best wine tourism accommodation offerings, receiving global recognition overnight at the 2024 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Switzerland.
Based in the state's world-class Barossa Valley wine region, Alkina Wine Estate took home a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award for Wine Tourism Accommodation - which recognises the 'best of the best' wineries across the 12 Great Wine Capitals around the world including Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
The Award was presented by the Australian Ambassador to Switzerland Elizabeth Day at the Great Wine Capitals Global Network Annual General Meeting in Lausanne overnight, with South Australia's Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison accepting the honour on behalf of the Barossa based winery.
Alkina Wine Estate was recognised for its luxury accommodation which comprises a meticulously restored cottage and homestead.
The farm at Alkina was established in 2015 by Argentinian vintner Alejandro Bulgheroni and together with local winegrower Amelia Nolan, they restored the Greenock property's 1850s buildings and planted new vines to create Alkina Wine Estate.
In 2020, they opened the accommodation and tasting room to the public. The unique stay champions the history of the homestead and land, and offers guests bespoke wine and food experiences that showcase the quality produce of the region.
Alkina Wine Estate is dedicated to using sustainable practices across the winery and accommodation offerings, with a focus on organic and biodynamic farming practices.
The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism and increase exposure and recognition for wine tourism businesses across the 12 Great Wine Capitals.
South Australia is a member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which acknowledges excellence in grape and wine production and highlights the world's finest wine tourism regions. It formally recognises South Australia as one of the top wine producers and wine destinations in the world and benchmarks against prestigious regions such as Bordeaux and the Napa Valley.
The Awards are coordinated by the Great Wine Capitals steering committee, which includes the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), University of Adelaide, and University of South Australia.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said locals have always known South Australia is home to the best wine tourism experiences in the world - and this award is further proof of just that.
"Congratulations to the team at Alkina Wine Estate for taking home the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award for Wine Tourism Accommodation, this win highlights the passion and dedication in our state's tourism industry and the strength of our wine regions," Minister Bettison said.
"With more than one third of all international tourists visiting a winery during their trip prior to the pandemic, we know how important it is to have recognition like this on the global stage.
"Europe is a significant source of our international visitor economy in South Australia worth $182 million pre COVID, and I'm thrilled to have been in Switzerland to accept this award on behalf of our state as we continue to showcase South Australia as a must-visit tourism destination."
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said it is wonderful to see this success for Alkina Wine Estate as a global Best of Wine Tourism award winner, recognising their wonderful work in creating a fantastic South Australian wine tourism experience combining heritage, nature and of course wines and vineyards in the iconic Barossa Valley.
"Alkina Wine Estate, along with our other South Australian nominees, illustrate just why our wine tourism offerings are among the best in the world. Wine is an integral part of South Australian life and with more than 200 cellar doors within an hour's drive of Adelaide encompassing all manner of varietals and experiences, there are plenty of high-quality choices on offer," Minister Scriven said.
"I congratulate the Alkina team with this award and also pass on my congratulations to all our nominees for providing a wonderful showcase of our world class wine tourism industry to the global stage."
Alkina Wine Estate Managing Director, Amelia Nolan said it is incredibly exciting to receive this global recognition.
"Our accommodation offering, situated in the heart of our beautiful organic vineyard, provides guests with a truly immersive and authentic Barossa and Alkina experience," Ms Nolan said.
