South Australian wines will be at the front of the grid - and in front of tens of thousands of event goers - at this weekend's VALO Adelaide 500.
Over the four days of the history-making event, premium wines from across the state's iconic wine regions will be exclusively available in all bars and hospitality areas - including a dedicated wine bar in the new Trackside precinct which celebrates Adelaide | South Australia's standing as a Great Wine Capital of the World, as well as in all corporate suites.
Wines featured as part of a bespoke list span iconic wine regions and world-class wine tourism operators including The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills and Pikes Wines in the Clare Valley, as well as Great Wine Capitals Global Best of Wine Tourism Award winners like Seppeltsfield in Barossa Valley, Gemtree Wines in McLaren Vale, and Bremerton in Langhorne Creek.
Further boosting South Australia's world-renowned wine credentials, 30-second ads promoting the state's membership as part of the Great Wine Capital global network will be played on the big screens on-circuit - the 500TV - throughout each day.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is made up of the world's best wine producing and wine tourism regions. Adelaide, South Australia joined in 2016, recognising the state as one of the top wine producers in the world, alongside the likes of Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
The local membership of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network includes the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission, South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), University of Adelaide, and University of South Australia.
Trackside, where the dedicated Adelaide | South Australia, A Great Wine Capital of the World wine bar is located, is accessible by all ticket holders to the VALO Adelaide 500 and is situated on the outside of Turn 13. It provides plenty of shaded seating for racegoers.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said wine is a major tourism drawcard to the state, it puts South Australia on the map to potential visitors across the nation and the world.
"Research among domestic travellers shows our state is the clear leader for renowned wines and wineries, and we know that pre pandemic, more than one third of all international visitors undertook an activity which involved visiting a winery," Minister Bettison said.
"By spruiking South Australia's standing as a Great Wine Capital of the World and promoting wines from cellar doors across the regions, we're giving more reasons for the nearly 250,000 eventgoers to experience even more of our state."
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said across South Australia, there are more than 3,250 vineyard owners, 700 wineries and over 340 cellar doors, all part of an innovative and celebrated industry which generated $2.8 billion in revenue for the state in 2020-21.
"By featuring local wines at this major event and promoting Adelaide South Australia's status as a Great Wine Capital of the World, we're showcasing the strength of our local wine industry and its exceptional winemakers," Minister Scriven said.
CEO The Lane Vineyard, Jared Stringer said he is incredibly proud of the wines produced in South Australia, and it's important to show them off to the country and indeed the world at every opportunity.
"Having a dedicated South Australian wine bar at the VALO Adelaide 500 is a great way to do just that, and we couldn't be prouder to showcase The Lane's Adelaide Hills Lois Blanc de Blanc during the event," Mr Stringer said.
Chief Winemaker Seppeltsfield, Fiona Donald said Seppeltsfield is one of South Australia's most iconic wineries established in 1851 and located in the heart of the Barossa Valley.
"The Barossa Valley is Australia's most famous wine region - located just under one hour's drive from Adelaide," Ms Donald said.
"Seppeltsfield is proud to partner with VALO Adelaide 500 and showcase our award-winning Barossa wines trackside, including our contemporary expressions such as Grenache and Grenache Rose."
"A truly fantastic opportunity to celebrate the return of this major event, together with the South Australian wine industry, that is so valuable to the state."
