Twenty-two South Australian wineries across six wine regions have today been announced as finalists in the South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards hoping to be crowned at the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards next month.
Local winners will be announced next month and compete against nominees from nine other Great Wine Capitals in November 2019 at the international awards as part of the Great Wine Capitals Network Annual Conference in Bordeaux, France.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone announced the finalists during a visit to 2017 South Australian Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards winner, Kalleske Wines in the Barossa.
"It is fantastic to see a diverse list of wineries, wine tourism experiences and wine regions throughout the state nominated as part of these awards," said Minister Whetstone.
"Twenty two wineries across the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and the Riverland have been recognised for their pursuit of excellence in promoting the South Australian wine experience.
"South Australia has previously been well represented at the International Best of Wine Tourism Awards, with d'Arenberg at McLaren Vale winning the international award last year, while other South Australian winners on the international stage have included Seppeltsfield in 2016 and Penfolds Magill Estate in 2017.
"South Australia is Australia's wine state, producing 50 per cent of the nation's bottled wine and about 80 per cent of premium wine, with our $2.15 billion wine industry inextricably linked to the state's character and a wonderful tourism asset.
"At any one time we have almost one billion bottles of wine on tables and in cellars around the world with the state's name on them."
The finalists are:
- Accommodation - Beresford House (McLaren Vale), Lanzerac Country Estate (Barossa), Woodstock Wines (McLaren Vale).
- Architecture and Landscape - Kimbolton (Langhorne Creek), Chapel Hill (McLaren Vale).
- Art and Culture - Coriole Vineyards (McLaren Vale), Bird in Hand (Adelaide Hills).
- Innovation - d'Arenberg (McLaren Vale), St Hugo (Barossa), Shaw and Smith (Adelaide Hills).
- Sustainability - Kalleske Wines (Barossa), 919 Wines (Riverland), Gemtree Wines (McLaren Vale), Jacob's Creek (Barossa).
- Restaurants - Hentley Farm Restaurant (Barossa), Hollick Estates (Coonawarra), Maxwell Wines (McLaren Vale), Mallee Estate Wines (Riverland).
- Tourism Services - Elderton (Barossa), Penfolds Magill Estate (Adelaide Hills), Pindarie Wines (Barossa), Yalumba Family Winemakers (Barossa).
South Australia is part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network with membership acknowledging excellence in grape and wine production, a commitment to research and development, education and wine tourism services, and the way in which the wine industry is linked to the city's character, success and vision. Members share best practice, innovation in wine production, biosecurity, academic exchange and wine tourism.
The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism and provide an opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their commitment to providing leading wine tourism experiences.
Further information is available at www.adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au
