Top drops with top tourism experiences

6 September, 2023
Luxury accommodation in the vineyards, a comedy festival touring world-class wine regions, an exclusive sabrage masterclass, and award-winning cellar door design– these are just some of the shortlisted entrants in the 2024 Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

This year's program, made possible through Adelaide South Australia's standing as a Great Wine Capital of the World, saw 29 applications received from seven wine regions across South Australia.

Held annually, the Best of Wine Tourism Awards recognise the role wine tourism has in strengthening the state's economy through innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.

SA winners go on to compete in the Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards, up against front-runners from other Great Wine Capitals such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

Last year's global awards held in Argentina saw a South Australian wine tourism experience, "Grapes for Good and Zoos SA" started by Langhorne Creek based Kimbolton Wines, take out one of the top titles.

The shortlisted entrants for 2024 announced today will go to the judging panel, which consists of Helen Edwards AM, Chair of the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy steering committee, and wine writers Nick Ryan and Tony Love.

The winner of each category will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October and will then go to an international jury for the 2024 Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards to be presented in Lausanne, Switzerland in late October.

The 2024 shortlists:

Winery accommodation

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat – McLaren Vale
Beresford Estate – McLaren Vale
Alkina Wine Estate – Barossa

Architecture and landscape

Shaw + Smith – Adelaide Hills
Château Tanunda – Barossa
Yangarra Estate Vineyard – McLaren Vale

Art and culture

1837 Barossa – Barossa
Grapes of Mirth – multi-region

Innovative wine tourism experiences

Sidewood Estate – Adelaide Hills
Kimbolton Wines – Langhorne Creek
Golding Wines – Adelaide Hills
Gemtree Wines – McLaren Vale
Penfolds Magill Estate – Adelaide

Wine tourism restaurant

The Currant Shed – McLaren Vale
Coriole Vineyards – McLaren Vale
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard – Adelaide Hills

Wine tourism services

Simon Tolley Wines – Adelaide Hills
Elderton Wines – Barossa
Pindarie Wines – Barossa

All of the shortlisted entrants will be considered for the Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices award.

The awards program is coordinated by the Great Wine Capital steering committee which includes representatives from 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.