SEVEN SA wineries have been recognised for their innovative approaches in the South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said winners chosen across seven categories were selected from the 22 finalists.
"The Best of Wine Tourism Awards winners reflect the world class experiences that South Australian wine regions provide for visitors," said Minister Whetstone.
"The winners all offered a genuine, authentic wine tourism experience which leaves visitors engaged and excited about SA's wine regions."
The awards are in their fourth year, with Mr Whetstone saying there were many wineries being recognised as providing "outstanding and memorable wine tourism experiences".
"SA excels in producing premium wine and tourism experiences and has some of the oldest vines in the world," he said.
"Wine tourism is a huge drawcard to SA with 37 per cent of international visitors heading to a winery during their stay."
The winners across seven categories are:
- Accommodation - Lanzerac Country Estate (Barossa)
- Architecture and Landscape - Kimbolton Wines (Langhorne Creek)
- Art and Culture - Bird in Hand (Adelaide Hills)
- Innovative Wine Tourism Experience - d'Arenberg (McLaren Vale)
- Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices - Gemtree Wines (McLaren Vale)
- Wine Tourism Restaurants - Maxwell Wines (McLaren Vale)
- Wine Tourism Services - Yalumba Family Winemakers (Barossa)
The Best of Wine Tourism Awards are part of South Australia's membership of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network - which is made up of 10 cities closely connected to wine, including Bordeaux, France, Verona, Italy, and Napa Valley, United States - celebrating innovation and excellence in wine tourism.
The winners will compete in their respective categories against nine other Great Wine Capitals at the international awards as part of the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting in Bordeaux, France in November.