The search is on for the state's best wineries, cellar doors and wine-related tourism businesses.
Applications have opened for the 2023 SA Best of Wine Tourism Awards, which form part of Adelaide's membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
Advertisement
There are seven award categories- Accommodation; Architecture; Art and Culture; Innovative Wine Tourism Services; Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices; Wine Tourism Restaurant; and Wine Tourism Services.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said consumer research showed the state had long held the lead as the nation's best for incredible wineries and wine regions, and was recognised globally as a Great Wine Capital of the World alongside the likes of Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
"Prior to the pandemic, 36 per cent of all international visitors to SA undertook an activity that involved visiting a winery, making South Australia's wine industry a major tourism drawcard," she said.
"With borders open to the world, and more than 200 cellar doors within an hour's drive of Adelaide, now is the time to capitalise on the strength of wine tourism in our state.
"The 2023 South Australia Best of Wine Tourism Awards give visitors more reasons to explore and experience SA's wine regions."
Last year, Penfolds Magill Estate took out the local award as South Australia's Best Wine Tourism Restaurant, and then went on to the international jury who awarded them with the 2022 Global Best of Wine Tourism award in the Wine Tourism Restaurant category.
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago said Penfolds had a long and proud heritage in South Australia, and it was so pleasing for its "spiritual home" of Magill Estate to be recognised last year.
"As the Ambassador for the Great Wine Capitals network here in South Australia, it's wonderful to witness regional tourism growing in popularity, and to engage with local and international wine lovers experiencing the best of South Australian wine and hospitality," he said.
This year, the awards will have a stronger focus on sustainability across all categories, with new application criteria highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in wine production and tourism.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said SA wines were produced from some of the oldest vines in the world, and generated about $2.8 billion in revenue for the state.
"SA has more than 3250 vineyard owners, 700 wineries and more than 340 cellar doors," she said.
"Among them are innovative, exciting tourism experiences with the best food and wine direct from the source.
"We have much to be proud of, and these awards celebrate the best of the best in our own back yard.
"The awards will shine a light locally and internationally on our best wine tourism experiences, with the South Australian winners going on to compete in the Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards."
RELATED READING:
Applications close on Monday, August 22 at 12pm.
Advertisement
The South Australian winners will be announced at CheeseFest Gather and Graze on October 14.
The international award winners will be announced at the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting and Conference in Mendoza, Argentina, in November.
