South Australia Wine Tourism Leaders Honored at 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards

South Australia’s leading wine tourism businesses were recognized at the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, held last night during the South Australian Wine Industry Dinner at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide. The annual awards honor innovation and excellence across seven categories, highlighting the range and quality of experiences available in the state’s renowned wine regions.

The winners for 2026 include Mount Lofty House and Estate in the Adelaide Hills for accommodation, Vinteloper in the Adelaide Hills for architecture and landscape, Wonderground Barossa in the Barossa Valley for art and culture, Maxwell Wines in McLaren Vale for culinary experiences, Bottle Shock in Gumeracha for both innovative wine tourism experiences and sustainable wine tourism experiences, and SA eBikes in McLaren Vale for wine tourism services. These businesses were selected from a shortlist of 19 wineries and operators announced earlier this month.

The awards are part of South Australia’s participation in the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWCGN), which connects 11 internationally recognized wine regions including Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Mendoza, and Porto. Winners from South Australia will now compete at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux, France, scheduled for November. This event brings together top wine tourism operators from around the world to showcase their regions on a global stage.

Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, presented the awards alongside Jo Collins, Executive Director of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and chair of the local Great Wine Capitals steering committee. Scriven praised the winners for their contributions to regional communities and their role in supporting jobs and attracting visitors to South Australia. She emphasized that wine tourism is a vital part of the state’s economy.

Zoe Bettison, South Australia’s Minister for Tourism, also attended the event. She noted that being part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network allows South Australia to benchmark itself against other leading wine destinations worldwide. Bettison said this recognition reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a must-visit location for wine and food enthusiasts.

The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is a partnership between the Government of South Australia, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide. Membership provides opportunities to promote South Australian wines internationally and attract both visitors and trade partners.

Maxwell Wines’ win in the culinary experiences category was highlighted by Mark Maxwell and Jeremy Maxwell, who accepted their award at the ceremony. The business is known for its innovative approach to food and wine pairing in McLaren Vale.

The 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards continue to spotlight South Australia’s commitment to quality and innovation in wine tourism. The winners will represent their region on an international platform later this year as they compete with other top destinations from around the globe.