Top SA wine tourism experiences picked for global competition
Amid industry gloom, seven of the state’s best wine accommodation, experiences and tourism services have been named.
Seven of South Australia’s top wine tourism experiences and accommodation offerings have won a prestigious award that puts them in the running to take out a global accolade.
The winners include a top Clare Valley restaurant, a unique artistic experience in McLaren Vale and a city-based wine education experience.
The 2026 SA Best Of Wine Tourism Awards were unveiled last week at the SA Wine Industry Dinner, showcasing the best experiences on offer in the state’s wine regions.
Winners were selected from 11 wineries and wine tourism operators shortlisted earlier this month, and they will now battle for SA at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, next month.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the awards were “about recognising the people, businesses, and unique regional experiences that put our state on the map and strengthen our regions”.
“SA produces more than 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine, including wine from some of the oldest vines in the world,” Scriven said.
“Our wine tourism businesses and producers play an important role in sharing that story, driving up visitation to our regions and showcasing our state’s world-class food and wine offerings.”
2027 SA Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners:
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It comes as the state government moves to address myriad pressures on the struggling wine sector through a $109 million support programme focusing primarily on vine pulling.
Announced on Friday, the initiative was designed to support the $2.4 billion sector that is struggling with a wine glut and a shift from red wine demand.
A $100 million loan scheme is the main component of the funding, which will give businesses money to tear up vines and transition land to new uses.
“The industry is facing significant challenges and we are acting to safeguard its future and support wine grape growers and producers,” SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“This comprehensive support package, developed with industry, will help position our wine sector for long-term competitiveness.”
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