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McLaren Vale Recognised for Excellence in Wine Tourism
McLaren Vale businesses have shone brightly in the 2025 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards and in the 2025 South Australian Wine Industry Awards, with their excellence recognised across various categories.
Presented at the South Australian Wine Industry Dinner at Adelaide's National Wine Centre on Thursday 20th September, the Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism, while continuing to maintain a strong focus on sustainable practices in all aspects of the wine industry, including grape growing, production and packaging.
McLaren Vale businesses were recipients of three out of the seven Best of Wine Tourism Awards, recognising our region's commitment to innovation and excellence in wine tourism and showcasing why McLaren Vale remains a premier destination for wine lovers across the globe.
McLaren Vale winners of the 2025 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards were:
Accommodation - Beresford Estate
The award for Best Accommodation went to Beresford Estate for creating a luxe offering in a beautiful setting, that provides an exceptional stay and complete experience for guests.
This category celebrates extraordinary accommodation offerings nestled within the picturesque wineries and vineyards across South Australia’s 18 wine regions. The category is open to hotels, motels, cabins, villas, eco-huts, lodges and bed and breakfasts that enhance regional wine tourism, allowing guests to stay and play longer in the region.
Architecture and Landscape - Dandelion Vineyards
The award for Best Architecture and Landscape went to Dandelion Vineyards for delivering a “wow” factor with its Wonder Room, thoughtfully designed to capture the stunning views of McLaren Vale.
This category recognises venues with notable and distinctive landscapes, cellar doors, and winery buildings. Whether historic or contemporary, these structures showcase outstanding architectural design elements that leave visitors in awe, celebrating the perfect blend of wine, architecture, and natural beauty!
Innovative Wine Tourism Experience - McLaren Vale Distillery
The award for Best Innovative Wine Tourism Experience went to McLaren Vale Distillery for its genuine point of difference, honouring Australia’s significant history of fortified wines and adding a rich layer to attract new fans in this category.
The distillery was praised for its unique approach to honouring Australia’s history of fortified wines, creating a distinct experience that resonates with both seasoned wine lovers and newcomers. This innovative angle adds a rich layer to the region's wine tourism offerings, attracting new fans and enhancing McLaren Vale's reputation as a dynamic wine destination.
This category celebrates wineries that use innovation to create exceptional, educational, and leisure experiences for their guests. Recognising those crafting extraordinary moments that leave a lasting impression on wine enthusiasts.
Adelaide, South Australia has been a member of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network since 2016. Winners of these South Australian awards will now compete for a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award, which will be presented at the Great Wine Capitals Gala Dinner and Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards Ceremony in Verona, Italy, on Thursday 24 October.
See full awards results at greatwinecaptials.com
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WINE INDUSTRY AWARDS
The night also hosted the South Australian Wine Industry Awards with McLaren Vale viticulture business GT Viticulture crowned the winners in the Environmental Awards categories.
“By sharing success stories in environmental, and work, health and safety management, our wine community can collectively innovate and improve performance,” said Inca Lee, Chief Executive of SAWIA.
“The South Australian wine industry is setting a benchmark, and these awards continue to inspire our SAWIA members.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!