Entries are now open for 2026 Great Wine Capitals’ Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, providing an opportunity for South Australia’s incredible wine tourism operators and wine producers to put themselves forward to be recognised on the global stage.

The Best of Wine Tourism (BOWT) Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the greatest wine regions in the world.

The opportunity is made possible through South Australia’s membership of the Great Wine Capital Global Network alongside other Great Wine Capitals around the world including Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

All 12 members run parallel awards, with local category winners going on to compete in the Global BOWT Awards, which are judged by an international jury and will be announced in Bordeaux, France in November.

Last year McLaren Vale winery Dandelion Vineyards took home the global BOWT Award for Architecture and Landscape at the international awards held in Verona, Italy.

Categories for the 2026 Awards are:

• Accommodation
• Architecture and landscape
• Art and culture
• Culinary experiences
• Innovative wine tourism experiences
• Wine tourism services
• Sustainable wine tourism practices

With a continuing emphasis on sustainability, each of the shortlisted award entries for the first six award categories will be considered for the sustainable wine tourism practices award.

Entries close on 30 June. For more information and to enter the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards go to the website. 

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says South Australia is known for its premium wine and wine experiences.

“Our state is one of the 12 Great Wine Capitals of the World and is the only one in Australia.

“The Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the greatest wine regions in the world and are a wonderful opportunity for our local wine tourism businesses to showcase their products and promote our state as a must-visit destination, not just for a top drop, but for unforgettable experiences.

“I encourage all South Australian wine tourism operators to apply.”