McLaren Vale businesses have taken out two top awards at the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards.

South Australia’s top wine tourism businesses were celebrated on Thursday 10 September at the SA Wine Industry Dinner at the National Wine Centre.

The awards highlight innovation and excellence across seven categories, showcasing the diversity and quality of experiences on offer in South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions.

The 2026 South Australian award winners are:

• Accommodation – Mount Lofty House and Estate, Adelaide Hills
• Architecture and Landscape – Vinteloper, Adelaide Hills
• Art and Culture – Wonderground Barossa, Barossa
• Culinary Experiences – Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale
• Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences – Bottle Shock, Gumeracha
• Wine Tourism Services – SA eBikes, McLaren Vale
• Sustainable Wine Tourism Experiences – Bottle Shock, Gumeracha

Maxwell Wines was one of the first wineries in the region with a purpose-built restaurant. It features fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally.

SA eBikes offers customisable electric bike hire, tours and experiences in McLaren Vale, providing visitors the freedom to explore vineyards, cellar doors and trails at their own pace. 

The winners were selected from 19 outstanding wineries and wine tourism operators shortlisted earlier this month.

They will now represent South Australia at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux, France, in November, competing alongside some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, including Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says wine is one of South Australia’s most iconic tourism drawcards, attracting visitors from across Australia and the world.

“The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are an important platform to shine a spotlight on our state’s diversity and creativity – from accommodation and dining to sustainability and cultural experiences.

“As part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, South Australia is benchmarked against the very best internationally, reinforcing our position as a must-visit destination for wine and food lovers.”

The awards are presented as part of Adelaide, South Australia’s membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global – a partnership between the Government of South Australia, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.

The network connects 11 internationally renowned wine regions across both hemispheres, including Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Mendoza, and Porto. 

Membership provides South Australia with a global platform to showcase its wine industry and attract international visitors and trade.

The 2026 awards were presented by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, together with Department of Primary Industries and Regions Executive Director Jo Collins, who also serves as chair of the local Great Wine Capitals steering committee and Vice President of the Global Network.