There are some familiar names in the list of South Australian finalists for the 2021 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards, with almost half of the 19 finalists hailing from McLaren Vale.

The McLaren Vale finalists in each category include:

• Accommodation – Beresford House 
• Architecture and Landscape – Dowie Doole 
• Art and Culture – d'Arenberg
• Innovation –  Alpha Box & Dice
• Sustainability – Battle of Bosworth
• Restaurants –  Coriole 
• Tourism Services –  Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Chalk Hill Wines

Each category winner now goes before an international judging panel as part of the Great Wine Capitals Network Annual Conference, held virtually in the coming weeks, where an international award winner will be crowned.

Alpha Box and Dice Brand Manager Lachlan Aird is excited to be named finalist in the Innovation category.

"Through our new Cellar Door program, we hope to offer a unique experience that is immersive, educational and thoughtful, providing greater context into our Alphabet of Wine, winemaking philosophy and why we do what we do and how we do it," says Mr Aird.

"It’s humbling to be nominated alongside other amazing wineries within the region and the state. We’re in incredibly good company."

The Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout the nine greatest wine regions in the world.

The 'Best Of' program provides an opportunity for wineries and other visitor-serving businesses in each region to gain exposure and recognition for their commitment to presenting leading wine tourism options while giving visitors a one-stop list of the best places to experience.

McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association General Manager Jennifer Lynch is thrilled so many of the region's stand out producers have been recognised.

"The impressive number of McLaren Vale finalists is a great demonstration of our region's collective commitment to best practice business operations and immersive tourism offerings," says Ms Lynch.

"We wish all finalists good luck - particularly our eight deserving McLaren Vale finalists - and are looking forward to the announcement of the International award winners in the coming weeks."

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Member for Finniss, David Basham, congratulated all of the finalists and praised the resilience shown by SA wine companies.

"It has been a challenging year across the sector but the resilience shown by these wineries will set them up for continued growth as the world emerges from COVID-19 market shutdowns," says Mr Basham.

"Almost half the finalists hail from the McLaren Vale where there has been a concerted effort to build on quality wine with fine dining, accommodation and a new wine culture.

"Wine is central to South Australia's story, part of our culture and a source of immense local pride.

"We are indisputably Australia's wine state, producing 50 per cent of the nation's bottled wine and about 80 per cent of premium wine, with our $2.3 billion wine industry a wonderful tourism asset.

"At any one time we have almost one billion bottles of wine on tables and in cellars around the world with the state's name on them."

The awards judging panel comprises Helen Edwards, Chairperson, Adelaide Hills Tourism; Nick Ryan, Wine Judge and Journalist; and Tony Love, wine writer and journalist.

Further information is available at www.adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au