Seven Fleurieu wineries are among 18 from eight different wine regions across South Australia announced as finalists in the South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek are well represented in the six categories awarded, with winners announced during the 2021 CheeseFest on 22-24 October.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says the awards recognise the most outstanding wine tourism experiences in South Australia.

“With border restrictions due to COVID-19, wineries have seen less international and interstate tourists and instead many locals holidaying in their own backyard,” he says.

“The Best of Wine Tourism Awards have had 36 entries this year, demonstrating the high calibre of wine tourism experiences across our regions.

“What we offer in South Australia as far as wine tourism experiences is unique and unlike anything else you will experience around the world.

“We not only produce 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wine, but South Australia offers warm and knowledgeable hospitality and culinary excellence.

“The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism and provide an opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for their commitment to providing leading wine tourism experiences.

“This year there are 18 finalists across eight of our world-class wine regions stretching from the Coonawarra in the south east to Clare Valley in the mid north.”

The finalists in each category are:

·       Accommodation –Beresford Estate (McLaren Vale), Lanzerac Country Estate (Barossa Valley), Simon Tolley Wines (Adelaide Hills).

·       Architecture and Landscape – Balnaves of Coonawarra (Coonawarra), Brand’s Laira (Coonawarra), Lake Breeze Winery (Langhorne Creek)

·       Innovation – Chalk Hill Wines (McLaren Vale), Kimbolton Vineyards (Langhorne Creek), Paulett Wines/Bush DeVine Winery Restaurant (Clare Valley)

·       Sustainability – Banrock Station (Riverland), Gemtree Wines (McLaren Vale)

·       Restaurants – Gather at Coriole (McLaren Vale), Penfolds Magill Estate (Adelaide), Slate Restaurant (Clare Valley), Upstairs at Hollick (Coonawarra)

·       Tourism Services – Elderton Wines (Barossa Valley), Hardys Wines (McLaren Vale), Yalumba (Barossa Valley)

No finalists were selected in the Awards’ seventh category – Art and Culture – with COVID-19 unfortunately curtailing a number of projects in that space across the year.

The local winners will stand alongside nominees from nine other Great Wine Capitals at the international awards at the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting on 28 October.

Adelaide, South Australia, is part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, a group of international cities whose wine regions are recognised as significant economic and cultural assets.

Membership acknowledges excellence in grape and wine production, a commitment to research and development, education and wine tourism services, and the way in which the wine industry is inextricably linked to the city’s character, success and vision.