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Applications are open for the 2022 SA Best of Wine Tourism Awards

Wine Tourism Awards

The 2022 South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards will celebrate the state’s best wineries, cellar doors and wine tourism-related businesses, with applications now open. 

Despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19 on interstate and international tourism, wineries have embraced South Australians being tourists in their own backyard, minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said. 

“We know it’s been a challenging time for the wine sector and the awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise the strength and resilience of the industry,” Basham said. 

“The almost $2 billion South Australian wine industry is a critical driver for our state economy and with 680 wineries and 340 cellar doors on offer, there are many wonderful immersive wine experiences for people to enjoy across all the state’s wine regions. 

“Our wine tourism industry has shown great ingenuity by embracing innovation to meet the challenges head on and ensure engagement with their audience to continue to drive sales,” he said. 

The South Australian government announced that 2021 would be the Year of South Australian Wine and is supporting the industry in its recovery through a variety of initiatives. 

“This includes the $200,000 Unique Wine Experiences Fund, with 47 exciting projects being developed across the state, ranging from cellar door upgrades and enhancements to a multi-sensorial and interactive tasting in the dark wine experience,” Basham said. 

“These projects are all aimed at improving visitor experiences and creating new must-visit destinations. South Australians have long been rightly proud of our wine industry and are exploring our regions like never before. 

“In celebrating the South Australia’s best wine tourism experiences, the awards winners will be placed into the spotlight both locally and globally, with the winners going on as a finalist in the Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards.” 

There are seven categories for the awards, including: 

  • Accommodation 
  • Architecture and Landscape 
  • Art and Culture 
  • Innovative Wine Tourism Experience 
  • Wine Tourism Restaurant 
  • Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices 
  • Wine Tourism Services 

The local winners will be announced during the 2021 CheeseFest, to be held at Rymill Park on 22-24 October. The international award winners will be announced at the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting on 28 October. 

Adelaide 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. 

The 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. 

Applications close on Friday 10 September 2021. To apply, or for more information, visit adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/awards. 

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