South Australian wineries: Creating unforgettable experiences

South Australia’s wine regions are not only home to some of the world’s finest wines – they are internationally recognised for delivering immersive, world-class wine tourism experiences. As a proud member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, Adelaide and South Australia benchmark their offerings against the best in the world. Through the Best of Wine Tourism Awards, local wineries are celebrated for their innovation, sustainability, and ability to create deep, memorable connections between visitors and place.

These experiences are not only enriching for local consumers – they are a powerful drawcard for interstate and international visitors, offering a curated showcase of South Australia’s premium food, wine, and hospitality. For many, a visit to these wineries is their first taste of the region’s culture, landscape, and craftsmanship.

Dandelion Vineyards: Architecture that tells a story

Global Winner – Architecture and Landscape

In McLaren Vale, Dandelion Vineyards has reimagined the cellar door experience through its award-winning Wonder Room. Designed to reflect the surrounding vineyard, the space blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, inviting guests to feel part of the landscape. Rustic textures meet modern design, creating a space that is both grounded and inspiring. The Wonder Room is more than a tasting room—it’s a place of learning, reflection, and connection to the terroir that shapes every bottle. This architectural vision earned Dandelion Vineyards global recognition for its ability to elevate the wine experience through design.

Sidewood Estate: A culinary destination rooted in sustainability

Regional Winner – Culinary Experiences and Sustainable Wine Tourism

In the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate has become a beacon for culinary excellence and sustainable wine tourism. With three kitchens led by Executive Chef Jamie Carter, Sidewood offers a dynamic menu that evolves with the seasons and showcases local produce. Guests enjoy wine and food pairings that reflect the region’s character, all while supporting environmentally responsible practices. As the largest fully Entwine-accredited sustainable winery in the region, Sidewood’s commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and community collaboration is as rich as its wines.

For visitors from outside the region, Sidewood offers a complete immersion into South Australia’s food and wine culture—an experience that is both refined and rooted in place.

Beresford Estate: Luxury among the vines

Regional Winner – Accommodation

Also in McLaren Vale, Beresford Estate offers a complete wine country escape. Its 15 architecturally designed suites and villas, built with sustainable materials, provide guests with a luxurious base to explore the estate’s award-winning Grenache, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. From vineyard picnics to wine pairing dinners, Beresford curates experiences that immerse visitors in the rhythms of the land.

For interstate and international travellers, Beresford delivers a premium, all-in-one destination – where wine, food, and luxury accommodation converge in a uniquely South Australian setting.

Adding value and diversifying the experience

By integrating food, architecture, sustainability, and hospitality, SA wineries building value, creating richer, more resilient business models. Visitors are no longer just wine tasters – they are explorers, learners, and participants in a living, breathing cultural landscape.

These experiences also serve as ambassadors for South Australian produce, helping to build global awareness and demand for the region’s wines, foods, and tourism offerings.