South Australian wine tourism in the spotlight as Clare Valley restaurant wins global prize
23 October, 2026
South Australia’s Paulett Wines has won the top prize for culinary experiences at the prestigious 2027 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in New Zealand.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner held last night at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings, capping off a five-day international conference where the 11 world-renowned wine regions of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network came together to celebrate wine tourism innovation and excellence.
The Clare Valley region was in the spotlight at the event, with Paulett Wines’ Bush deVine Restaurant receiving a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award from an international jury, who highlighted the establishment’s commitment to sustainability, innovative approach to food and wine pairings, and incorporation of native Australian ingredients in its dishes.
Bush deVine Restaurant distinguishes its offerings by developing food offerings that complement its wines, instead of matching wines to an existing menu.
Guided by Aboriginal care for place and community, Paulett Wines’ Bush deVine Restaurant head chef, Thomas Erkelenz, uses native ingredients grown on-site in a bush tucker garden and through connections with the local Aboriginal community.
With a seasonal menu and nose-to-tail philosophy that reflects a thoughtful approach to food and place, accessibility and sustainability are also embedded throughout the cellar door and visitor experience with the aim of fostering a warm and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through its doors.
Paulett Wines was benchmarked against leading wine tourism businesses from the premium wine regions in the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, including those from Bilbao/Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France) and San Francisco/Napa Valley (USA).
This global recognition comes as South Australia continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class food and wine destination, highlighting the important role wineries and wine tourism businesses play in delivering outstanding visitor experiences.
This reputation received another boost last week with the launch of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027, which has positioned South Australian restaurants at the pinnacle of Australian fine-dining with the nation’s first-ever selections in the world-renowned guide.
Of the 12 MICHELIN Stars awarded to South Australian restaurants, seven went to restaurants that are part of a winery, including McLaren Vale winery and 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award winner Maxwell Wines.
As part of the five-day Great Wine Capitals Global Network showcase in New Zealand, South Australian wine producers were celebrated at an international wine tasting showcase event held at the iconic Black Barn Growers' Market in Havelock North in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. SA wines on the tasting menu included:
| SA Wine Producer | Name of Wine | Wine Region |
|---|---|---|
| Alkina Wine Estates | 2025 Estate Grenache | Barossa Valley |
| Deviation Road | 2019 Beltana | Adelaide Hills |
| Penfolds Wines | 2010 Bin 389 | South Australia |
| Pikes Wines | 2026 'Traditionale' Riesling | Clare Valley |
| Seppeltsfield | Para Grand Tawny | South Australia |
| Shaw + Smith Wine | 2025 M3 Chardonnay | Adelaide Hills |
| The Pawn Wine Co. | 2022 Sangiovese | Adelaide Hills |
| Wirra Wirra Vineyards | 2023 RSW Shiraz | McLaren Vale |
| Wynns Coonawarra Estate | 2024 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon | Coonawarra |
The inaugural Honour Roll of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network was also announced during the conference, with Chief Winemaker at Penfolds, Peter Gago, and the Minister for Tourism who presided over Adelaide’s elevation to the network, Leon Bignell, among those inducted.
Honour Roll inductees were selected for nomination by the independent Adelaide, South Australia steering committee of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network brings together 11 world-class wine-producing regions that share a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine and tourism industries. Adelaide’s membership is supported through a partnership between the South Australian Government, the South Australian Wine Industry Association and Adelaide University.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of South Australia joining the prestigious Network, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a world-class wine and tourism destination.