Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Maxwell Wines Wins Prestigious Global Award, Elevating South Australian Wine Tourism to New Heights
Published on
November 10, 2025
Maxwell Wines, a renowned name in South Australia’s wine and food scene, has earned global recognition at the prestigious 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. Held in Bordeaux, France, the awards celebrate the excellence and innovation in wine tourism from the world’s top wine regions. Maxwell Wines’ culinary and wine experiences stood out, securing a global win and further cementing the estate’s place as a leader in the industry.
Award Recognition: Maxwell Wines Shines on the Global Stage
Presented at the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Gala Dinner, the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards highlight the best wine tourism destinations worldwide. Maxwell Wines’ win was lauded for its outstanding food and wine offerings, which have elevated the South Australian wine tourism scene. The judges commended Maxwell Wines for enhancing the cellar door experience by offering high-quality food options, making fine dining accessible to all visitors. The introduction of a snack menu, curated by award-winning restaurant chefs, is a testament to the winery’s commitment to providing a refined and accessible culinary experience alongside its exceptional wines.
The judges specifically praised the presentation and quality of the snacks, which were compared to dishes one would expect in a fine dining restaurant. This thoughtful addition has attracted repeat visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine paired with local wines in an intimate and welcoming setting.
South Australia’s Wine Tourism Excellence on the World Stage
Maxwell Wines is one of six South Australian wineries to receive recognition at the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, where it joins other award-winning wineries from the region. This recognition underscores the quality and innovation that South Australia’s wine regions continue to deliver. Maxwell’s win will also place it in the running for the People’s Choice Award, which will be open for public voting globally in late November, further raising the profile of South Australian wine tourism.
Celebrating South Australia’s Growing Global Influence
The recognition of Maxwell Wines at the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards highlights the growing influence of South Australia on the international wine tourism scene. The region’s vibrant wine industry continues to attract global attention, with local wineries showcasing their unique offerings to visitors from around the world. South Australia’s participation in the GWC network and the spotlight it received in Bordeaux serve as an important milestone for the state’s tourism industry, drawing attention to the diversity and quality of its wine regions.
Jo Collins, Executive Director of Industry, Strategy, and Partnerships at the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), was recently elected President of the Great Wine Capitals global network. Collins, a long-time advocate for South Australian wine regions, has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the network, which connects the world’s leading wine destinations. Under her leadership, Adelaide’s successful bid to join the Great Wine Capitals network in 2016 marked a significant step forward for South Australia’s wine industry, and Collins’ new role as President strengthens the region’s global wine tourism presence.
Bordeaux and South Australia: A Strong Partnership for Global Wine Recognition
South Australia’s partnership with Bordeaux’s iconic La Cité du Vin, a world-renowned wine museum that attracts around 400,000 visitors annually, continues to provide a platform for South Australian wineries to showcase their offerings on the international stage. As part of this collaboration, wineries such as Penfolds, Bremerton Wines, and Claymore Wines, among others, are featured at the museum, allowing visitors from across the globe to sample and experience the region’s finest wines.
The Growth of South Australia’s Wine Regions
Maxwell Wines’ global recognition is part of a broader narrative of South Australia’s wine regions gaining international acclaim. Wineries such as Chalk Hill, Pewsey Vale, Seppeltsfield, Shaw + Smith, Sidewood Estate, and Yangarra Estate Vineyard were also celebrated at international events, further demonstrating the state’s leadership in the wine tourism sector. As wine tourism grows globally, South Australia continues to offer an unparalleled blend of top-tier wines, world-class food, and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
A Thriving Wine Tourism Destination for the Future
South Australia’s wine tourism offerings are increasingly being seen as world-class, with the state’s exceptional wineries providing top-quality experiences for visitors. From cellar door experiences to fine dining and world-renowned wine tasting tours, South Australia continues to draw visitors eager to explore its vibrant wine regions. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, South Australia remains a must-visit destination for wine lovers, offering a diverse and rich wine tourism experience.
The success of Maxwell Wines at the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards is a testament to the winery’s dedication to excellence and its role in promoting South Australia’s wine tourism. By raising the bar for culinary experiences and creating memorable moments for visitors, Maxwell Wines is contributing to the ongoing success of the region’s tourism sector. This global accolade further strengthens South Australia’s position as a leader in the global wine tourism industry, showcasing the unique blend of world-class wine, food, and cultural experiences that define the region.
Ministerial Support and Recognition for Maxwell Wines
South Australia’s leaders, including Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, have expressed their pride in the state’s recognition on the global stage. Bettison emphasized South Australia’s reputation as the nation’s leader in food and wine, noting that the success of Maxwell Wines underscores the region’s position as one of the world’s top wine tourism destinations. Scriven further highlighted the strength and diversity of the state’s wine regions, commending the efforts of Maxwell Wines and other producers in showcasing South Australia’s world-class wines.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth for South Australia’s Wine Tourism Industry
The recognition of Maxwell Wines at the Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards highlights the continued growth and global influence of South Australia’s wine tourism industry. As the region’s wineries continue to innovate and provide exceptional experiences for visitors, South Australia’s wine tourism sector is well-positioned for continued success on the world stage. Maxwell Wines’ global award further reinforces the region’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and excellence, ensuring that South Australia remains a leading destination for wine lovers around the world.
[Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission]
Dining and Cooking