South Australia’s Maxwell Wines has been named a winner in the 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in France for its outstanding food and wine offerings.
Presented at the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Gala Dinner in Bordeaux, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism across the world’s most renowned wine regions.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on a global level for our culinary experiences; it’s a reflection of the passion and dedication that drives our team,” said Jeremy Maxwell, Maxwell Wines general manager.
“This award celebrates our commitment to excellence, and our snack menu has been a key part of that vision. It gives guests another way to experience the estate and connect with what makes McLaren Vale so special.
“To be acknowledged among the best in the world reinforces our belief in the enduring appeal of South Australian wine tourism.”
The judges commended Maxwell Wines for raising the bar for culinary experiences in South Australia, making three-hatted dining accessible in a cellar door setting through a snack menu designed to enhance the wine tasting experience. Bite-sized dishes curated by award-winning restaurant chefs are presented with fine dining precision, enticing visitors to return.
South Australia’s six Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners were recognised on the global stage and will also compete for a People’s Choice Award, open for public voting worldwide in late November.
The awards formed part of the GWC Annual General Meeting and Conference, which began with two announcements. Jo Collins, executive director of industry, strategy and partnerships at the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), was unanimously elected president of the global network for the next two years.
“Together, we represent some of the world’s most inspiring wine destinations, and by sharing what we know, we make each other stronger,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to building on that spirit of collaboration as we take the network into its next chapter.”
South Australian producers including Chalk Hill, Pewsey Vale, Seppeltsfield, Shaw + Smith, Sidewood Estate, and Yangarra Estate Vineyard were also showcased internationally.
As part of the state government’s partnership with Bordeaux’s La Cité du Vin wine museum, which attracts around 400,000 visitors each year, South Australian wineries such as Penfolds, Bremerton, Claymore, Knappstein, and Wirra Wirra are also featured for visitors to sample.
“With eighty per cent of the nation’s premium wine made in South Australia and more than 300 cellar doors across the state, we hold our place as one of 12 Great Wine Capitals globally,” said minister for multicultural affairs of South Australia Zoe Bettison.
“I congratulate Maxwell Wines and all those recognised for showcasing the wine and produce that make South Australia a must-visit destination worldwide.”
Dining and Cooking