Torbreck Vintners chief winemaker and general manager Ian Hongell with Member for Schubert Stephan Knoll at the scenic Torbreck cellar door. PHOTO: supplied.
FIVE Barossa wineries have been named as finalists in the 2021 South Australian Best of Wine Tourism Awards.
Torbreck Vintners, Yalumba Family Winemakers, Elderton Wines, Kalleske Wines and Tscharke Wines are in the running to be crowned at the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Best of Wine Tourism Awards, to be announced in coming weeks.
Member for Schubert Stephan Knoll said it was wonderful to see the Barossa well-represented once again.
“Each year the Barossa punches above its weight when these awards come around,” Mr Knoll said.
“Just being named a finalist is a fantastic accolade, and these awards are an incredible opportunity to be able to sell our global competitiveness on the world stage.”
Torbreck Vintners chief winemaker and general manager Ian Hongell said he was thrilled and delighted the winery had been named a finalist in the Architecture and Landscape category.
“We hope to be able to share our experiences and gardens with even more visitors in the future,” Mr Hongell said.
Category winners will go before an international jury for the top international awards, as part of the GWC Network Annual Conference, to be held virtually.
The judging panel will comprise Adelaide Hills Tourism chair Helen Edwards, wine judge and journalist Nick Ryan, and wine writer and journalist Tony Love.
Minister for primary industries and regional development David Basham praised the resilience shown by SA wine companies.
“It is fantastic to see a strong list of wineries, wine tourism experiences and wine regions throughout the state nominated as part of these awards,” he said.
“It has been a challenging year across the sector but the resilience shown by these wineries will set them up for continued growth as the world emerges from COVID-19 market shutdowns.
“Barossa winemakers are building on the region’s international reputation through sustainable practices and settings in keeping with the local environment.”
Categories featuring local wineries as finalists include: architecture and landscape (Yalumba Family Winemakers and Torbreck Vintners; innovation (Elderton Wines); and sustainability (Kalleske Wines, Tscharke Wines).
Adelaide’s membership to the great Wine Capitals Global network is a partnership between the State Government, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
