Adelaide joins Great Wine Capitals

Adelaide is the latest addition to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWCGN), an international association of member cities championing wine tourism in their regions.

One of South Australia’s best known wine brands: Penfolds’ Koonunga Hill vineyards

South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill made the announcement recently in San Francisco, noting South Australia’s rich winemaking culture as it is home to some of Australia’s most well-known brands, including Penfolds, Hardys, Jacobs Creek and Wolf Blass. It is also the largest wine-producing region in Australia and and produces 50% of Australia’s bottled wine and almost 80% of the country’s premium wine.

Established in 1999, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is an international association of members whose wine regions are recognised as “significant economic and cultural assets.”

Currently there is one city from each of the world’s major wine producing nations, including Bilbao (Rioja), Bordeaux, Mendoza, San Franscisco (Napa Valley), Porto, Valparaiso (Casablanca Valley), Cape Town (Cape Winelands) and Mainz (Rheinhessen).

Weatherill said that Adelaide’s inclusion “will give South Australia greater international exposure and create collaboration opportunities within the wine industry.

“South Australia excels in producing premium wine and providing exceptional wine tourism. These industries are crucial for our economic growth and creating jobs in our regions,” he said.

Penfolds chief winemaker, Peter Gago also gave his support and said: “It’s very exciting and timely to witness Adelaide joining such a well-respected global wine network. I believe our South Australian wine and food industries and culture will benefit greatly from the opportunities this will create – now and into the future.”

There are 18 wine regions in South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast and Riverland which produce full-bodied red wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and top quality white wines including Riesling and Chardonnay.