We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Vale 194 has been awarded 🥈Silver in the Self-Contained Accommodation category at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards, in our very first year entering!
This recognition is something we’re deeply proud of. We’re still pinching ourselves! This recognition celebrates our guests and the strong sense of collaboration that makes McLaren Vale such a special region to be part of.
Celebrating Excellence Across South Australia
Our heartfelt thanks go to Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TICSA) and the volunteer judges who dedicate countless hours to this incredibly rewarding process. Congratulations to Old Coach Road Estate (also from the Fleurieu Peninsula) on their back-to-back Gold win and to Riesling Trail and Clare Valley Cottages on Bronze, what an inspiring group to stand alongside.
A Big Night for McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu
It was also a wonderful night for the McLaren Vale Wine region and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
D’Arenberg
d’Arenberg received another outstanding Gold Medal and a Hall of fame award, their iconic complex continues to showcase the very best of McLaren Vale and South Australia.
Dandelion Vineyards
The gorgeous team at Dandelion Vineyards, who we were lucky enough to share a table with, earned a well-deserved Bronze.
SA E BIKES
SA-eBikes took home Silver, celebrating innovation in Tourism Retail, Hire & Services.
Never Never Distilling Co.
- And Never Never Distilling Co. was recognised with Silver for their exceptional contribution to the region’s tourism offering in the Tourism Distilleries & Breweries category.
Willunga Farmers Market
The Willunga Farmers Market, just down the road from Vale 194, received Bronze for their incredible work championing local growers and producers.
Fleurieu Food and Wine took home Gold in the same category for their immersive culinary experiences that celebrate the flavours, stories, and people of the Fleurieu Peninsula, including cheesemaking workshops and immersive food experiences. Anita Robin (The Foodbuilder) received Silver, recognised for her creative approach to regional food storytelling and collaboration across the region.
It’s inspiring to see so many Fleurieu businesses recognised for their passion, creativity, and the way they share the region’s food and wine story with visitors from near and far.
Other Fleurieu award winners….
Gold
The Big Duck Boat Tours + Hall of Fame
Spirit of the Coorong + Hall of Fame
Silver
2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Bronze
Gratitude for Industry Support
A huge thank-you also goes to the organisations who help grow and support our tourism community, your work makes such a difference in lifting the quality, collaboration, and professionalism that define the spirit of tourism in South Australia.
We’re grateful for the ongoing support of the following organisations.. its amazing the help you find when you start looking.
- TICSA
- McLaren Vale Grape Wine Tourism Association
- McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre
- McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association
- City of Onkaparinga
- Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism
- South Australian Tourism Commission
- Office for Small and Family Business
Thank You to Our Guests
Finally, to every guest who has gathered, celebrated, and discovered McLaren Vale with us, thank you. You are at the heart of what we do, and this recognition belongs as much to you as it does to us.
We’re so proud to represent McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and hospitality that define South Australian tourism.
Receiving Silver at the South Australian Tourism Awards recognises the quality, consistency and care behind the guest experience at Vale 194. It reflects independent judging across areas such as accommodation standards, customer experience and contribution to the local tourism industry.
The South Australian Tourism Awards are judged through a rigorous process and are recognised across the industry. Being acknowledged at a state level provides reassurance to guests that the accommodation meets high standards and is well regarded within the tourism sector.
For guests, the award offers confidence when booking. It reflects the attention given to comfort, location, communication and the overall experience of staying at Vale 194, particularly for group stays, celebrations and longer visits.
Yes. Vale 194 is designed with groups in mind and is regularly chosen for weddings, milestone birthdays and family gatherings. The award reflects how well the accommodation supports shared stays while still offering space and comfort for everyone.
Yes. The award sits alongside consistently strong guest reviews across booking platforms and reflects the ongoing feedback received from guests staying at Vale 194 throughout the year.
If you’d like to learn more about our journey and other recognitions, visit our Awards & Recognition page, a celebration of the people, partnerships, and shared achievements that continue to shape Vale 194’s story.