A historic Barossa horse stable, exceptional local produce and perfectly paired wines have helped a South Australian dining destination take out one of the country’s most prestigious hospitality awards.
Hentley Farm Restaurant in Seppeltsfield has officially been named Australia’s best Restaurant in a Winery at the 2026 National Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
The prestigious national win adds to an extraordinary year for the acclaimed dining destination, which was also named South Australia’s Restaurant of the Year and Best Restaurant in a Winery at the state awards in August.
“Winning Australia’s best winery restaurant is right up there with the biggest awards we have ever won,” said Hentley Farm owner Keith Hentschke.
“Winning awards in South Australia is great but nationally is next level and particularly because winery restaurants in Australia are of such high quality.”
But beyond the accolades, Keith said there is something far more meaningful that motivates the team.
“What primarily drives our team is to know our customers have an amazing time dining in our restaurant, providing an experience they will cherish forever.”
Nestled among the vineyards of Seppeltsfield, Hentley Farm offers something far beyond a traditional winery lunch.
The experience begins before guests even reach their tables, with the historic pre-1900 buildings and beautifully repurposed former horse stable setting the scene for an afternoon of food, wine and storytelling.
Guests can begin with a tasting of the estate’s wines before settling in for a carefully curated multi-course dining experience, where beautifully presented dishes arrive alongside thoughtfully paired wines.
The restaurant takes a personal approach to hospitality, with chefs introducing their creations and front-of-house staff sharing the stories behind each wine. Keith described the atmosphere as a balance between five-star luxury and the warmth of visiting a close friend.
“Don’t expect smoke and mirrors, the priority is on amazing food and matched Hentley Farm top shelf wine with great flavours, sourced as locally as possible and served with relaxed passion.”
At the heart of the experience is the collaboration between Executive Chef Kyle Johns and Chief Winemaker Andrew Quin. Kyle’s contemporary, seasonal cooking is designed to complement Hentley Farm’s diverse wine collection, from textured, aromatic whites to rich, elegant reds.
The winery and restaurant teams regularly taste dishes and wines together, refining each combination to create a seamless dining experience.
“We are huge believers in the best wine experience is with food and the best food experience is with wine.”
“The magic then comes with the winery and restaurant teams tasting together to get the perfect matches.”
The result is a dining experience where the food and wine are equally important, with flavours designed to enhance one another rather than compete.
The national award also follows another milestone for Hentley Farm, which was awarded a MICHELIN Star in South Australia’s inaugural MICHELIN Guide selection in October.
As Keith explained, the natioinal award provides reassurance that the team’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences is paying off.
For South Australians looking to experience one of the country’s most celebrated winery restaurants, that means world-class dining is waiting right here in the Barossa.
Hentley Farm
Where: Gerald Roberts Rd, Jenke Rd, Seppeltsfield SA 5355
To see learn more, click here.
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