A Clare Valley restaurant has put South Australia on the international stage, taking out a prestigious global award for its innovative approach to food and wine, native Australian ingredients and commitment to sustainability.
Paulett Wines’ Bush deVine Restaurant has won the Culinary Experiences category at the 2027 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, held in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
The restaurant was recognised by an international jury, competing against leading wine tourism businesses from some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, including Bordeaux in France, Bilbao/Rioja in Spain and Napa Valley in the United States.
The award is particularly significant for the Clare Valley destination, which takes a different approach to traditional food and wine pairing. Rather than selecting wines to complement an existing menu, Bush deVine develops dishes specifically to showcase its wines.
Led by head chef Thomas Erkelenz, the restaurant celebrates native Australian ingredients, with produce sourced from its on-site bush tucker garden and through connections with the local Aboriginal community.
Its seasonal menu embraces a nose-to-tail philosophy, with sustainability, regional produce and a connection to the land central to the dining experience.
Paulett Wines and Bush deVine Managing Director Ali Paulett said the international recognition was a proud moment for the entire team.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Paulett Wines and Bush deVine recognised on the international stage.”
“This award reflects the shared passion of our team and the connection between our land, our wines, our food and the experiences we create for our visitors.
“We hope it helps shine a light on the Clare Valley as a destination worth discovering.”
The global win follows another successful awards announcement for the family-owned winery, which was recognised in both the Culinary Experiences and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices categories at the South Australian Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in September.
The latest accolade was presented during a gala dinner at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings, bringing together representatives from 11 internationally renowned wine regions as part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network’s annual conference.
It comes during an exciting period for South Australia’s food and wine industry, following the launch of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027 last week.
Seven of the 12 MICHELIN Stars awarded to South Australian restaurants went to establishments located at wineries, highlighting the growing international recognition of the state’s regional dining experiences.
Among them was McLaren Vale’s Maxwell Wines, which also won a Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award in 2026.
South Australian wines were showcased throughout the five-day New Zealand conference, with selections from renowned producers including Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, Pikes Wines, Shaw + Smith and Wirra Wirra.
The conference also saw Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago inducted into the inaugural Great Wine Capitals Global Network Honour Roll, alongside former South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell.
This year marks a decade since South Australia joined the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which connects 11 of the world’s leading wine-producing regions.
For Paulett Wines and Bush deVine, the latest recognition places the Clare Valley firmly alongside some of the world’s most celebrated food and wine destinations.
Paulett Wines, Bush deVine Restaurant
Where: 752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River SA 5453
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