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This South Australian winery made a historic debut on the AGFG hatted list for 2026

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
A South Australian winery has made a historic debut on the Australian Good Food Guide annual Chef Hat Awards list.

The highly anticipated Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) list of restaurants earning Chef Hat Awards has been released for 2026, and some exciting newcomers have entered the list. Most notably, a boutique Adelaide Hills winery and restaurant has made dining history with the first-ever 17-point debut in South Australia: awarded to Anvers Wines with a debut menu by Executive Chef Connor Bishop.

“Executive Chef Connor Bishop is on our list of rising stars of Australian dining," said Joseph Steele,  National Operations Manager at AGFG. “We will be keeping a keen eye on him and what he does over the next year. His Long Story menu is absolutely stunning."

Beetroot, garden verde and chevre at Anvers Wines
Anvers Wines made a historic debut for SA venues.

It was that menu – judged by the Australian Good Food Guide and assessed on a highly confidential criteria that we do know involves ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value, consistency and overall dining experience – that earned Anver its hats, and placed it in the top 0.25 per cent of venues nationally. It was crafted by Bishop as a holistic sensory experience, built around the best seasonal, local produce. Think menu highlights like rich dairy from Fleurieu Milk Company, Ox Tongue from Willunga, Spring Ridge venison, and select ingredients sourced from the surrounding region.

“Since coming on board to lead the kitchen at Anvers, I’ve been constantly inspired by the team and the quality of ingredients we have at our fingertips here in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula," shared Bishop. “This award is a recognition of craft, discipline and a steady pursuit of ‘better’, reflecting the work carried out over time by the team who execute it, and the guests who return for it. It’s a proud moment for everyone, as well as the incredible South Australian producers we are so lucky to work with."

About Anvers Wines

Anvers Wines in south australia
Take in the surrounding views from the converted cellar door.

Since 1998, Anvers Wines has been creating cool climate wines and telling the story of their unique patch of land on the cusp of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills winegrowing regions. Visitors can soak in the old dairy turned cellar door, dating back to 1949, with rolling vineyard views able to be enjoyed through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

In those vineyards, a unique terroir consisting of limestone, buckshot ironstone, shoal and quartz with medium clay soils creates tasty results. The estate aims for a minimal intervention approach to winemaking and has been a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia since 2023.

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Port Lincoln Hapuka with Blue Lip Mussels and Salmon Roe at anvers wines
Discover what to try after Anvers Wines.

While many venues earned themselves more hats than ever, it’s the newcomers to the list who are causing a stir. Only one point behind Anvers Wines, Tasmania’s Oirthir entered the list in 2026 at 16 with an experience Steel says is “one of the most unique dining experiences that we’ve come across in terms of ingredient use, provenance and overall creativity. Definitely another one to watch". Its menu pays tribute to the Scottish heritage of co-owners and chefs, husband-and-wife team Bob Piechniczek and Jillian McInnes. The couple’s experience in the French culinary tradition also shines through.

In Brisbane, the modern take on traditional Korean cuisine at Suum debuted with 15 points. Garaku at Prefecture in Sydney earned 14 points for its Kaiseki style dining (a traditional Japanese, multi-course meal). Malin in Melbourne, Barragunda Dining on the Mornington Peninsula and de’sendent in the Margaret River, all also debuted with 14 points.

The Details

Location: Anvers Wines, 633 Razorback Rd, Kangarilla
Opening hours: The restaurant is open for lunch from midday to 3pm, Thursday to Sunday. The cellardoor is open daily from 11am to 4pm.
Website: Anvers Wines
Full list: Find the full list of AGFG Chef Hat Award winners on the website .

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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8 iconic ways to experience the Murray

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

    Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

    1. On the river

    fishermen on Lake Mulwala
    Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

    For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

    2. First Nations culture

    Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river
    Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

    To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

    3. Delicious eats

    the Mildura Boat House
    Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

    For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

    Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

    In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse . Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

    4. Hiking and biking trails

    two people on bikes at Lake Boga
    Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

    The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

    For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

    5. Best views along The Murray

    swan at wonga wetlands in the murray
    Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

    Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

    Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

    6. Art and culture

    People viewing art at Murray Art Museum.
    Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

    The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

    One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

    There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

    7. Murray Region Events

    band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival
    Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

    Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

    The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

    If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival . And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

    8. Best stays along The Murray

    the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation
    Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

    Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

    Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge .

    Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods , which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

    For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

    Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au