The Barossa Valley is serving up a delicious double act.

The Barossa Valley in South Australia has long been celebrated as one of the country’s finest wine regions, but its culinary credentials are proving just as impressive.

The much-loved destination has claimed two coveted titles in Australian Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards, taking out both Best Wine Region and Best Foodie Experience for 2026.

A double dose of success

There must be something in the South Australian water. For the second year in a row, the state’s Barossa Valley has held onto its crown as Australia’s favourite wine region, while adding another accolade to its growing repertoire.

With its Mediterranean-like climate, diverse terroir and award-winning cellar doors, it’s easy to see why Aussies voted it their favourite wine region in 2025. And this year, it seems nothing has changed.

But there has been a shake-up elsewhere. The region’s culinary scene is also clearly turning heads, having knocked Melbourne off the top spot to claim the title of Best Foodie Experience.

Last year, Aussies praised the Victorian capital for its dining excellence. From bustling cafes churning out top-quality coffee to an unrivalled list of world-class restaurants, Melbourne knows how to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Fast-forward to 2026 and the culinary crown has now travelled west, finding a new home among the Barossa’s rolling vineyards. It’s no doubt a fitting double triumph for a destination where exceptional food and fine wine have always gone hand in hand.

A region worth savouring

In the Barossa Valley, wine isn’t simply something to enjoy – it is deeply woven into the region’s history and identity. This legacy has been shaped by generations of passionate local vintners and growers, who have perfected the art of producing top pours.

Taking full advantage of the area’s fertile soil, winemakers began establishing themselves in the Barossa as early as the 1840s. Today, it is home to some of the oldest continuously producing vines on Earth – with varietals like shiraz and grenache taking centre stage.

It’s particularly renowned for its bold reds, which have earned international recognition and a string of prestigious accolades along the way, including the world’s best shiraz at the 2025 Sommelier Choice Awards. And now, it is Australia’s favourite wine region for the second consecutive year – as voted by you.

With so many incredible cellar doors to explore, the hardest part is deciding where to start. Our advice? Leave the planning to the experts and join a guided wine tour, where the best of the Barossa comes to you.

Beyond the vineyards, the region is also establishing itself as an epicurean playground. Its historic wineries now sit alongside paddock-to-plate restaurants, gourmet providores and buzzy farmers markets.

After all, everyone knows a good glass deserves an equally impressive plate. Drawing on those same fertile farmlands, as well as a rich agricultural heritage and abundance of seasonal produce, local chefs have cultivated a dining scene that celebrates the best of both worlds.

Keen to get a taste? We thought so. For food as impressive as the wine, try the Discovery Tasting Menu at historic Hentley Farm, relaxed garden-to-table experience at St Hugo or seasonal cuisine at Appellation. And that’s just the entrée.

A toast to the runners-up

Of course, the Barossa wasn’t the only destination to impress Aussie travellers this year. Here’s how your other favourites fared in our food and wine categories for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Best Wine Region runners-up:

• Hunter Valley, NSW
• Margaret River, WA
• Yarra Valley, Vic
• Adelaide Hills, SA

Best Foodie Experience runners-up:

• Melbourne dining, Vic
• Hobart dining, Tas
• Hunter Valley wineries, NSW
• Adelaide Central Market food tour, SA