MCLAREN VALE DISTILLERY WINS BEST OF WINE TOURISM AWARD
At McLaren Vale Distillery, collaboration is more than a philosophy; it is the foundation of everything we create. Our story is one of shared passion and purpose.
As the Great Wine Capitals Global Network described:
“McLaren Vale Distillery has a genuine point of difference, honouring Australia’s significant history of fortified wines and adding a rich layer to attract new fans in this category.”
That rich layer comes to life most vividly through Neat Sips, our annual festival dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Australia’s fortified wines.
NEAT SIPS: WHERE HERITAGE MEETS HOSPITALITY
Founded by McLaren Vale Distillery, Neat Sips brings together producers from across Australia in a united mission to showcase the depth, diversity, and beauty of this iconic yet often overlooked category.
Our goal is simple: to create a space where fortifieds are not just remembered but reimagined. Through tastings, masterclasses, and storytelling, Neat Sips invites guests to explore the nuances of muscat, topaque, tawny, and fortified shiraz, whether you are a curious newcomer or a nostalgic long-time fan.
Festival Director Velvet Oakes proudly accepted the Best of Wine Tourism Award for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences, stating:
“We have an incredible, hardworking, and passionate team who always go above and beyond for our visitors, and they play an integral role in the success of our business. We love fortified wines, and it has been a privilege to curate a festival that champions this style with the focus being on collaboration, education, and exploration, and it is an honour to be recognised for that.”
GUIDED BY A LIVING LEGEND
The festival’s Patron, James Godfrey, is one of Australia’s most respected fortified winemakers and a true custodian of this craft. With decades of experience shaping the evolution of fortified wine, his involvement ensures that each Neat Sips event honours authenticity while encouraging innovation.
EDUCATION, EXPLORATION AND ENDURING LEGACY
At its heart, Neat Sips is about connection between producers, consumers, and the land. Through guided tastings and hands-on learning, the festival fosters a deeper appreciation for how fortified wines continue to shape Australia’s identity in both wine and spirits.
Every pour tells a story of vineyards, families, craftsmanship, heritage preserved, and traditions evolving. By celebrating fortifieds as cultural artefacts, not relics, Neat Sips invites a new generation to fall in love with their richness, complexity, and place in our national story.
A SHARED FUTURE IN EVERY GLASS
Whether it is the careful stewardship of our historic wine casks, the creation of pioneering fortified-inspired spirits, or the national gathering of producers through Neat Sips, McLaren Vale Distillery’s mission is clear: to preserve Australia’s liquid history while inspiring what comes next.
Collaboration between people, places, and generations is how legacies live on.