Western Australia is about to take centre stage on the global wine and tourism map. The Margaret River region has been selected to host the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 – an Australian first that promises to shine an unprecedented international spotlight on our state.
This isn’t just another awards night; it’s a celebration of vineyards that excel in combining exceptional wine, food, and visitor experiences. Secured by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, this event is a major strategic move to further cement WA’s reputation as a premium destination for wine, culinary excellence, and nature-based tourism. It will be the first time vineyards are recognised under the esteemed ’50 Best’ global brand, generating an enormous international media platform for the South West.
“Welcoming The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in Margaret River is a proud moment for Western Australia and reflects our growing global profile as a leader in premium tourism and hospitality offerings,” stated Tourism Minister Reece Whitby. “The Margaret River region’s international reputation for outstanding wine, food and natural beauty makes it the ideal setting for this prestigious global event.”
A Week of World-Class Engagement
The awards ceremony will kick off a significant week for the region, immediately preceding the return of the Pair’d Margaret River festival, running from 20-23 November 2025. Now in its second year, Pair’d is a dynamic four-day event showcasing the South West’s world-class wine, food, and music, featuring exclusive experiences and collaborations with top chefs, winemakers, and sommeliers.
The inaugural Pair’d in 2024 was a resounding success, drawing over 1,000 out-of-State and out-of-region visitors to 30 curated experiences, injecting over $2 million into the South West economy. The combined impact of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards and Pair’d is set to offer an unparalleled opportunity to promote Margaret River and wider WA to a global audience, attracting industry leaders, media, and wine enthusiasts from around the world.
Minister Whitby added, “Hosting these awards is a strong vote of confidence in our tourism industry and highlights the beauty of our regional destinations – we look forward to welcoming global media, wine experts and representatives from vineyards around the world to experience it firsthand and inject millions in visitor spend into the economy.”
Opportunities for ALL Agritourism Operators
While the focus is on vineyards, the broader implications for Western Australian agritourism operators, regardless of their specific offering, are significant. This event is a classic ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ scenario.
- Elevated Regional Profile: The intense international media scrutiny and attention on Margaret River will create a halo effect for the entire South West region. This heightened visibility will draw a more discerning, often higher-spending, visitor segment. While they may come for the wine, they will be looking for a complete premium experience, which includes food, nature, and unique local offerings.
- Benchmark for Excellence: The criteria for ‘The World’s 50 Best Vineyards’ — “exceptional wine, food and visitor experiences” — set a powerful benchmark for all agritourism businesses. This isn’t just about wine; it’s about the holistic visitor journey. It encourages every farm-gate, cafe, and accommodation provider to assess their own food quality, service standards, and overall guest engagement.
- Increased Foot Traffic and Spend: Expect a surge of visitors in the region during November 2025. These will be individuals who are specifically interested in premium produce, authentic experiences, and are willing to invest in quality. This translates directly to increased opportunities for sales, tours, and accommodation bookings for local businesses, even if you’re not a vineyard.
- Collaboration Potential: The Pair’d festival already champions collaboration. This increased international focus opens new doors for agritourism operators to partner with vineyards, restaurants, and other local businesses to create unique, bundled experiences. Imagine a truffle farm offering a special tasting for visiting sommeliers, or a berry farm providing unique ingredients for a winemaker’s dinner.
- Learning and Inspiration: This is a chance to observe and learn from the world’s best. What makes an experience truly ‘exceptional’? How are leading venues integrating food, wine, and hospitality? Operators can draw inspiration from the best practices showcased during these events to refine their own offerings.
Practical Steps for Agritourism Operators
To capitalise on this unprecedented exposure, consider these practical steps:
- Review Your Visitor Experience: Look critically at every touchpoint, from booking to departure. Is your experience seamless, engaging, and memorable? Are you truly delivering ‘exceptional’ food and visitor interactions?
- Highlight Your Unique Selling Points: What makes your agritourism offering distinct and premium? Is it a particular regenerative farming practice? A rare breed of animal? A unique heritage building? Ensure these elements are clearly communicated in your marketing.
- Enhance Your Food & Beverage Offerings: Given the emphasis on ‘foodie’ culture in the broader tourism landscape, ensure your food offerings are fresh, high-quality, and reflective of your farm’s produce. Consider new menu items or limited-time offerings that align with adventurous or premium palates.
- Prepare for International Visitors: Ensure your staff are knowledgeable and welcoming to a diverse, global audience. Consider multi-lingual information or clear, visual signage where appropriate.
- Explore Local Partnerships: Reach out to local vineyards, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Can you create joint packages or recommend each other’s services? Collaborative efforts amplify the regional offering.
- Be Social Media Ready: Ensure your farm has visually appealing, ‘Instagrammable’ moments. High-quality photos and videos of your offerings are essential for attracting and influencing visitors.
This event is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a strategic opportunity for all of Western Australia’s agritourism to elevate its game and capture significant attention from a global audience. The Western Australia Agritourism Association (WAAA) is committed to supporting our members in leveraging this moment.
For more information on The World’s 50 Best Vineyards, visit www.worldsbestvineyards.com.
