O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard wins a Queensland Tourism Award

O’REILLY’S Canungra Valley Vineyards has won this year’s Queensland Tourism Award for the state’s best tourism winery.

The Queensland Tourism Awards were judged by a panel of industry experts who assessed written submissions and traveled throughout Queensland to experience the amenities and services of the nominated businesses.

Vineyard general manager Tamil Mani accepted the award in front of about 900 guests on behalf of his passionate team at the ceremony this month at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

“The vineyard has now placed both bronze and silver in the previous two years, and this gold win is a true testament to the team’s efforts, particularly in customer experience delivery which we’ve worked on over the past twelve months,” he said.

Mr Mani said the award would help attract more visitors to enjoy the venue’s picturesque creek side and to sample their Queensland grown and produced wines.

O’Reilly’s retreat manager Shane O’Reilly said it was a tremendous recognition of a very tight knit team.

“I think the news is great for the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast regions,” he said.

Mr O’Reilly said Queensland wines differed from products made in other states.

“In Queensland, we use a lot of alternate ingredients and make a variety of wines and that’s what makes us different,” he said.

“We will continue to explore this and we will keep building for the times ahead.”

Tourism minister Kate Jones said the Queensland Tourism Awards recognised excellence in the tourism industry.

“The Queensland tourism industry is growing from strength to strength thanks to the hard work of our tourism operators who deliver fantastic products and experiences,” she said.

“Congratulations to all Gold Coast region nominees and winners for your dedication and showcasing the best of Queensland to visitors.”

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the annual awards provided the perfect platform to recognise the industry’s leading operators.

“Our tourism industry is critical to the state’s ongoing growth and prosperity, and the Queensland Tourism Awards winners are the best of the best,” he said.

“We are proud of our 11 year association as presenting partner of the Queensland Tourism Awards, which highlight the contribution Queensland businesses and individuals have made to domestic and international visitors.”

Queensland’s Gold Business Award winners, including Canungra Valley Vineyards, will gain entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Perth on February 23 next year.