In a region blessed with an abundance of inspirational epicurean ambassadors, South Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to naming food and wine champions. The following, in no particular order, represent the top selection of visionaries, ranging from chefs to winemakers:

• Jock Zonfrillo: owner/chef, Orana
• Maggie Beer: celebrity cook, author and businesswoman
• Peter Gago: head winemaker, Penfolds
• Stephen & Prue Henschke: winemakers, Henschke
• Lachlan Colwill: executive chef, Hentley Farm
• Justin Lane: winemaker, Alpha Box & Dice
• Sharon Romeo: co-founder, Fino
• Tim Bourke: executive chef, Southern Ocean Lodge
• Simon Bryant: chef, author, TV presenter and co-director Tasting Australia
• Ryan Edwards: executive chef, Appellation

Jock Zonfrillo: owner/chef, Orana – Born in Scotland to an Italian/Scottish family, Jock is obsessive about ingredients, food foraging and culture. He has worked with Marco Pierre White in London but discovered his spiritual home upon moving to Australia where he has made his mark creating an authentic Australian gastronomic identity. He now owns and runs the lauded Oranarestaurant in Adelaide.

Maggie Beer: celebrity cook, author and businesswoman – Maggie is a self-taught cook based in the Barossa. She is credited with championing Barossa produce at a time when there was little awareness of the region's distinctive food culture. Maggie has published several books, appeared as a judge on Australian MasterChef and sells a range of gourmet products nationally and internationally, as well as locally at her Maggie Beer's Farm Shop.

Peter Gago: head winemaker, Penfolds – Peter is the current custodian of Penfolds Grange, one of the best known Australian wines. Hailing from Newcastle, England, Peter emigrated to Australia with his family at the age of six. He started at Penfolds Wines in 1989, becoming chief winemaker at the age of 45 in 2002. In 2014 he was named Winemaker of the Year at Gourmet Traveller's annual WINE awards.

Stephen & Prue Henschke: winemakers, Henschke – Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue are at the helm of the fifth-generation Henschke family wine business, internationally recognised as exemplars of the Barossa's multi-generational winemaking legacy. The award-winning team relies on their complementary roles, Stephen as winemaker and Prue as viticulturist. Sixth generation, Johann, Justine and Andreas, are also actively involved, helping explore new developments like organic and biodynamic principles to enrich the land.

Lachlan Colwill: executive chef, Hentley Farm – A Barossa boy by birth, Lachlan has trained at top restaurants around the world and in Adelaide. In 2009 he won Australia's La Chaine des Rotisseurs Chef Competition, going on to represent Australia in the international competition in New York, where he was placed third in the world. He describes the kitchen at Hentley Farm as a “continuous think tank of ideas in food”, where farming and on-site foraging create a dining experience unique to the region.

Justin Lane: winemaker, Alpha Box & Dice – Self-educated in wine, Justin's concept is to bring together various growers and vineyards across different regions of South Australia under one brand, operated from a small shed in the McLaren Vale.

Sharon Romeo: co-founder, Fino – Sharon is one half of the successful team behind Fino, the South Australian restaurant with more accolades than any other, known for its earthy provincial food made with market-fresh produce from local farmers. Sharon and chef David Swain have now opened Fino at Seppeltsfield, located on the eponymous Barossa wine estate.

Tim Bourke: executive chef, Southern Ocean Lodge – Working closely with the owner of Southern Ocean Lodge, James Baillie, Tim developed the award-winning property's unique culinary philosophy, designed to offer guests a sense of place in their dining experience. This 'locavore' approach to wining and dining means that all food and beverage ingredients are fresh and in peak season, and sourced from local suppliers.

Simon Bryant: chef, author, TV presenter and co-director of Tasting Australia – A renowned chef and TV personality (he appeared alongside Maggie Beer on The Cook and the Chef), Simon is passionate about South Australian ingredients and ethical food choices. In April 2014 he signed up as co-creative director of Tasting Australia, one of Australia's longest running food events.

Ryan Edwards: executive chef, Appellation – Ryan's genuine connection to the land and love of food traditions has lead him to follow a philosophy of low food miles and sustainability. After working in Queensland he returned to the Barossa in 2004, joining the team at acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, Appellation at The Louise in 2008.