Graham Gregory Award

The prestigious Graham Gregory Award, is the top citation acknowledging an individual's outstanding contribution to the NSW wine industry.

Winegrowers, winemakers, and others involved in the wine industry such as researchers, educators, leaders and innovators are encouraged to apply.

Please note that the award is retrospective recognising service for the previous year.

Purpose of the award

Recognition by peers of an individual for honourable contributions benefiting the NSW wine industry generally. These contributions will be in one or more of the following fields and/or in any other field which advances the NSW wine industry:

  • Leadership
  • Technology and innovation
  • Research and development
  • Industry regulation
  • Winemaking and viticulture
  • Enhancing regional and/or state profile
  • Education and training
  • Market development
  • Environmental footprint.

The award is named after former NSW Agriculture Deputy Director General Graham Gregory, who was instrumental in the development of the NSW wine industry, and recognises areas such as leadership, research and development, winemaking, education and market development.

2022 winner

NSW Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Agriculture Kate Lorimer-Ward, with Tom Ward, winner of the 2022 Graham Gregory Award.

Wine industry leader Tom Ward has been announced as the 2022 Graham Gregory Award recipient at the annual ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Group Director Plant Systems Dr Alison Bowman said the Graham Gregory Award recognises people who are advancing the wine industry.

“This award celebrates those that contribute to the NSW wine industry’s continuing growth and success,” Dr Bowman said.

“It is named in honour of Graham Gregory, a pioneer of the NSW wine industry and a former NSW DPI Deputy Director General in Agriculture.

“Mr Ward is a respected Orange vigneron that has played an integral role in the NSW wine industry, through his outstanding leadership roles and enhancing the profile of the NSW wine industry at a regional and state level.”

Mr Ward has held various roles that have contributed to advancing the NSW wine industry, including being a current Board Member of Orange 360, the previous President of the Orange Regional Vignerons Association and Cowra Regional Vignerons Association, and Mr Ward was also President of the NSW Wine Industry Association (NSW Wine) between 2013 – 2019.

“While Tom was President of NSW Wine, he initiated the first Memorandum of Understanding between NSW Wine and the NSW Government, resulting strong relationship between the two advising the Skills Development Program and creating positive outcomes for industry,” said Dr Bowman.

Current NSWWIA President Mark Bourne said Mr Ward has a depth of knowledge and an understanding of our industry that is second to none.

“His contributions to the NSW wine industry at regional, state and national is impressive and a sign of his commitment to a sustainable future for the first state of wine,” said Mr Bourne.

“During his tenure as President of NSW Wine, he was also the NSW State representative to the national industry peak body, Australian Grape and Wine, advocating for our NSW industry on the national stage.

Tom is not only an award-winning winemaker in his own right, taking home many accolades for Swinging Bridge Wines in the premium wine region of Orange, but is also a renowned national wine show judge.

Mr Bourne said the Graham Gregory Award recognises individuals in our industry who have made significant contributions beyond their own businesses, and Tom has done this in spades, giving back to our industry through his leadership positions on boards and associations.

“I congratulate Tom as a well-deserved Graham Gregory Award winner and we thank him for his contributions and significant long lasting legacies to the NSW wine  industry,” said Mr Bourne.

Past winners

Year Graham Gregory Trophy winner
2022Tom Ward
2021Bruno Brombal
2020Liz Riley
2019Justin Jarrett
2018John Casella
2017Stuart McGrath-Kerr
2016Dr Richard Sheldrake AM
2015Bruce Tyrrell AM
2014 Bill Calabria OAM
2013 Chris Barnes AM
2012 David Lowe
2011 Brian Freeman
2010 R F Hilder
2009 D J (Doug) McWilliam
2008 E G Walhquist
2007 M Flannigan
2006 G R Scollary
2005 P Ryan
2004 R Turkington
2003 J Brayne
2002 I L Riggs
2001 B J McGuigan
2000 P L Shaw
1999 G R Johnston
1998 R H Roberts
1997 L P Evans
1996 K F Helm AM
1995 D A V (Deen) De Bortoli
1994 D R (Don) McWilliam
1993 M D Tyrrell AM
1992 R I Oatley
1991 G R Gregory