The Australian Wine Industry Awards are returning in 2025, with this year celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Maurice O’Shea Award.
The 2025 Awards will see its partnership with McWilliam’s Wines and Mount Pleasant Wines continue, with the awards ceremony taking place at Adelaide Town Hall on Sunday, 20 July.
The Maurice O’Shea Award recognises an individual, group, or organisation for their incredible service or contribution to the sector through winemaking, cultivation, innovation and technology.
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Maurice O’Shea Award for its 35th year in 2025. Maurice O’Shea was a man who devoted his efforts to the craft of making exceptional quality Australian wine and this award reflects that sentiment to honour an individual or group making a significant impact on our wonderful industry today,” Chief Winemaker for Mount Pleasant Wines, Adrian Sparks said.
The McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award will return for its second year to acknowledge an individual, group or organisation that has made a significant impact in the face of the numerous challenges currently facing the Australian wine industry.
“The McWilliam’s Excellence in Action Award shines a light on the many challenges currently facing the wine sector and the individuals or bodies who are striving to overcome these obstacles for the greater good of the Australian wine industry,” third-generation Sales and Marketing Director for Calabria Family Wine Group Andrew Calabria said.
“McWilliam’s Wines has had its fair share of challenges in its 148-year history, but the family’s perseverance and commitment to the industry are what, to me, stand out over those many years, and we feel this award is an important way to honour their legacy.”
Mount Pleasant and McWilliam’s have compiled an awards committee of industry leaders, journalists and winemakers, who will confer to select the nominees for each award. Members of the Australian wine industry are welcome to submit a nomination for either award for the committee to consider by submitting a nomination form on the AWIA website.
“The conferral process aims to ensure the two awards remain true to their reputation as the highest honour afforded to a member of the wine industry. We are excited to bring together this selection of respected and experienced wine professionals to nominate the finest candidates for these awards,” Sparks added.