The likes of Kaesler Wines, Hill-Smith Family Estates and Vinarchy won top awards at the South Australian Wine Industry Association’s Excellence Awards on 11 September.
SAWIA Environment Excellence Awards Individual Champion winner Jessica Williams, from Kingston Estate Wines, with SAWIA President Kirsty Balnaves and award sponsor the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, represented by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC. Photo: Supplied
At the annual dinner, which highlighted the industry’s positive impact on the state’s economy and culture, businesses and individuals were recognised for their commitment to sustainability and work health and safety.
SAWIA president Kirsty Balnaves said the dinner was a powerful reminder of the industry’s strength and purpose.
“Our grape and wine industry in South Australia is a world leader, and it’s important to come together to recognise this, especially given the current challenges,” she said.
“Our growers and winemakers continue to set the standard for global excellence in viticulture, winemaking and wine tourism.”
Award winners:
2025 SAWIA Environment Excellence Awards
- Small to Medium Business, sponsored by Export Finance Australia: Kaesler Wines – recognised for regenerative vineyard practices and refrigeration innovations that have halved winery electricity use.
- Large Business, sponsored by Green Industries SA: Hill-Smith Family Estates – honoured for long-term sustainability initiatives, major revegetation projects, and international climate action leadership.
- Individual Champion, sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions: Jessica Williams, Kingston Estate Wines – commended for her leadership in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and community collaborations.
2025 SAWIA Work Health & Safety Excellence Awards
- Large Business, sponsored by the National Wine Education & Training Centre: Vinarchy – awarded for its Handle with Care program, which reframed safety as care and achieved dramatic reductions in workplace injuries.
- Individual Champion, sponsored by the National Wine Education & Training Centre: Chris Albanos, Kingston Estate Wines – recognised for championing workplace safety beyond his formal role, and engaging colleagues with practical solutions.
Vinehealth Australia Biosecurity Champion Award: Craig Markby, Henschke Wines – celebrated for his biosecurity leadership at Henschke’s Lenswood vineyard, implementing rigorous hygiene practices and industry training to protect South Australian vines from pest and disease threats.
Words: David Simmons