Winner of the 2022 Graham Gregory Award

Tom and Georgie Ward at the 2023 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards with the Graham Gregory Award

Tom Ward, Owner/Winemaker/Viticulturist at Swinging Bridge Wines, received a standing ovation when he was awarded the 2022 Graham Gregory Award during the 2023 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards.

The award was presented by Kate Lormier Ward, NSW DPI Deputy Director General, Agriculture, who commented that Tom was the youngest ever recipient of the award.

Kate continued, "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. He 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.”

Our many congratulations go to Tom who is a well-deserved Graham Gregory Award winner. His contribution to the NSW wine industry at regional, state and national levels is so impressive and a sign of his commitment to a sustainable future for the first state of wine. We thank him for his significant long-lasting legacies to the NSW wine industry.

Congratulations to Tom Ward, the 2022 Graham Gregory Award winner.

About the Graham Gregory Award

Nominations for the 2023 Graham Gregory Award will open around August 2024.

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.

This 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.

Award Nominations

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.

Eligibility for the Award

Do you know a member of the NSW wine industry that meets each of the following requirements?

• Nominees must be a resident of NSW
• They must have recognised contributions in terms of the purpose of the award (see criteria above)
• Each nomination must demonstrate specific contributions that have progressed the NSW wine industry
• Nominees must be known for their contributions to the NSW wine industry by industry peers.
• Nominations must address the above criteria and include details of achievements, previous awards and/or industry recognition, and industry participation.

Making a Nomination

Do you know someone worthy of this Award? Nominations are placed through the NSW DPI website - HERE.

Nomination forms must address the above criteria and include details of achievements, previous awards and/or industry recognition, and industry participation.