Hill-Smith Family Estates has been honoured for its long-term sustainability initiatives, major revegetation projects and international climate action leadership.
The family company won an Environment Excellence Award (Large Business category) at the 2025 South Australian Wine Industry Association Dinner at the National Wine Centre last night.
The latest environmental accolade for Hill-Smith Family Estates comes just a week after it was name Coles Liquor’s Sustainability Partner of the Year.
With the theme ‘Connect, Honour, Inspire’, the dinner highlighted the wine industry’s positive impact on South Australia’s economy and culture.
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.”
SAWIA Environment Excellence Awards
Small to Medium Business
Kaesler Wines
Recognised for regenerative vineyard practices and refrigeration innovations that have halved winery electricity use.
Large Business
Hill-Smith Family Estates
Honoured for long-term sustainability initiatives, major revegetation projects and international climate action leadership.
Individual Champion
Jessica Williams, Kingston Estate Wines
Commended for her leadership in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and community collaborations.
SAWIA Work Health & Safety Excellence Awards
Large Business
Vinarchy
Awarded for its Handle with Care program, which reframed safety as care and achieved dramatic reductions in workplace injuries.
Individual Champion
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
This award celebrates individuals and businesses who demonstrate outstanding commitment, leadership and innovation in biosecurity.
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.
The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards
Accommodation
Mount Lofty House and Estate, Adelaide Hills
Architecture and Landscape
Vinteloper, Adelaide Hills
Art and Culture
Wonderground Barossa, Barossa
Culinary Experiences
Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
Bottle Shock, Adelaide Hills
Wine Tourism Services
SA eBikes, McLaren Vale
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
Bottle Shock, Adelaide Hills
Photo: Louise Rose (middle) of Hill-Smith Family Estates with SAWIA president Kirsty Balnaves and Josh Wheeler from Green Industries SA. Photo credit: Ben Macmahon.
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